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Reader Q&A: Every Year I Overspend During the Holidays; How Do I Stop?
The holidays are here, and I always end up overspending on gifts, food, travel, everything. How can I enjoy the season without blowing my budget or feeling guilty?
You’re not alone, Maya! The holidays are filled with temptations and pressure to spend. But with a little planning, you can enjoy the season fully, without debt or guilt. Here’s how to do it.
✨ Before we jump in, remind yourself what’s possible!
If you’ve been feeling a little stuck, unmotivated, or unsure of what’s next on your financial journey, Choosing to Prosper will help you reset. Let this book be your reminder that you have what it takes to prosper, no matter where you’re starting from.[Get it here].
Set a holiday spending limit now
Many of us start our holiday spending without any barriers in place or without understanding how much we can afford. Let’s curb your spending by taking a look at your income and budget.
The holiday season is pretty much here so take a look at your recent pay stubs and come up with a rough estimate of how much you’ll be making within the next couple of weeks. Subtract all your necessary expenses, including your money for goals, and see how much you have left over. Whatever amount you have will become your spending limit.
With this barrier, you can make better decisions on what types of purchases to make.
Create a simple budget by category
One reason why your budget might not work is that it doesn’t meet the demands of the holiday season. Events, decorations, and holiday dinners aren’t what we usually budget for. And so, it’s important to create separate budget categories for your holiday expenses (It's not too late to do it now).
Since you already know how much money you’ll have left after your necessary expenses, you can divide that money into spending categories. To decide on your categories, consider what aspects of the holidays are most important to you. For instance, will you focus on buying gifts, or will you need to travel out of state to visit family?
Create your budget categories based on your values. Know that you don’t have to attend every holiday event or have the most decorated house.
Once you have your categories, set a realistic spending amount for each category. It’s best to set a limit a little higher than you’d expect to ensure you don’t overspend.
Find ways to make a little extra
If you find yourself needing extra cash, revisit your budget. See if there are ways you can temporarily cut back on expenses to free up some extra money.
Remember, you can cancel some subscriptions for the holiday season and sign back up once the holidays are over.
Likewise, think about ways you can earn more, whether it’s working extra hours or selling holiday baked goods.
Make a gift list (and check it twice!)
Another way to control your spending is with a gift list. Start by writing down who you want to give presents to and what you would like to buy for them. Really consider the person you’re gifting. Most people don’t need expensive items. Instead, they appreciate something thoughtful like a good book or a framed photo.
Once you know what you’re going to buy and for whom, you can start looking for deals early. This way, you can take advantage of sales and check things off your to-do list before the holiday rush.
If you like the idea of making lists, you can also start a holiday spending journal. This will help you be more aware of where your money is going and help you think twice about how you’re spending.
Use cash or prepaid cards
Stick to your budget by using cash and prepaid cards. Take your credit card out of your wallet and lock it away so you’re not tempted to use it.
Using cash will help you stay within your spending limits and not put yourself in debt.
Likewise, it’s best to avoid Buy Now Pay Later loans unless you’ve budgeted for them.
Say no to guilt shopping
We often let our emotions take control when we’re shopping. If you’re a parent, you might be tempted to buy your child a new smartwatch along with their new smartphone since you missed out on a few soccer games this year.
Maybe you feel pressured to buy your boss a special gift since they promoted you this year. Then there’s the friend who watched your dog every time you’ve been out of town.
Instead of shopping with the idea that you owe people something, consider how you can express gratitude. Sometimes that’s through a thoughtful gift; other times it’s just by being more present in someone’s life.
Get creative with gifts
As we get closer to the holidays, you’ll see more and more ads telling you a head massager makes the perfect gift. However, the ideal gift doesn’t have to be the latest gadget. There are so many thoughtful gifts you can create. Here are some ideas:
DIY gifts
Edible gifts such as homemade cookies, breads, and jams
Handmade gifts like crochet scarves, a painted picture, or a homemade candle
Personalized or practical gifts such as embroidered journals, charm bracelets, phone cases, affirmation cards, or a book from a favorite author
Other creative gift ideas
Experience-based gifts such as dance classes, wine and paint experiences, spa treatments, or massages
Group gifts, where you get together with your siblings and split the cost of a gift for your parents.
Buy items in bulk and gift the individual items to your friends or colleagues.
The key is to find gifts that are within your budget but make the biggest impact.
Start a new tradition
If you can get a little creative with your gifts, you can also expand that creativity to your holiday traditions. Instead of hosting a holiday party and providing all the food and drinks, turn the party into a potluck.
Another idea is to do a gift exchange instead of buying individual gifts.
You can also do low-cost or no-budget activities like holiday-themed movie nights. Try walking around the neighborhood with hot cocoa to see the Christmas lights.
There are many ways to get into the holiday spirit without spending a lot of money.
Prioritize connection, not consumption
In addition to finding thoughtful gifts, it’s important to prioritize what really matters; your connections and relationships.
Instead of shopping, take the afternoon to go on a walk with your best friend. Make breakfast for your parents. Take your kids to see a movie. When you focus on the things that bring you joy, you’ll find yourself spending less time shopping and more time enjoying the moments.
Remember, most things you buy will fade away or break down within a year. But memories are what can last a lifetime.
Plan for sales
While you’re focusing on some no-spend holiday fun, there will be times when you have to make a few purchases. In this case, it’s important to plan. Holiday sales will start popping up, so focus on doing most of your shopping during sale days.
Additionally, you can search coupon sites and see what items you can get at a discounted price. Many stores have special discounts if you use their app.
Leave room for joy
Now that you’re focused on spending wisely and you have your budget in place, there is one more thing you need to do. Make sure you leave room in your schedule and budget for fun.
Set aside a little money to treat yourself without any shame. You can treat yourself to a special holiday drink, comfy house slippers, or take the afternoon off to read a good book.
The giving seasons can have us focusing on others, causing us to forget to take care of ourselves.
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It’s never too late to break the cycle of overspending. Remember to put barriers in place, stick to your budget, and focus on collecting memories instead of stuff.
PLUS when you sign up for a free course, you can schedule a completely free call with one of our amazing Clever Girl Finance mentors. WE ARE IN YOUR CORNER!
P.S.If you’re craving a mindset reset before the new year, this is your sign, grab Choosing to Prosper and start your 2026 with clarity and confidence.
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Clever Girl Finance isn’t just about money. We are about freedom, choices, and confidence. We know how overwhelming finances can feel, especially when you’re juggling career, family, and personal goals. That’s why we’ve built one of the largest personal finance communities for women, with over 100,000 women learning, growing, and winning with their money together.When you subscribe, you’re not just signing up for financial tips, you’re joining a movement. You’ll get access to relatable, judgment-free advice designed to help you ditch debt, save consistently, and invest with confidence. We break down money topics in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually fun. Whether you want to build your first emergency fund, pay off thousands in debt, or finally start building wealth for the long term, we’ve got the tools and support you need. With our resources, tools, and strategies, you’ll know you’re not alone on this journey. Subscribe today—because your future self deserves the financial freedom you’re dreaming of!
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