It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for some people it’s an expensive time of year. Making a plan when it comes to holiday gifts can make shopping *more* enjoyable and relieve some stress when it comes to the bills.

Let’s start with the basics; what are your reoccurring bills and what money do you have to spend on gifts? Figuring out the budget you have is vital when it comes to discretionary expenses, like gifts for family and friends. Take some time to understand what money you have coming in and what you can allocate for gifts.

Keep track of what you’re spending. It’s easy to hit the “no receipt,” option at the checkout and forget about what you just spent, and the holiday season may not change your habits. Luckily, we have great tools like this calculator, it can make you more conscious of what you are about to spend or have spent. All while staying on budget.

Lastly, when it comes to shopping and your credit card, make sure you get the most out of it. Credit cards work to help us buy now and pay later, but it’s not a one-way street. There are rewards and perks you can get from using your credit card, like cash back or travel rewards.

Take some holiday debt off your plate this season and make more room for your favorite dish. Check out more budgeting resources here.

Reviewed April 2025
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.