Now that the throngs of holiday shoppers are starting to dissipate, there's another rush in the works: credit counselling.

Nadia Graham with the non-profit Credit Counselling Society expects to see more clients in the new year as the economy remains weak and severance payments to laid-off workers run out.

"It's been very busy, which in some ways is a bad thing in terms of there's a need in the community, but in some ways it's a good thing if we're seeing people be proactive with their situations and before they're on that last EI cheque, they're coming in to see us for a plan," she said, adding there's a lull over the holiday season.

Her organization can help individuals navigate debt, whether accrued at the malls or not, with several programs that can help in negotiations with creditors.

It's an important service as consumer debt delinquencies spike in Calgary and Alberta, while the rates fall across Canada.

Of course, Graham's main recommendation is not to get into substantial debt in the first place.

"The key is budget, budget, budget," she said.

She says those without work and facing a dwindling bank account, should shout from the rooftops that they're unemployed, rather than trying to hide the fact.

As for holiday shoppers? Most of those outside a northeast strip mall said they managed to stay in the black, though not everyone was successful.

"Had a budget, so went over it, yeah," said one shopper.