Are you feeling the effects of your holiday spending? Bills are due, money is low and you’ve no idea where to start.

By dedicating yourself to using credit responsibly and sticking to a sensible plan, you can effectively pay down your debt.

Here is advice to help you get back on top of your financial situation:

Don’t go deeper in debt by continuing to use credit cards. Put your credit cards away and pay with cash or a debit card.

Set up a budget. Total up holiday charges and regular monthly expenses. Develop a plan detailing how much you can pay, ensuring income exceeds expenses each month.

Look for ways to save every day. Reduce daily costs by skipping daily coffee runs, using coupons or brown-bagging it. Use the extra money to pay your debt or build savings.

Prioritize debt repayments. Review outstanding credit card balances and interest rates. Tackle high-interest rate balances first by paying more than the minimum payment monthly until the balance is paid. Consider transferring high-interest balances to a lower interest rate credit card.

Work with creditors. Request creditors reduce interest rates or create new payment schedules.

Make extra payments when you can. Use unexpected cash, such as a gift, raise or tax refund, to make extra payments.

Plan now for next year. Start putting away a little extra cash for next year’s holiday season. Consider opening a holiday account with your financial institution.

If you’re unable to get your financial situation under control, a credit counseling agency can teach you how to manage your money and assist in negotiating payments with creditors.

They can also put you in a debt management plan, which allows you to make one payment to the agency, which then pays your creditors.

You can contact your BBB for a list of trustworthy credit counseling agencies or reports on agencies you may be considering.

Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.

Don’t let debt get you down. Take control with a simple plan and determination.

John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.