Now that you've celebrated the holidays, it the time for New Years resolutions -- including paying off Christmas shopping bills, or even worse, debt accumulated in years past.

Here are some helpful tips to get through that dreaded holiday "debt hangover":

1) Pay at least the minimum amount due on your credit card bills -- and the full amount if you can -- when you receive your statement. Making the highest payment possible will reduce your balance and additional interest.

2) Be sure to pay your credit card bills by the due date to avoid late fees.

3) Pay off credit cards with the highest interest rates first. If you have multiple cards with different balances, talk to your primary bank about consolidating your debt to get one interest rate. Taking out a home equity or personal loan might be one way to reduce the interest rate you pay on your debt.

4) Create a "Box of Returns." Whether they are gifts you don't need or impulse purchases, gather unwanted items and return them in one day. You will either get cash back or a store credit you can use in the future.

5) To track bills and credit card invoices, ask your bank if it provides free financial management tools. Online programs can help you keep your finances organized and in control throughout the year.

6) Start saving money now on a regular basis throughout the coming months for the next holiday shopping season. Online savings plan tools can help you with this all year long.

"A little discipline and planning will help keep you in a festive mood well after the holidays, and lead to a strong financial start to celebrate a wonderful New Year," said Alan Johnson, Wells Fargo's regional president for Oregon and southwest Washington.