December is fun… and expensive. Gifts, outings, snacks, and holiday sales can make your money disappear fast. The trick isn’t to stop spending — it’s to spend with a plan.
Try these quick moves:
1. Make a simple budget.
Write down what you have and what you need to buy this month. Even a notes-app list helps.
2. Set a gift limit.
Pick a total amount for gifts before you shop. Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean pricey.
3. Save first, then spend.
When money comes in, save 10–20% right away — even if it’s just $5. Habits matter.
4. Watch the “small buys.”
Holiday drinks, mall snacks, and little add-ons add up. Ask: Do I want this now, or something bigger later?
5. Keep January in mind.
Spending everything in December feels rough later. Leave yourself a cushion.
A few smart choices now = less stress and more freedom later. You’ve got this.