Tis the season to be budget friendly! Are you trying to figure out how to budget for the holidays without being left with little money after Christmas?
Don’t worry I’m not here to take away the holiday spirit, all I want to do is to help you enjoy this year’s season without paying for it later.
Many people today have the pressure of picking out the perfect gift for each close family member and friend.
I get it! Especially since I am on a tight budget this year.
The built up anxiety of making everyone you gift feel special, can lead to overspending for the month of December.
This does not have to be your story. You can actually enjoy the festivities and have perfect peace by following the few tips and tricks I have when budgeting for the holiday season.
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1. Set a Budget
A budget keeps you focused and allows you to shop without any guilt because you have a plan.
A budget also prevents any unforeseen crisis from happening and it actually makes you feel as if you have more money than originally planned.
What will be your max amount for the holiday season?
Have a number in your head that will cover all the Christmas gifts and holiday items you plan to buy for the season.
This can include money you plan on spending for holiday parties and even charitable donations. Just stick to your budget and try not to go over it.
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2. Use Budgeting Tools
Consider using budgeting tools like EveryDollar to track your holiday spending. These tools can help you set up a Christmas fund, allowing you to save gradually throughout the year.
By planning your budget early, you can avoid the financial strain that often accompanies last-minute holiday shopping.
3. Try not exceed 1% to 2% of your annual income on the total budget.
In order to make sure you’re staying right on your holiday budget, you’ll want to keep the total for gifts and fun around 1% to 2% of your annual income.
For example, if you make $50,000 per year, then your max Christmas budget will be around $1000.
4. Start Saving ASAP!
Save and budget for the holiday season as soon as possible.
This will make your season less stressful, because you will have all your money in place eliminating the last minute debt that usually occurs during this time of year.
5. Set Aside 2% of Your Income Each Month
If you’ve waited until the last minute, then count the number of paychecks left prior to Christmas and divide by the budget goal you’ve set.
This number will let you know how much to put aside with each paycheck.
For example, if your goal is $1500 and you have 3 paychecks left prior to the annual holiday, then you would put $500 aside per check.
However, I ALWAYS recommend that you start saving earlier in the year and that you start shopping throughout the year so that it’s not so hard for you at the end of the year.
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6. List Each Person’s Name and Make a Shopping List
Gather everyone’s name with the gift you will be giving plus the cost of each item. Even if you don’t end up getting that individual gift, you’ll at least have a starting place and guide.
This will help you stay on track with your holiday budgeting goals.
Holiday Budget Planner (Christmas Shopping List)
| Recipient’s Name | Item | Budget | Actual Cost |
| Tyler Smith | Headphones | $115 | $89.75 |
| Hope’s Charity | Charitable Giving | $500 | $500 |
7. Use the Alternative Gift-Giving Strategies
Explore alternative gift-giving strategies to manage your budget effectively. The 4 gift rule—something they want, need, wear, and read—can simplify your shopping list.
Consider organizing a Secret Santa exchange or crafting homemade gifts to add a personal touch without overspending.
I’ve had to use this hack this holiday season because we’re on a much tighter budget for gift-giving.
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8. Make Sure Your Budget Includes Miscellaneous Items
Don’t forget that the holidays do not only include gifts, but events and dining experiences.
Items such as holiday décor, cooking, entertaining, traveling, charitable giving and more are just a few details to remember when getting your savings game together.
9. Know Where You’re Going to Purchase Each Item
You should also know if there’s a particular time of the year the item usually goes on sale. Organization is key and it will ease your mind during all of the holiday commotion.
Not only should you know which stores to go to, you should also try to map out the store layout prior to your visit. This will you keep you focused and not wander too far.
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10. Purchase Christmas Gifts Marked for Clearance AFTER December 25th
You will save an average of 75% with the after Christmas sales. The prices are sometimes better than the Black Friday deals.
This one tip will save you lots of money when prepping for the following holiday season.
Power Tip: Avoid impulse buying, which is one of the main causes for buyer’s remorse in the months to follow.
My Final Thoughts on Creating the Perfect Budget for the Holidays
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to budget for the holidays if you have a plan!
The holiday season can be emotionally taxing, especially when financial pressures mount. Focus on creating meaningful experiences rather than accumulating material gifts.
Remember, the true spirit of the holidays lies in spending quality time with loved ones, not in the quantity of gifts exchanged.
I hope this article helped you gain some control of your shopping and allows you to due Christmas on a budget the right way.
Remember not to stress out. I encourage you to enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.
If you want more handy tax tips, then feel free to check out my latest articles here. You can sign up to get on the waiting list if you’d like to file with me this year.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
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Stay savvy, and may the tax odds be ever in your favor!
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(Original Article Date: December 2016/Updated On: December 6, 2024)
