Shop smartly and plan your spending properly. This is the debt advice that consumers who find themselves up to their ears in debt need to hear the most.

Debt advice centres' single most common enquiry is how arrears on various loans, hire purchases, credit card debts and other debts should be tackled. Factors that cause the big surge in enquiries to these centres are the high interest rate, slow growth in wages and the rising cost of living expenses.

Everyone wants to enjoy their lives, though there are measures consumers can take to avoid getting into more debt than they can realistically afford. Especially if most of the money will go towards high-end luxury items that are not necessary.

Here is an easy-to-follow list of tips to help consumers . While it is not guaranteed to assist everyone reading it, we are hoping that it may curb the spending demons of at least one reader.

5 Easy steps to stay in the black

Plan early for Christmas and other festivities

Establish a budget long before you receive your salary. Allocate realistic amounts to go towards presents, entertainment and food. Stick to it as best you can but do not fret too much if you do not succeed the first couple of months.

Do not forget to pay priority bills

Your rent, mortgage, utility bills, food, council tax and any other debts would still need to be paid, even though you may feel more tempted to spend it on luxury items! Do not miss these payments, as the consequences may be severe.

Use overdrafts with prudence

Speak to your bank about the possibility of an overdraft, and remember, unauthorised overdrafts could be a very expensive way of borrowing money.

Warning: Shop credit offers

Your pocket will thank you if you try to avoid extended credit agreements. That is, unless they do in fact work out to be cheaper. It is nearly always better to pay in cash rather than buy something on credit.

Read the small print on any credit offer, as this could give you a better indication on whether you can afford the monthly instalments.

Compare before buying

Comparison websites are certainly taking the effort out of buying items, especially over the festive seasons. Many stores are reducing their prices substantially and it could be well worth your effort to do a bit of shopping around.

Author bio:

Harrington Brooks wrote this article about the debt advice most consumers need to know.