OUR OPINION: Students need to learn good spending habits for the future.

The holidays are coming up, and students often feel obligated to buy extravagant gifts for friends and family.

But do not fall into the trap of debt this winter.

According to a Georgetown University’s Credit Research Center, college students carry an average of $552 in credit card debt.

Students often feel peer pressure to live beyond their means and often abuse credit cards, which is a burden on top of student loan debt.

Credit scores not only affect purchasing cars or houses, but a low credit score can also hinder a person’s opportunity for employment. Employers not only can look at criminal records, employment history and even Facebook accounts but can also look at credit scores to help determine if an applicant is right for the job, according to employmenttimesonline.com. With the ailing economy, having a good credit report may make or break future graduates looking for employment.

According to Forbes.com, the average U.S. household had $9,840 in debt in 2007. Students can break this statistic by staying out of debt now and in the future.

The no. 1 rule to prevent debt is to keep a budget and stick to it. In addition, try to buy things that can be returned or exchanged and keep receipts in case you find a better deal somewhere else. Also, shop around for the best deal. Pricegrabber.com compares the prices of products from different stores and Web sites and can help someone stay in budget.

Another option is to give sentimental gifts to the people you love instead of expensive presents. Winter vacation is not just a break from school. It is a time to spend quality time with loved ones. Sentimental gifts show that you put thought into their gifts.

Another tip to keep good credit is to use credit cards for small purchases, such as meals and gas, and not purchase anything more expensive than what you can afford. College is an ideal time to build good credit, and credit cards can be an engine for economic expansion and growth.

In addition to making new, good habits, students must break old, dangerous habits. These bad habits include getting new credit cards to pay off another cards bills. Free credit counseling is another option to help those in need of relief.

This holiday season, be smart: use your brain and your credit card wisely.