By: Tara Sauve
Marketing Coordinator, Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union
The holidays are a season of joy—filled with celebrations, family traditions, and time spent with the people who matter most. But between travel, entertaining, and gift giving, holiday spending can add up quickly and create unwanted financial stress.
According to a recent NerdWallet holiday spending report, 28% of shoppers who used credit cards last year still haven’t paid off their holiday purchases. With holiday sales and decorations appearing earlier each year, many households start the season already feeling the pressure.
The good news? With thoughtful planning and a simple holiday budgeting strategy, you can stay in control, spend confidently, and enjoy a more meaningful, stress-free holiday season.
Here are eight holiday spending tips to help you get started.
1. Know Where You Stand Financially
Before you buy your first gift, take time to review your financial picture. Look at your checking and savings balances, average income, upcoming bills, and any outstanding debt. Understanding what you can comfortably spend prevents overspending and helps avoid the dreaded post-holiday credit card shock.
A clear view of your finances puts you in control and sets the stage for a stress-free season.
2. Create a Realistic Holiday Budget
Now that you know your income, build a budget that covers your essential expenses, like rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, gas, and insurance. The remaining amount can be used towards your holiday spending budget.
If your budget is tighter than you’d like, consider:
- Scaling back on travel or events
- Setting gift limits with family or friends
- Planning creative, budget-friendly gifts
- Using a low-rate credit card responsibly for short-term flexibility
A realistic budget allows you to celebrate confidently without carrying holiday debt into the new year.
3. Make a Gift List and Stick to It
Write down everyone you plan to shop for—family, friends, coworkers—and give each person a spending limit. A written list keeps you focused, prevents impulse buys, and helps you stay within your budget.
You can also save money with thoughtful alternatives such as homemade gifts, shared experiences, or baked goods. These personal touches often mean more than expensive presents.
4. Shop Smart and Compare Prices
Smart planning is one of the easiest ways to save during the holidays. Take advantage of sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, sign up for store alerts, and use price comparison tools before checking out.
Shopping early can help you find the best deals and avoid last-minute shipping fees or out-of-stock frustrations.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a rewards credit card, keep an eye on bonus categories, you may earn extra points or cash back on holiday purchases.
5. Stay Safe When Shopping Online
If you’re completing most of your shopping online this year, protecting your financial information is essential. Always shop on secure, trusted websites (look for “https”), avoid clicking unfamiliar links, and keep your devices updated.
At Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, your security is our priority. You can set up credit and debit card purchase alerts through online and mobile banking to track spending in real time and quickly spot suspicious activity—providing added peace of mind throughout the season.
6. Use and Save Rewards Points for Holiday Purchases
If you earn credit card rewards, plan ahead by saving points throughout the year. Redeeming rewards for gift purchases, travel, or cash back can significantly reduce the financial burden of holiday shopping.
Think of rewards as an extra budget boost—one more way to stretch your holiday dollars.
7. Stick to Your Holiday Budget
Staying on budget can feel challenging, especially with seasonal sales and social pressures all around. To stay disciplined, try:
- Paying with cash to avoid overspending
- Using one dedicated card to track all holiday purchases
- Setting up real-time purchase alerts to monitor your spending
These tools make it easier to stay accountable and prevent surprise bills in January.
8. Plan for Next Year with a Holiday Savings Strategy
One of the best ways to reduce stress—this year and next—is to set aside money throughout the year. A Finger Lakes FCU Holiday Club Savings Account makes it easy. Choose your savings goal, set up a small weekly or monthly transfer, and watch your balance grow.
On October 1st, the full amount automatically transfers to your primary savings account, just in time for holiday shopping. It’s a simple, effective way to prepare for next year and avoid relying on credit cards.
Make the Most of Your Budget with a Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union Credit Card
At Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you enjoy the holiday season without financial worry. Our FLFCU Visa® Credit Card offers low rates, cash-back rewards, and personalized support from a team that truly cares about your financial wellbeing.
With a thoughtful plan and the right financial tools, you can make the most of every dollar while protecting your financial peace of mind.
Ready to take control of your holiday spending?
Explore our Visa® Credit Card options or visit your nearest branch to learn how we can help make this holiday season merry, bright, and financially stress-free.
At Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, we’re here to support you every step of the way—so you can focus on making memories, not worrying about your wallet.
About the author
Tara Sauve, Marketing Coordinator
Tara supports financial wellness initiatives at Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union and is passionate about helping members make informed, confident financial decisions.