The holidays can be a very financially stressful time. We all know Christmas is not about the gifts or how much money we spend, but it’s hard not to buy those perfect gifts for our loved ones even if we really can’t afford it. In some cases, credit cards can be great especially around the holidays; it means even though we currently don’t have the money, it won’t stop us from being able to get those gifts. But now the holidays are over and you’re looking at your credit card statements saying, did I really spend that much?

Instead of putting your head under a pillow and avoiding the whole subject, why not take this time to start learning about your finances, your financial situation and your credit cards. Lets make it a News Years resolution to get your finances under control. Repeat after me, “This year I will take control of my finances; I will no longer allow my credit cards to control me."

Start by making a list of all your credit cards, if you have more then one. Get out your credit card statements, and write down the balances and the percentage of interest that is charged on purchases and cash advances. Many people forget that credit card companies tend to charge more interest on those cash advances as well as withdrawal fee. These charges can add up quickly, so if you have to take out a cash advance from your credit card know which card is best to use will not only save you money but will also remind you that you are taking control. Remember that your finances and money is just a game and once you know the rules, you will become a much better player.

Now that you have your list see if it is possible to transfer any balances over to a lower interest rate credit card. If it is, go do that right now, the sooner you do, the more money you will save. You want to start paying more off on the highest interest rate credit cards first, just pay the minimum on the other ones.

If you do have a few credit cards with balances, another option is to see about getting a consolidation loan. Consolidation loans normally come with much lower interest rates and you save banking fees as you only have one payment to make.

The hardest part for most people when it comes to their finances is admitting that they will never have control if they don’t start educating themselves. Many of us tend to be avoiders when it comes to money and unfortunately, most things only get worse, when we avoid them. Finances, credit cards, banks, loans all these things really are not that complicated when we site down and take the time to learn. Try scheduling thirty minutes three or four times a week to read and learn about your finances. Once the thirty minutes is done give yourself a reward, and congratulate yourself on moving closer to your financial freedom.