The holiday spending season has kicked into high gear.

Shoppers who are both well prepared and disciplined will no doubt enjoy a happy holiday season.

But those who rush headlong into the stores flashing their credit cards at the first sign of a potential bargain could be in for a real headache when the bills come rolling in early next year.

And for those who are already struggling to make ends meet, holiday shopping could lead to a financial disaster.

Donald Rehorn, community relations liaison for ByDesign Financial Solutions, which does business as the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Sacramento Valley, points out that even if you haven't saved money ahead for the holidays, there are a number of steps you can take to keep your finances in good shape.

For openers, he says, ``You just can't wing it. If you head out to the malls and stores without a plan, you're inviting a financial disaster.''

Most consumer experts agree that it's critically important to put your plan in writing before you leave your home.

Brad Stroh of Freedom Financial Network in San Mateo says the cornerstone of a working spending plan is a budget that includes both a cumulative amount for all giving during the season and a rough spending estimate for each person on the gift-giving list.

When you go shopping, Stroh says, leave the plastic at home. Once you have your spending plan, use individual envelopes to put in the cash for everyone on your list. When the money is gone in that envelope, you're done spending on that individual, he says.

Rehorn points out that one mistake consumers frequently make is neglecting to include all the extras of holiday spending beyond gifts: such things as cards, decorations, travel and entertainment.

Two other spending guidelines that his organization uses are to limit holiday spending to less than 1 percent of your net annual income and to have a definite payoff date if you're going to use credit cards.

``You have to be realistic,'' Rehorn says.

``If you're not going to be able to pay off all your holiday credit card debt in two months or less, you can't afford it.''

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Click here to go to Freedom Debt Relief's website