FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- You can already feel the holiday cheer. However, this is also a time when many families plunge deeper into debt because they overspend on presents.
No doubt the rush is on. Some shoppers said they will stick to a strict budget.
Lisa Darneal of Fresno said, "It's not about the gifts. It's about spending time with your family and being able to give them something that you can afford."
Five-year-old Kara Darneal just wanted a "Frozen" wall sticker.
Our exclusive Action News poll conducted by SurveyUSA showed 46 percent of Valley residents will pay for gifts by cash. 27 percent will pay by debit card. 19 percent will pay by credit card but pay it off in full and 3 percent plan to carry a credit card balance and pay it off later.
But some people must seek credit counseling when they get their credit card bills at the end of January.
Anna Alconcher of Fresno said, "Those people are my examples and reasons why I don't want to be in that situation. I'm very thrifty and look for good deals. If we can't pay for it now then it's going to wait until later and we need to save."
Our poll also showed 14 percent of those surveyed planned to spend less than $100 on gifts. 40 percent planned to spend between $100 and $300. 20 percent said they would spend between $300 and $500.
Alconcher and Diane Robertson use the holidays to teach their kids how to be frugal.
Robertson said, "It's easier to do it by cash for us. It's just we want to stay out of debt as much as possible. Raising four kids I have to maintain a budget."
Shoppers should also beware of deals that sound too good. Experts warned it could be a trap.
Bruce McClary of ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions said, "Make sure to be aware of the bait and switch because some of the best items on sale are in limited supply."
Our financial expert's advice - stick to a gift buying plan and stay within your budget.