The holiday season is upon us—and it’s always important than ever to plan thoughtfully. As your advisor, I'm here to help you enjoy the season without creating a financial hangover come January. Below are simple, smart steps you can take now.
1. Make the Food, Save the Funds
With groceries and holiday meal costs higher than in past years, consider bringing more of the joy of the season into your kitchen. Making food from scratch often costs less than pre-packaged, premium holiday meals. Choose a couple of special homemade dishes and pair them with a simpler side or dessert. This keeps your budget in check while still preserving the festive feel.
2. Re-Think Travel for the Holidays
Travel remains a big holiday cost—flights, hotels, last-minute bookings add up fast. According to recent data, only about one in five Americans plan to travel this holiday season, as cost awareness grows.
If travel is stretching your budget, consider staying home or shifting your trip to off-peak times. But if you do go, booking early, choosing non-peak travel days, and using reward points can make a real difference.
3. Move Smarter with Gifts
Gift giving is still meaningful—but with prices rising, some strategy helps. Here are some ideas:
Use gift exchanges like Secret Santa, a dice game swap or a “Yankee swap” to reduce the number of gifts you purchase.
Set a clear budget and stick to it—resist the pressure to buy more because “everyone else is doing it.”
Scan for deals, use price-comparison tools, and shop earlier rather than later. Note that many consumers are turning to AI tools, coupons and pre-holiday promotions to stretch their dollars. Money
Focus on meaningful gifts, experiences or time together rather than expensive items.
4. Remember the Meaning & Give Without Spending
The holidays are about more than consumption. Consider volunteering, donating time, or creating what I call “gift values” instead of just dollar values. Even low- or no-cost acts of kindness build memories and reinforce your financial values (which matter all year long).
5. Plan Now — So You Don’t Recover Later
The best holiday outcome? Great memories and a bank account that isn’t recovering in January. Set your holiday budget now. Track the categories: food, travel, gifts, décor. Keep your eye on total spending. If you see one area running ahead, adjust another.
Research shows consumers are feeling pressure this season: one survey found 71% expect inflation to negatively affect their finances, and nearly one-third worry about managing through year-end.
By being intentional, you’ll still celebrate—but on your terms.
6. Bonus Tip: Use Technology & Strategy
Here are some extra ideas gleaned from recent trends:
Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to set aside a “holiday fund” now for next year—thinking ahead reduces stress.
Use rewards, cash-back credit cards (paid off each month), and promotions to offset costs—but avoid “buy now, regret later” debt traps.
Prioritize value over volume: many consumers are buying fewer gifts but focusing on more meaningful or sustainable ones.
Extend the celebration: shift some of the fun to January (less travel, lower prices) and spread out the joy without the peak holiday cost.
This season doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy traditions, create new memories with family (and perhaps your daughter Olivia, if she’s part of your festivities this year!), and still honor your long-term financial wellness. Need a holiday budget worksheet or a review of where your best savings opportunities are? I’ve got you — just let me know.
Warm wishes for a joyful, intentional holiday season and a financially strong start to the new year.
— Michelle Paris