Have you been avoiding managing your finances?

If so, you're not alone. According to data from the National Retail Federation, almost half of all consumers in the United States went into debt during last year's holiday shopping season.

No one enjoys paying bills. If it feels a bit more difficult for you, check out these helpful ways to quit avoiding your finances: Face Your Fears Directly.

Helpful in self-preservation, our brains are inclined to find rewards and to run from anything associated with pain. Experts say it's important to power through the fear of checking your account balance and form new positive banking habits. Watch for Bad Habits. A trigger, an action and a result are the three elements of a habit loop.

"It can be as simple as noticing, you know, 'Oh, when I think about money... I go and clean my kitchen.'" Judson Brewer, psychiatrist author, via NPR. Experts say to do your best to avoid falling into bad habits, face your financial fears head-on.

Don't Waste Time on Regret. We all stumble sometimes trying to move forward with our finances, but experts say being hyper-critical of yourself can be counterintuitive. Approach yourself with kindness. "These two flavors of awareness – kindness and curiosity – can really help us in all things ...more kindness, more curiosity." Judson Brewer, psychiatrist author, via NPR