17 Smart Holiday Budgeting Tips to Keep You From Overspending!

We are giving you 17 Smart Holiday Budgeting Tips To Keep You From Overspending During This Holiday Season!

It’s obviously no secret that the holidays can take a toll on your wallet ToT.

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. Overspending is a common pitfall (that I have fallen into before), leading to post-holiday financial stress. However, with a bit of budgeting, planning and some smart savvy strategies, you can enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank! These smart holiday budgeting tips will help keep your spending in check, allowing you to fully embrace the spirit of the season :).

WITH THAT SAID, HERE ARE 17 SMART HOLIDAY BUDGETING TIPS TO KEEP YOU FROM OVERSPENDING!

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For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

Luke 14:28-30 Tweet

17 HOLIDAY BUDGETING TIPS

Holiday Budgeting Tip #1

Create a realistic holiday budget and stick to it!

The first step to shopping smart for Christmas is creating a realist holiday budget and sticking to it! If you have a separate checking or savings account specifically for the holidays, do your best to not tap into any other account.

Use a budget template or create your own.

Track your spendings: List your family members, friend (group), group of coworkers you intend on buying a gift for.
Do not forget about other holiday purchases: Gift wrapping paper, gift bags, food, decor etc.

Set your spending limits. Be realistic and do not overdo it!

Spend money wisely by setting an overall spending limit. Ensure to encompass EVERYTHING: gifts, food, decor, supplies etc.
Set a limit per person and per category to prevent wasting money on unnecessary and impulsive purchases.

5 Tips for Budgeting During the Holidays

It is better to spend money you have than money you don’t have (e.g., credit card, loans).
It is never too late to start saving! Keep it in a separate account, not in your personal savings or checking.
If you intend on using your credit card for holiday purchases, ensure you are financially capable of paying it off before the end of the pay period to avoid interest. If you are NOT capable of doing so, aim to pay it off within 1-5 months to avoid high finance charges.
Cut costs, if necessary, by prioritizing what you find most important. If needed, shorten the list of gifts or people to gift. It’s not the end of the world if you can’t give a grand gift to everyone on your list, I am sure those who truly care for you will be understanding.
Review and Adjust. There may be unexpected expenses along the way, or presents may be cheaper or more expensive than you thought. Adjust your budget throughout your Christmas shopping.

Etsy has affordable Christmas trackers to help you stay within budget.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #2

Be a Grinch with Impulse Buys

Resist the temptation to make impulse purchases. It’s easy to get carried away with all the festive displays and holiday sales. Before you buy, wait for at least 24 hours and ask yourself if it’s a planned purchase or a spur-of-the-moment decision. Stick to your budget and avoid those last-minute impulse buys.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #3

True Essence of The Holidays

I know we all want to be grand with our gifts, but the true essence of the holidays is the time spent with your loved ones NOT the price tag on the gifts. Often, a heartfelt card, a small, thoughtful gift, or a personalized gift, can mean much more than an extravagant pricey present.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #4

Price Check with Your Phone

We have so much thanks to give to modern technology. You can instantly compare prices and find the best deals while you’re in the store. For me, I often compare in store prices to Amazon or price matching deals on other sites. You can also use price comparison apps to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. It’s a quick way to ensure you’re not overspending on gifts!

Holiday Budgeting Tip #5

Amazon Prime

If you didn’t or currently don’t already have Amazon Prime, consider it! They are offering a 30 day free trial, or if you are a student they are having a 6 month trial for $0.

Amazon Prime is perfect for the holidays and will save you hundreds of dollars with their deals and free shipping!

6 MONTH TRIAL FOR $0

30 DAY FREE TRIAL

Holiday Budgeting Tip #6

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Procrastinating can often lead to rushed decisions and overspending. Start your holiday shopping early, spread your expenses over time, and take advantage of sales and discounts.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #7

Buy Last Year’s Electronics

If you’re considering electronics as gifts, last year’s models can be significantly cheaper than the latest releases. You can still get high-quality gadgets without the premium price tag. If they already have last year’s model, consider something else that is within budget like an accessory to the model they already have.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #8

Look for Deals (Other Than Black Friday and Cyber Monday)

Explore different stores and online retailers before making a purchase. Look for special deals, coupons, and discounts that are available outside of just Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Honestly, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are saturated and better deals can be found outside of these events. A little extra time spent bargain hunting can result in significant savings.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #9

Stay on Top of Tracking Your Spendings

It is important to know exactly what you are spending and how much you have left. Stick to your budget and check things off the list as you shop. If you do not have a budget template, there are also various apps and tools available that can help you stay organized.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #10

Consider DIY Christmas Gifts

Homemade gifts can be incredibly meaningful and budget-friendly. Get creative and craft unique presents that show your thought and effort!

Although this post is not “Christmas”, it still has amazing DIY gift ideas (e.g., customized mug) that you can use for your Homemade Christmas Gifts! Check out our Affordable DIY Gift Ideas.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #11

Stocking Stuffers Instead of Big Gifts

Consider giving smaller, more affordable stocking stuffers instead of big, expensive gifts. Stocking stuffers are PERFECT for Christmas shopping on a tight budget.

These can be just as appreciated as big presents, and you can spread the joy across several smaller items. We have compiled a list of Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Everyone on Your List.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #12

Baked Goods Can Go a Long Way

Homemade cookies, cupcakes, brownies, pie, protein balls, or other baked goods make delightful presents. They not only save you money but also add a personal touch to your gifts. Baked goods are especially great for coworkers or friend groups!

Some other ideas of goodies you can make are: gummies, reese’s peanut butter cups, and ice cream. Feel free to email us for recipes!

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR FRIENDS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING

These creative and unique gifts will save you time and money! These are all personalized, customized gifts, so I highly doubt your friend will have any of these. Not only are they unique, but also sentimental.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #13

Potluck for Christmas

If you’re hosting a holiday dinner or party, don’t hesitate to make it a potluck. This way, you share the expenses and create a more diverse and delicious feast :).

Holiday Budgeting Tip #14

Save Up for Expensive Presents

If there’s a pricier gift you have in mind, start saving for it in advance or use money you have specifically saved up already for the holidays. This way, it won’t disrupt your regular budget, and you can enjoy the joy of giving without stress.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #15

Avoid Shopping Sprees

Shopping sprees can lead to overspending. Stay disciplined and stick to your shopping list. It’s easy to go beyond your budget when you’re caught up in the holiday shopping frenzy. Trust me, I have been there. Especially at Target.

Holiday Budgeting Tip #16

Factor in Shipping

If you’re ordering gifts online, remember to factor in shipping costs. Shopping early can help you avoid rush shipping charges!

Holiday Budgeting Tip #17

Plan for After the Holidays

Don’t forget about the post-holiday expenses. Plan for credit card bills and any potential returns or exchanges. Having a post-holiday budget can help you avoid financial surprises in the new year. You want to start the new year fresh and debt free from the holidays because surely you have more bills to pay and events to save for (like Valentines Day).

This Concludes 17 Smart Holiday Budgeting Tips to Keep You From Overspending!

Holiday budgeting doesn’t mean being a scrooge; it’s about being smart with your spending. Following these tips and focusing on what truly matters during the holiday season will help you to enjoy Christmas on a budget while reducing financial stress.

Keep these strategies in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a joyful and budget-friendly holiday season!

love, Jas Joy