Holiday Spending Tips to Keep Your Wallet Full

Additional Coverage:

How to Avoid Overspending This Christmas (Even If You Already Started) (financebuzz.com)

Holiday Spending Hangover? Local Shoppers Shell Out Big, But There’s Still Time to Save!

[CITY, STATE] – The tinsel is barely up, but it seems many Americans have already been bitten by the holiday spending bug – and bitten hard! Despite lingering economic jitters, Black Friday 2025 saw US shoppers drop a staggering $11.8 billion in online sales alone, according to Adobe Analytics. That’s a whole lot of cheer, but also a whole lot of potential for busting the budget.

If you’re already feeling the pinch or wondering how you’ll make it through the rest of the season without completely draining your bank account, don’t fret! We’ve got 12 practical, simple steps to help you rein in those holiday expenses and make smart money moves.

1. The Mid-Season Budget: Your Financial GPS

Let’s be honest, holiday spending can get away from us faster than a rogue reindeer. Ideally, you’d have a budget before the shopping frenzy began, but it’s never too late to get on track.

Take a moment to tally up what you’ve already spent and then assign a specific dollar amount to everything left on your gift list. Sticking to this can be a game-changer.

This might mean getting creative with a few homemade gifts or opting for store-brand ingredients for your holiday feast – and that’s perfectly fine!

2. Set Your Debt-Free Deadline

Want a powerful motivator to avoid those impulsive credit card swipes? Give yourself a firm deadline to pay off any holiday debt.

Imagine aiming to have everything cleared by, say, February 1st. That looming date might just make you think twice about that last-minute December 24th shopping spree.

3. Bargain Buy in Sets or Bulk

Stores are brimming with specially packaged sets of items like soaps, candles, and beauty products this time of year. Grab those discounted sets or bulk boxes and split them up! You can often get several thoughtful gifts for the price of one, checking multiple names off your list.

4. Embrace the Homemade Charm

You don’t need to be a crafting guru to give a thoughtful, useful homemade gift. From delicious cookies for everyone to custom-made ornaments, the internet is overflowing with ideas, even for those of us who struggle with “standard creative flair.”

5. Price Check, Price Match, and Save

Spot a gift that’s just out of reach budget-wise? A quick smartphone search can reveal if a better price is available elsewhere. Many stores also have price-match policies, so it never hurts to ask if they’ll match a competitor’s lower price right there in the store.

6. Skip the Last-Minute Rush

The pressure of last-minute gift buying can lead to impulsive, budget-busting purchases. Even as the holidays rapidly approach, take a breath, evaluate sales, and avoid unnecessary splurges.

7. Consider Last Year’s Models

Looking to snag a big-ticket item like electronics? You can save a significant chunk of change by opting for last year’s model instead of the shiny new release. Manufacturers often offer steeper discounts on older versions when a new one hits the shelves.

8. Hunt for Deals Every Day

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t the only times to score great deals. Keep your eyes peeled for sales throughout the weeks leading up to the holidays; many discounts can be just as good, if not better, than those on the “big” sale days.

9. Avoid the Spending Spree Trap

Spending too much time browsing the mall or endlessly scrolling online can lead to unplanned purchases. All those “sale” ads and emails are designed to tempt you! This is precisely why a solid, committed budget is your best defense before you even step foot in a store (or open your email).

10. Don’t Forget About Shipping Fees!

That “amazing” online deal might not be so amazing once you factor in shipping costs and service fees. Always calculate the total cost before hitting that “buy” button to ensure you’re truly getting a good deal.

11. Cash In Your Rewards & Points

If you’ve been using a credit card for your holiday purchases, now’s the time to check your rewards and points! You might have enough to cover additional gifts or necessities, or even redeem them for gift cards to give out.

12. Explore the Resale Market

Vintage is in, and it’s a fantastic way to save money and find unique items! Your local secondhand shop can be a treasure trove for everything from clothing to holiday decor.

You might be surprised how many people on your gift list you can check off after an hour or two of thrifting. For the bookworms, secondhand bookstores are a goldmine!

The Bottom Line: Recovering from Holiday Overspending

Careful budgeting is usually the best way to keep extra cash in your pocket, but during the holiday season, that’s often easier said than done. Many people find themselves worrying about overspending weeks before Christmas morning. But even if Black Friday threw your budget for a loop, there are still simple, effective steps you can take to recover, get your finances back on track, and enjoy the rest of the season without the added stress of a financial hangover.