Debt is a frequent unwelcome visitor of the holiday season that frequently remains after the lights go out and the New Year’s confetti falls. Unbelievably, 28% of Americans are still struggling with debt from holidays in 2023—a financial hangover no one wants to celebrate. Don’t worry, though—this year could be unique. This blog will explore tips to avoid holiday debt this year.

Accept Digital Gifting

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Consider opting for digital or subscription-based gifts, such as streaming service memberships, online course enrollments, or e-book acquisitions. These options are convenient for last-minute gifting and often more affordable than physical items. Digital gifts provide immediate delivery and various choices to suit any interest.

Workshops on Handmade Gifts

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Consider hosting or attending DIY gift-making workshops in your area. These sessions can empower you with skills to craft cost-effective personalized gifts that enhance mindfulness. Engaging in the art of handmade presents offers a meaningful and thoughtful touch to your gifting.

Make Use of Reward and Cashback Programs

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Leverage reward and cashback programs by utilizing credit cards offering points or cashback for year-round purchases. Allocate these rewards exclusively for Christmas shopping, transforming regular spending into a secret holiday savings strategy. This approach enables you to accumulate savings for the festive season effortlessly without altering your usual spending habits.

Create a Club for Holiday Savings

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Why put off thinking about Christmas spending until December? Create a Holiday Savings Club with your loved ones. Like the old-fashioned Christmas Clubs of yesteryear, each member contributes weekly or monthly. When the holidays arrive, you’ll have savings for celebratory expenditures.

Organize a “Pre-Holiday” Yard Sale

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Plan a “Pre-Holiday” Yard Sale to declutter and financially prepare for the festive season. You achieve dual benefits by selling items no longer needed: creating a more spacious, organized home and accumulating extra funds to enrich your holiday spending. This method presents a prudent financial move, ensuring you enter the holidays with a tidier space and a healthier wallet, embodying sustainability and smart planning.

Have a Unique Gift Exchange Idea

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Each year, innovate your gift exchange by proposing unique themes like “Handmade Only,” “Thrift Store Finds,” or “Books Only.” This approach injects creativity into the tradition and often reduces financial pressure, making the exchange more about thoughtfulness and less about cost.

Reevaluate Your Holiday Customs

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Discuss the idea of rethinking your holiday traditions with your loved ones. Consider shifting the focus from giving gifts to sharing experiences or performing acts of kindness. This change in perspective could lead to holidays that are not only less financially burdensome but also more fulfilling and meaningful.

Get Extra Money for the Holidays by Starting a Side Business

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Boost your holiday budget by launching a side business based on your skills or hobbies. Whether graphic design, crafting, or freelance writing, tapping into your talents can provide extra funds for holiday spending. This strategy enhances your financial flexibility during the festive season and allows you to pursue passions that could turn into profitable ventures.

Accept the ‘Gift of Presence’ Idea

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Why not place more emphasis on “presence” than “presents” in a society that is fixated on material presents? Rather than buying gaudy things, think about donating your time and expertise. A handcrafted picture album, a customized cooking lesson, or a commitment to assist with a DIY project might hold far greater significance than any item purchased from the shop.

Leverage Technology for Budgeting and Savings

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Utilize technology to manage your holiday finances effectively. Budgeting apps help monitor spending, ensuring you stay within your holiday budget. Savings apps, meanwhile, automate saving small amounts over time, creating a fund specifically for holiday expenses. Additionally, price comparison tools ensure you get the best deals, making your money go further without sacrificing the quality of your gifts.

Embrace Community and Shared Experiences

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The essence of the holiday season is found in community and shared experiences, not extravagant gifts. Engage in community events, which often are low-cost but rich in spirit, offering enjoyment for everyone. Alternatively, consider giving your time or skills as gifts, such as offering personalized lessons or assistance. These gifts of experience strengthen relationships and create lasting memories, all while keeping your budget intact.

Janette Davis