The great snowstorm of 2009 is in full effect here in Washington, DC and I’m watching a winter wonderland descend around the Big Spender bunker.

With so many Americans already buried under an avalanche of debt, weather like this can add to their problem if they’re not careful. While a little glistening of the white stuff helps to make the season bright, a foot or more of powder can set you up for a few unwanted expenses.

One of the big concerns that I always have for readers is getting behind the wheel when it’s not safe to do so. No one in the Debtbeat nation can afford to throw hundreds or thousands of dollars away on towing fees, car repairs or higher insurance premiums by risking a spin-out or crash.

Every winter I watch news crews showing footage of drivers stranded at the side of the road or piled up after a skid. Where did they need to go so badly? Doesn’t matter, they never got there.

Of course it’s better to be prepared before a snowstorm hits and there are lots of ways to avoid a winter car crash.

One of the things that too many people do in advance of a storm is run out to the supermarket to stock up on milk, bread and toilet paper. (And why is is always those three things we talk about during winter storms? Topic for a different website, probably.) Anyway, I can only imagine how much ice cream, beer, and other unnecessary groceries find their way into shopping carts when a wintry mix is forecasted and people throw fiscal prudence to the wind.

If you need to get your supplies to hunker down and ride out a storm, go in with a list and don’t forget your coupons. Focus on sale items and a few treats for the kids if it helps stave off cabin fever.

We all saw Tiger Wood’s finances done in by a golf club (swung by his wife), it’s possible that a shovel may be your undoing. You don’t need a trip to the hospital (and the medical bills that follow) by clearing your driveway. Shoveling is a major cause of heart problems and injuries so follow these tips to be safe when clearing snow.

Be smart, be safe, and don’t let the holiday season take a bigger bite out of your wallet than it usually does.