Quick Links

Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Your 2025 Game Plan

 
Kid excited about a present
 

The festive season is just around the corner, and we can almost smell the gingerbread and cinnamon. It’s a time for family, friends, and spreading cheer. But let’s be honest, it can also be a time of financial stress. The good news? It doesn’t have to be! At Common Trust FCU, we believe a joyful holiday season should be one you can actually afford.

This year, let’s get ahead of the game with a smart and savvy approach to holiday shopping. With a little planning and our friendly tips, you can give thoughtful gifts and enjoy the season without starting the new year with a mountain of debt.

1. Create a Realistic Holiday Budget (and Check it Twice!)

Before you buy a single present, sit down and make a list. Not just of the people you're shopping for, but also of all your potential holiday expenses. Think beyond gifts: decorations, travel, festive meals, and charitable donations. Once you have your list, set a realistic spending limit for each category.

  • Pro Tip From Common Trust FCU: Consider opening a dedicated Holiday Club Savings Account. By setting up small, automatic transfers throughout the year, you can build up your holiday fund without even thinking about it.

2. Start Early and Stay On Track

Waiting until the last minute is a surefire way to overspend. Shopping early allows you to hunt for the best deals, take advantage of sales throughout the year, and avoid costly last-minute shipping fees. As you shop, keep a running total of your spending and compare it to your budget.

3. Get Creative With Thoughtful, Low-Cost Gifts

Remember, the most meaningful gifts often have the least expensive price tag. Think outside the box and consider:

  • DIY or Homemade Gifts: A batch of your famous cookies, a beautifully framed photo, or a hand-knitted scarf. A homemade gift is truly a gift from the heart.

  • The Gift of Experiences: Instead of a physical item, gift an experience. A promise to babysit, a cooking class together, or a fun day trip to a local attraction creates lasting memories.

  • A "Secret Santa" Exchange: If you have a large family or friend group, suggest a gift exchange. It can be a fun way to reduce the number of gifts you need to buy and keep the focus on one special person.

4. Shop Smart and Use Your Resources

The right tools can make a big difference.

  • Track your spending: Use our Mobile Banking App to monitor your account activity in real time. Seeing where your money is going will help you stay on budget.

  • Look for sales: Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But be wary of "deals" that tempt you to buy things you don't need.

The holiday season is a time for joy, not stress. By creating a plan and sticking to your budget, you can focus on what truly matters: spending time with loved ones and making wonderful new memories.

Happy holidays from all of us at Common Trust FCU!

Gabrielle Fortier