The holiday season can sneak up quickly—and so can the expenses that come with it. Between travel, gifts, hosting, and festive extras, it’s easy to overspend in the spirit of generosity. This November, take a pause and create a plan that aligns your holiday spending with your values.

Start by writing out your holiday priorities. Is it spending time with family? Giving thoughtful gifts? Hosting your favorite traditions? Once you know what matters most, decide how much you’ll spend in each category—then stick to it. This simple step helps you avoid the guilt and financial strain that can follow in January.

If you’ve been following along all year, you might have some extra cash from cutting subscriptions, tracking your spending, or trimming unnecessary costs. Redirect those savings toward your holiday budget or a small sinking fund to cover travel and gifts.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’ve been using a sinking fund for the holidays, now’s the perfect time to put it to work! Pull from that account to cover planned purchases and check whether any new or unexpected holiday expenses have popped up. If you don’t have a holiday sinking fund yet, make a mental note to start one when you begin planning your 2026 budget in late December or January. Setting aside a small amount each month throughout the year can make next holiday season so much easier—and a lot less stressful on your wallet.

Remember, being intentional doesn’t mean cutting out fun; it means spending purposefully, without letting outside expectations dictate your wallet. By planning ahead now, you can enter the season feeling calm, generous, and confident—knowing your money is working for you and not the other way around.

As always, never hesitate to reach out with questions about getting started with your budget.