Heading into the holiday season stirs excitement and good memories, but it can also be a source of stress when you think about the costs of travel, gifts and experiences. Did you know that the vast majority of Americans — 76% — experience emotional distress from financial pressures from the season?

To avoid sleepless nights, dipping into savings, or missing out on fun for financial reasons, consider some of the following tips to enter the holiday season in a great financial headspace.

Plan Ahead

Budgeting is especially important in the holiday season. As early as you can, try to anticipate all the purchases or out-of-the-ordinary costs you foresee. This might include:

  • Gifts
  • Travel expenses (flights, train tickets, gas, hotels)
  • Larger grocery bills
  • Higher utilities
  • Pet boarding or a pet sitter

You’ll want to weigh these against your household’s expected income. That might include:

  • Weekly/biweekly paychecks.
  • Freelance work.
  • Refunds or gifts.

With both numbers in mind, you can see if you’ll pace beyond or behind the set amount you want to spend. This budget can help you make decisions for the next three months. If you’re able to stick to it, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the money is earmarked and accounted for!

Save Early

If you lay out your budget and find that you’ll be a few hundred dollars behind non-negotiable expenses, it’s time to save as much as you can. Chances are that you’ll have a few paychecks between now and when you need to start spending, so there are a few options you can pursue:

  • Pick up a seasonal part-time job.
  • Cut back on non-necessity spending before the holidays.
  • Consider a gig like DoorDash, UberEATS or contract remote work.
  • Rework the holiday budget to become more realistic.

Taking on another job is a hefty responsibility. Be sure you have the time, energy and mental capacity for it. The last thing you want to do is risk your steady paycheck at your full-time job or burn yourself out to not even be able to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Find Flight or Hotel Discounts

Travel for the holidays can get expensive anytime you book. To find the best deals, shop around consistently and join reward programs. Almost all major airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs in place — and if you have email receipts of flights or stays from this past year, you may even be able to retroactively add them to your account.

Regional airports may have more expensive flights, and if you can drive an extra hour or so to an international airport, you might find a better price. Similarly, hotels and Airbnb’s/VRBOs might have surge pricing during the holidays. If you share the cost with someone you’re traveling with, it cuts down your costs significantly.

At the end of the day, remember one important detail: the holidays are about celebrating the friendships and relationships of those you hold most dear. Enjoy the time you get with your loved ones and prepare for another great year.

Sources:

“76% of Americans Face Financial and Emotional Pressure over Holiday Spending,” Beyond Finance, beyondfinance.com, Accessed September 10, 2025.