Black Friday is the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

According to Steve Siebold, author of "How Rick People Think, last year Americans spent a whopping $50.9 billion over Thanksgiving weekend. This year, Americans plan to spend even more money during the holidays, according to new research from the consulting firm Accenture.For many consumers, this means more debt and higher monthly credit card payments.Siebold, a self-made multimillionaire, has interviewed more than 1,200 of the world's wealthiest people over the past 30 years. He offers this advice on not overspending:• Don't fall for marketing campaigns that make you feel as if you're getting a great deal when you're really not (i.e. buy it today - pay for it tomorrow).• Allocate a certain amount of money for each person you plan on buying gifts for and don't overspend by even a dollar.• Don't even think of using a credit card unless you are 100 percent sure you can comfortably pay it off at the end of the month.• Don't get caught up in the moment. If your shopping cart is overflowing, step back, regroup and make sure you can really afford everything you plan to purchase.• There's no shame in telling people that this year will be a lean holiday season when it comes to exchanging gifts.• Ask yourself if you would rather have the short-term satisfaction of expensive material possessions, or the long-term results of financial freedom and abundance.• There are good deals to be had on Black Friday, but be mentally tough to know when enough is enough.• When it comes to spending this holiday season, leave your emotions on the shelf and let reason be your guide.• Limit charitable giving. Helping others is a nice gesture and certainly in the spirit of the holidays, but until you're financially comfortable yourself, you can't give what you don't have. A little leftover change is one thing, but those who try and support every cause known to man but can't afford to are doing more harm than good.• Kids learn by example. Even parents who have failed to reach their financial dreams can still teach their kids important lessons about money during the holiday season.To learn more about Siebold, visit

www.howrichpeoplethinkbook.com.