Celebrate Without Overspending: Your Holiday Finance Guide

 

As the holiday season draws near, the excitement of gift-giving, festive gatherings, and travel can quickly turn into financial stress if you're not prepared. With inflation and rising costs impacting many households, now is the perfect time to adopt healthy financial habits that will help you enjoy the season without overspending or accumulating debt.

 

Here are some practical strategies to keep your finances on track:

1. Create a Holiday Budget

Start by listing all anticipated holiday expenses — gifts, travel, food, decorations, and events. Assign a spending limit to each category and stick to it. A clear budget helps you avoid impulse purchases and ensures you’re spending within your means.


Tip: Visit our Financially Fit Resource Center for budgeting tools and tips to make this process easier.

 

2. Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic transfers to a dedicated holiday savings account. Even small weekly contributions can add up and provide a cushion for seasonal spending. With SMBT’s online and mobile banking, you can easily schedule transfers anytime, anywhere. Consider starting a “holiday sinking fund” for next year to spread the cost over time.

 

3. Track Weekly Spending

Instead of waiting until the end of the month, review your expenses weekly. This habit gives you better control and allows for quick adjustments if you're overspending in certain areas.

 

4. Shop Early and Strategically

Avoid last-minute shopping, which often leads to overspending. Take advantage of early sales and use a shopping list to stay focused. Unsubscribe from promotional emails that tempt you to buy things you don’t need.

 

5. Limit Credit Card Use

While credit cards offer convenience, they can also lead to lingering debt. Try using cash or debit for discretionary purchases. If you do use credit, prioritize paying off high-interest balances quickly.

 

6. Review and Reset Your Budget

Fall is a great time to reassess your financial situation. Use a personal finance checklist to evaluate your income, expenses, savings, and debt.

 

7. Set Financial Goals

Whether it’s saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund, having clear goals keeps you motivated and focused. Write them down and track your progress.

 

The holiday season should be joyful, not stressful. By embracing these healthy financial habits now and taking advantage of SMBT’s digital tools and resources, you’ll be better equipped to celebrate with peace of mind and start the new year on solid financial footing.

 

Get financially fit for the holidays - explore our Resource Center today: SMBT Financially Fit