NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Holiday shopping is already breaking records this year, with an estimated $1.5 billion in sales just for Cyber Monday alone.

That means a lot of Americans will probably end up with big bills.

More: NYC’s 5 Best Bars For Holiday Shopping Breaks

And with a lot of shopping still to go, Mary Hunt, the author Debt Proof Your Christmas, visited The Couch to tell us how to shop smart this holiday season.

More: CBSNewYork’s Holiday Gift Guide

Some of her top tips are basic: Develop a plan, shop early, pay with cash and use coupons. Hunt also suggest using a Secret Santa system and limiting gift giving to the children in the family.

For more, check out the video below.