Click here to watch video about efficient online tools which can help consumers eliminate holiday debt

Jan 16, 2004/ FW/ --- Now that the holidays are over, millions of Americans are not rejoicing over what they are left with -- unwelcome holiday debt.

According to a recent survey for leading financial website Quicken.com, 39 percent of Americans set a budget for their holiday spending but only 50 percent stuck to it.

The result? One out of five people who overspent on gift giving now regret it.

Some consumer analysts say the solution for many over spenders may be just a mouse click away.

With interest rates still at 40-year lows, a growing number of lenders are beginning to offer online tools that let homeowners use the equity in their homes like a "super checking account" to wipe out their debt.

A record number of Americans are expected to use one of these on-line super checking accounts in 2004, trading in their high interest credit card debt for a low interest line of credit.

The benefit can be measured in dollars and "sense" -- either pay 18 percent interest on a credit card or take out a home equity line of credit at a rate of four to five percent.

To find out if this solution is in your best "interest", log onto www.quickenloans.com.