Make the Most of the Holiday Season - Without Overspending
The holidays are a time for joy, generosity, and making memories. But they can also be one of the most expensive times of the year. Between travel, gifts, events, and special meals, costs can add up quickly, and without a plan, January’s bills can hit harder than expected.
The good news? You can celebrate fully and still keep your finances intact. With some intentional budgeting, strategic shopping, and smart use of rewards, you can enjoy the season without overspending.
Key Takeaways
A realistic holiday budget helps you avoid debt and reduce stress.
Early planning means more opportunities for deals.
Alternative gifting and low-cost celebrations can be just as meaningful.
Review and Reset Your Holiday Budget
Before you start shopping, take a few minutes to look back at last year’s spending. Which areas crept over budget? Were there expenses you didn’t anticipate? Learning from your past spending can help you set a realistic target this year.
If you don’t already have one, consider opening a Voyage Holiday Club Savings account. This special account helps you save small amounts all year. You can also use Voyage’s savings goal calculator to break your budget into manageable monthly savings.
Shop Smart in the Weeks Ahead
You don’t have to wait until the last minute or Black Friday to score great prices. Try planning your holiday shopping around these prime deal times:
Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Perfect for scoring discounts on electronics, appliances, and big-ticket gifts.
Small Business Saturday: Support local businesses while finding unique, meaningful presents.
Mid-December Clearance: Look for markdowns on toys, games, and seasonal decor as retailers prepare for the new year.
Put Your Rewards to Work
If you’re using a Voyage credit card, the holiday season is a great time to earn bonus points, especially when shopping locally. You can redeem those points for travel, gifts, or even to pay down your balance. Just be sure to track your spending so you’re not overspending for the sake of rewards.
Get Creative with Gifting
Not every gift needs to be store-bought. In fact, alternative gifting often feels more personal and can save you money. Consider:
Experience gifts like concert tickets, classes, or local getaways.
Group exchanges, such as Secret Santa, can reduce the total number of gifts.
DIY or handmade items for a thoughtful touch without a high price tag.
Host Festive Gatherings on a Budget
Holiday celebrations don’t need to break the bank to be memorable.
Try:
Potluck-style parties where guests bring a dish to share.
DIY decorations or reusing décor from past years.
Digital invitations cut printing and postage costs.
Holiday playlist and classic movies to set the mood without hiring entertainment.
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free New Year
Once the holidays wind down, review your spending and note what worked — and what didn’t. Then, set your savings plan in motion for next year.
Opening a Holiday Club Savings account now means you can start building next year’s holiday fund gradually, so the season feels easier and more enjoyable.
For more tips on planning ahead and spending with intention, tune into our episode on the Tips for Change podcast with Mindy Brouwer, VP of Consumer Lending at Voyage. Mindy shares simple, practical strategies to help you navigate the season and set yourself up for a stronger start to the new year.
The holidays are meant for celebrating, not stressing. By making intentional choices and taking advantage of Voyage’s tools and rewards, you can make the most of the season without overspending. Starting the new year on solid financial ground.
