Money Smarts Blog

Hey friends! Krysty here, Financial Coach at IHMVCU, holiday enthusiast, and self-proclaimed gift wrap ninja.

I know what you're thinking: “Krysty, it's September. I'm just trying to survive back-to-school, not hang up twinkle lights.”

Totally fair. But hear me out… September is secretly the best month to start prepping for the holidays. Why? Because a little early planning = way less stress (and debt) later. Future you, in your matching pajamas and fuzzy socks, will be SO glad you got ahead of the game.

So, let’s talk about how to crush the holiday season without crushing your budget.

1. Set a spending limit before the sparkle hits

Know your number before the Target dollar spot hypnotizes you.

Seriously, figure out how much you can spend on gifts, travel, food, and decorations total. Then break it down by category. You can use a spreadsheet, an app, or good ol’ pen and paper. (Want a free planner? We’ve got one. Just ask!)

2. Make a list (And yep, check it twice)

Santa had the right idea.

Write down everything: who you're shopping for, how much you plan to spend, and even those sneaky extras like hostess gifts or holiday PJs for the dog (no judgment). Having it all in one place keeps you focused and stops the “just one more little thing” spiral.

3. Use cash or debit when you can

Credit cards are convenient, but if you’re not careful, you’ll be paying off Christmas until next Christmas.

Stick to cash or your debit card for most purchases. The “envelope method” still works wonders, digitally or with actual envelopes.

4. Kickstart your holiday savings

 Want to make holiday savings easy? A SavingsBooster account is the perfect way to grow your funds without thinking about it. Set up automatic transfers, and every time you get paid, you’ll be putting money aside for gifts, travel, and holiday fun. Plus, you’ll earn interest while you save, making it a simple way to crush your holiday budget!

5. Gifting without going broke

This one’s big. I promise you: you can be thoughtful without overspending.

Some of my favorite tips:

• Set expectations early (yes, it's okay to say, “We’re keeping it simple this year.”)
• Try group gifts, Secret Santa, or DIY gifts
• Lead with values, not pressure. It’s about connection, not competition

6. Side hustle season is real

Got stuff you don’t use? Sell it!

Love baking, babysitting, or crafting? Offer up your skills! September is a great time to bring in a little extra before the holiday rush hits. Just one Saturday garage sale or Marketplace binge could fund half your gift list.

7. Decorate on a dime

Hot tip: the dollar store is basically the North Pole.

Repurpose fall/winter stuff, hit up thrift shops, or have a family craft night. My house may not be in a magazine, but it’s full of cozy lights, handmade garlands, and a lot of glitter. (Sorry, vacuum.)

8. Feast without financial fallout

Holiday meals don’t have to empty your pantry and your wallet.

• Plan your menu early and watch for sales on those key ingredients
• Shop seasonal and local
• Make it a potluck!
• Buy in bulk and freeze extras (Thanksgiving leftovers in January? Yes please.)

9. Give back, budget-style

One of my favorite parts of the season is giving back but even that can be budget-friendly.

Volunteer your time. Donate unused items. Write heartfelt cards. Small, meaningful gestures go a long way and fill your holiday spirit cup without draining your bank account.

10. Pause before you purchase

Quick mental check before any swipe: Does this align with what matters to me?

If it’s a “meh,” maybe skip it. Your budget (and your January credit card statement) will thank you.

Wrap it up (Pun very much intended)

Look, the holidays are magical. But they don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. A little planning now = a lot more joy later.

 Want help building your holiday game plan? I’d love to chat!

Book a free Financial Health Check Up with me or any of our amazing Financial Coaches. We’ll build a budget that works for you (and leaves room for extra cookies).

Hey friends! Krysty here, Financial Coach at IHMVCU, holiday enthusiast, and self-proclaimed gift wrap ninja.

I know what you're thinking: “Krysty, it's September. I'm just trying to survive back-to-school, not hang up twinkle lights.”

Totally fair. But hear me out… September is secretly the best month to start prepping for the holidays. Why? Because a little early planning = way less stress (and debt) later. Future you, in your matching pajamas and fuzzy socks, will be SO glad you got ahead of the game.

So, let’s talk about how to crush the holiday season without crushing your budget.

1. Set a spending limit before the sparkle hits

Know your number before the Target dollar spot hypnotizes you.

Seriously, figure out how much you can spend on gifts, travel, food, and decorations total. Then break it down by category. You can use a spreadsheet, an app, or good ol’ pen and paper. (Want a free planner? We’ve got one. Just ask!)

2. Make a list (And yep, check it twice)

Santa had the right idea.

Write down everything: who you're shopping for, how much you plan to spend, and even those sneaky extras like hostess gifts or holiday PJs for the dog (no judgment). Having it all in one place keeps you focused and stops the “just one more little thing” spiral.

3. Use cash or debit when you can

Credit cards are convenient, but if you’re not careful, you’ll be paying off Christmas until next Christmas.

Stick to cash or your debit card for most purchases. The “envelope method” still works wonders, digitally or with actual envelopes.

4. Kickstart your holiday savings

 Want to make holiday savings easy? A SavingsBooster account is the perfect way to grow your funds without thinking about it. Set up automatic transfers, and every time you get paid, you’ll be putting money aside for gifts, travel, and holiday fun. Plus, you’ll earn interest while you save, making it a simple way to crush your holiday budget!

5. Gifting without going broke

This one’s big. I promise you: you can be thoughtful without overspending.

Some of my favorite tips:

• Set expectations early (yes, it's okay to say, “We’re keeping it simple this year.”)
• Try group gifts, Secret Santa, or DIY gifts
• Lead with values, not pressure. It’s about connection, not competition

6. Side hustle season is real

Got stuff you don’t use? Sell it!

Love baking, babysitting, or crafting? Offer up your skills! September is a great time to bring in a little extra before the holiday rush hits. Just one Saturday garage sale or Marketplace binge could fund half your gift list.

7. Decorate on a dime

Hot tip: the dollar store is basically the North Pole.

Repurpose fall/winter stuff, hit up thrift shops, or have a family craft night. My house may not be in a magazine, but it’s full of cozy lights, handmade garlands, and a lot of glitter. (Sorry, vacuum.)

8. Feast without financial fallout

Holiday meals don’t have to empty your pantry and your wallet.

• Plan your menu early and watch for sales on those key ingredients
• Shop seasonal and local
• Make it a potluck!
• Buy in bulk and freeze extras (Thanksgiving leftovers in January? Yes please.)

9. Give back, budget-style

One of my favorite parts of the season is giving back but even that can be budget-friendly.

Volunteer your time. Donate unused items. Write heartfelt cards. Small, meaningful gestures go a long way and fill your holiday spirit cup without draining your bank account.

10. Pause before you purchase

Quick mental check before any swipe: Does this align with what matters to me?

If it’s a “meh,” maybe skip it. Your budget (and your January credit card statement) will thank you.

Wrap it up (Pun very much intended)

Look, the holidays are magical. But they don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. A little planning now = a lot more joy later.

 Want help building your holiday game plan? I’d love to chat!

Book a free Financial Health Check Up with me or any of our amazing Financial Coaches. We’ll build a budget that works for you (and leaves room for extra cookies).