The holidays are frequently a time for overindulging, especially when it comes to holiday spending. However, according to Gail Wilson, a financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank, it is possible to avoid going into debt - and still enjoy all the fun and camaraderie the season offers.

She and her fellow employees have devised a few strategies to help you gain control of your holiday spending. And as an added benefit, she offers a personal example of why you may want to consider investing some holiday gift money in long-term investments.

Perhaps more than any other time of the year, it's helpful to have at least one major credit card in time for the holidays. It's not only a great convenience when shopping, it's also a necessity if you want to buy airline tickets or rent a car. But what should you look for when choosing a credit card? And once you have one, how do you establish and maintain a good credit score?

Here's advice on these and other questions to help you manage credit wisely, especially during the holidays, when spending tends to increase dramatically.