The holidays are over (finally) but many people are about to get friendly holiday reminders in the form of the credit card bills for all those holiday purchases. After experiencing one too many of those after Christmas nightmares, I made a pact with myself years ago that Christmas could not be charged. If I hadn’t budgeted for it and couldn’t pay cash, then it was not a gift that had to be given.

Being a responsible shopper is a challenge but not impossible. With a bit of pre-planning, common sense and these 5 tips for being a responsible shopper, it can be done. The first item on the list - only buy what you set out for - is probably the most important one in my book.

What are your smart shopping strategies?