November 30, 20218 Guilt-Free Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

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At some point, you have to stop putting it on your credit card “and paying it off in January.” Just say no!  

I used to think it was so strange when my mom joked, “Let’s just skip everything this year, OK?” How could she even dream of it!  

But as a relatively functioning adult with my own bills and credit card balance to think about, I find myself agreeing with her. I may be too young still to be this cynical, but I also haven’t been this stressed since … last December.  

No matter how many cheap holiday gift guides or guides on how to make extra spending money this time of year I read, I know that I will not be able to buy everyone I care about gifts this year.  

Because as if that weren’t enough extra spending on its own, there are also the decorations to buy, the parties to bring food or wine to, the white-elephant office gift exchanges and gift wrap and cards, and last-minute shipping costs to think about.  

Knowing I’m going to have to opt-out of the majority of these things leaves me feeling guilty, anxious, and worried people are going to think I’m ungrateful.  

But here’s the thing: I don’t have to feel that way. It’s easier said than done, but here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can save money and avoid the guilt that comes with it.  

Make a plan and stick to it  

The first thing you need to do is take a hard look at what is possible. Make a list of all your anticipated holiday expenses – including gifts, decorations, travel, and anything else you’re going to spend money on that you usually wouldn’t. Then, immediately trim that down to what is completely necessary.  

Next, trim down your usual budget line items (like entertainment or even groceries if you won’t be home all month) and put that money into your new holiday budget.  

Now, compare your anticipated holiday spending with the funds you will actually have available to you. They probably won’t match up, but your job is to make them.  

Financial experts who overspent themselves one holiday or another recommend this too: Make a plan! It’s easier to say no to temptation when you have a clear picture of what you can afford.  

Be upfront with your loved ones 

I’ve gotten into the habit lately of estimating what I think my friends or family are going to spend on me for the holidays and spending the same on them. But my budget is not the same as theirs, and we all know that money isn’t an indication of how much you love someone.  

Having uncomfortable conversations early will pay off. You can tell your mom that you don’t have the money to participate in the extended family gift exchange this year, and you can ask your friends to set a $10 limit or to draw names instead of getting every single person a gift. No one wants you going into debt to buy them a throw pillow or a bracelet they’ve been eyeing.  

DIY! DIY! DIY! 

Once you’ve made your plan and set reasonable expectations for yourself, take stock of your own abilities before you spend any cash. Can you draw? Bake? Play the guitar? Crochet? Now is the time to put those abilities to use.  

Your loved ones would rather you make them a 15-hour Spotify playlist or a hand-drawn portrait of their beloved cat than buy them something that will make you late on your rent.  

Warning: be careful about deciding on a Pinterest project before realizing all the materials will cost you nearly as much as you were trying to save.  

Analyze your assets 

In the same vein, consider re-gifting anything you got last year but barely touched. If you’re short on cash, consider selling some gently used clothes or books online. And dig through your wallet or old purses to see if you have any unused gift cards you forgot about from last year. You probably have more help waiting in your house than you realized.  

Avoid online and window shopping 

Unless you have a specific goal in mind, do not just shop around for gifts. I am particularly susceptible to thinking to myself, “That’s too good a deal to pass up!” around this time of year. But the fact is, if it’s not something you already planned on buying, then it doesn’t matter if it’s on sale. Put on your blinders, and don’t go to the mall without a good reason.  

Just say no 

Sometimes, the answer to saving money is just opting out. No one is forcing you to do anything, and you are welcome to just stay home from the fourth potluck or not decorate every inch of your home.  

If saying no this time of year makes you feel like a Scrooge, get a little creative. Make something for the potluck out of the staples you already have in your home or turn up empty-handed and take on the responsibility of dish duty. And a string of popcorn and last year’s tinsel on your mantel is just as festive as brand-new lights and ornaments.  

Remind yourself it’s OK 

For me, guilt is the biggest motivator to get me to break out a credit card when I didn’t already plan to. Talk yourself down from the overspending ledge by remembering a few things: The holidays aren’t ruined when you don’t spend a bunch of money on gifts. You can and will show your love for people in different ways. No one is going to remember this by January except for you, when you look at your credit card statements. It’s all going to be OK.  

Start saving now for next year 

Finally, capitalize on any anxiety you’re feeling now by getting a head start on next year. Return to step one, pull together a loose plan and start saving ASAP. You’ll thank me later.