CHARLOTTE, NC — The holidays are over but many are still paying for it. LendingTree’s Holiday Debt Report found 36% of Americans took on an average debt of nearly $1,200 from holiday spending. That’s about $180 more than last year. Alloy Wealth Management CEO, Mark Henry, explains that he see people taking on debt every year because of the holidays. However, he said this year was a little different. “Heading into the holidays, many people were already having to use their credit cards because it’s been such a difficult year,” explained Henry. The average credit card rate is around 25%. Paying it off requires a plan. Henry’s plan is a bit unconventional. While Henry admits most experts would suggest paying off the highest interest credit card first, he recommends going after the card you owe the least amount. Henry said when planning your finances, put a target date on paying the cards off “Put a deadline on this, have the goal of getting out of debt, and then you assign a deadline to it. And that’s what a goal becomes. It’s a dream with a deadline,” explained Henry Finally, don’t be ashamed of your debt. Talk to your friends and family about what’s going on. “Let them know why you’re not going to go to dinner with them on Friday night. You’re still their friend. You still want to go, but you’re going to tackle this debt and get it gone. Let them support you,” said Henry.