The season of giving doesn’t have to break the bank.
This year, enjoy the festivities without having to worry about expenses. The Bold Maven invites you to savor the festivities with confidence, and most importantly, free from financial stress. Whether you’re planning gift shopping, travel, or hosting gatherings, our team has you covered with tips and tricks that allow you to enjoy every moment without overspending.
By incorporating some of these budgeting hacks, stay smart and savvy with your spending while still embracing the holiday spirit.
And I’m Sticking to It (The Budget,That Is)
Before diving into gift shopping or travel plans, start by setting a realistic holiday budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend in total, then break it down into categories—gifts, travel, entertaining, and miscellaneous expenses like holiday decor. This clear framework will keep you accountable and make it easier to track your spending throughout the season. Many budgeting apps, like Mint and YNAB, are great for monitoring expenses and setting category limits.
Check out CNBC Select’s top-rated budgeting apps—reviewed for their standout features, user ratings, and free trials to help you find the best fit for your holiday budgeting needs.
Plan and Prioritize
Gift-giving brings so much joy to the holiday season, but it can also add up fast. Start by making a list of everyone you’d like to shop for, then prioritize based on your budget. If money’s tight, focus on immediate family and close friends, and consider affordable, heartfelt gifts for others. Thoughtful options like DIY crafts, homemade treats, or framed photos can be just as meaningful without breaking the bank. Michelle Perry Higgins from Investopedia recommends using a budget template to track every holiday expense—food, gifts, travel, decor, and more—to help stay on track. By setting a spending limit upfront, you’ll find it much easier to avoid those tempting impulse buys
Swipe Right on Savings: Utilize Cash-Back and Discount Apps
Take advantage of cash-back apps like Rakuten, Honey, or Ibotta to earn a percentage back on your holiday purchases. These platforms partner with major retailers, allowing you to shop online and receive cash rewards directly into your account. Many of these apps also provide exclusive coupon codes and discounts, which can lead to substantial savings on your holiday shopping.
Travel Smart
If holiday travel is in your plans, try to book flights and accommodations as early as possible to snag the best rates. Use platforms like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner to compare prices and ensure you’re getting the most affordable option. If you’re hitting the road, fuel reward programs and apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas along your route. Flexibility with travel dates, especially around peak holiday times, can also lead to big savings—consider flying the week before or after the holiday to lower costs.
According to Google Flights, the ideal window for booking holiday travel at the best prices is between Oct. 28 and Nov. 19, with 58 days before departure being the sweet spot for cheap fares. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are usually the most budget-friendly days to fly, and flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct ones.
“You want to book before prices spike but not too far out,” travel expert Clint Henderson shared on Good Morning America. He advises booking Thanksgiving trips immediately and Christmas flights by Halloween, as prices are set to climb daily after that.
Score Big with Sales and Deals
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-holiday sales offer great opportunities for saving, but approach them with a plan. Make a list of items you genuinely need, whether for gifts or personal use, and avoid impulse buys that can quickly eat into your budget. When shopping online, use price-tracking tools like Rakuten or Honey’s Droplist feature to monitor discounts and receive alerts when prices drop on specific items.
Limit Credit Card Usage
It’s easy to reach for your credit card during the holidays, but high-interest rates can quickly turn holiday cheer into New Year’s debt. To keep spending in check, try using cash or debit for purchases, or, if you’re using a credit card for rewards, make sure you have a plan to pay off the balance before interest kicks in. Setting aside a portion of each paycheck as a dedicated “holiday fund” can also keep you from relying entirely on credit.
Discover offers some key holiday credit card tips: create a spending plan so you know what you can afford for gifts and décor; consider credit cards that offer extra rewards like cash back; and regularly check your statements to catch any unauthorized activity early.
The holiday season is a time for celebration and fellowship. With a little planning, you can capture the season’s best moments without overspending.
Follow these budgeting hacks to stay on track financially and make the most of your holidays—leaving you with more room to enjoy each and every special moment.
