The holiday season is a time for celebration—not for financial stress. But we know all too well that holiday expenses have a sneaky way of piling up.

This year, start the season with a plan. Here’s how to take charge of your end-of-year budget without sacrificing the holiday spirit.

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1. Set a budget, and stick to it

Before you start filling your cart, set a realistic budget that reflects the amount you’re willing (and able) to spend without jeopardizing your financial stability.

💡 Tip: Try breaking down your total amount into biweekly amounts (in other words, the amount you should save from each paycheck). For example, if you need $300 by the time December rolls around, that’s roughly $50 per paycheck starting in August.

It's never too late! If it’s already November and you haven’t started saving, take a look at your upcoming paychecks and set aside a reasonable amount from each (Exhale can help!). Focus on adjusting other expenses temporarily or finding creative ways to cut back this month so you can put a little extra toward your holiday budget.

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2. Prioritize your purchases

Holiday spending isn't just about gifts. Travel, festive dinners, outings with friends, tips for service workers—these expenses can add up fast. Start by making a list of everything you might need to spend money on, then rank them by priority. What matters most to you? Where can you cut back?

Once you have your list, divide your budget accordingly. Some people use a spreadsheet to set a spending cap for each person or activity, ensuring every dollar is accounted for. The goal is to stay intentional about where your money goes, which can help avoid any surprise expenses that might otherwise sneak up on you.

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3. Try out these smart shopping hacks

Once your budget is set, get strategic with your shopping. Here are a few tips to help you find better deals:

• Shop with rewards and cash back: Many credit cards offer cash back or rewards for spending, and platforms like Ibotta can give you cash back for spending on essentials like groceries.
• Use price trackers: Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel can show historical prices and apply discounts automatically, focusing on the deal-hunting so you don't have to.
• Take advantage of flash sales and free shipping days: Keep an eye out for retailer-specific flash sales, and watch for Free Shipping Day promotions in mid-December. Buying during these periods can help you save on shipping costs and snag last-minute deals!

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4. Have open conversations about spending

Money can be a touchy subject, but having honest conversations with family and friends can alleviate some of the pressure to overspend. Consider suggesting a spending cap on gifts or opting for a gift exchange if you have a big family. You might even find that others appreciate the shift toward a more meaningful holiday experience.

This approach is about more than just saving money; it’s about aligning your spending with your values. By discussing expectations with those closest to you, you can focus on what really matters without blowing your budget.

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5. Plan for next year's holidays now

You heard us right. One of the best ways to avoid holiday financial stress is to plan ahead. Consider setting up a separate savings account dedicated to holiday spending, adding a small amount to it each month throughout the year. Then, by the time next year's holidays sneak up on you, you’ll have the funds you need without tapping into your main savings or accumulating credit card debt.

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Remember, you're in control. 💪

Managing holiday spending doesn’t mean you have to cut out the fun. With a few smart moves, you’ll ring in the new year feeling ready for anything—minus the January money hangover.