The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us — along with all the extra expenses. Between gifts, travel, food, and festive activities, it’s easy to blow your budget and end the year feeling strapped.
But here’s the good news: if you start now, you can set aside an extra $500 before the holidays hit — without needing a huge income boost or a second job. All it takes is a plan and a few smart money moves.
1. Do a Quick Spending Audit
Take 10 minutes to look over your bank or credit card statements from the past month. Highlight any expenses that:
You forgot you were paying for (like unused subscriptions). If you have an iPhone, go under settings, click on your profile, then click on Subscriptions and check to see if you’re paying for any unused apps.
You didn’t really need (impulse buys, extra takeout, etc.)
Cancel at least one subscription and commit to cutting back on one unnecessary category. Even trimming $25 a week frees up $100 a month — that’s $300 saved by December.
2. Try a “Cash-Only Weekend” Challenge
Pick one weekend a month between now and the holidays where you only spend cash. Leave the debit and credit cards at home.
When you have to hand over actual bills, you’re less likely to overspend. Most people save at least $30–$50 just by being intentional for a couple of days. Do this three times and you’ve got another $150 toward your holiday fund.
3. Sell 5 Things You Don’t Need
We all have stuff around the house collecting dust. Instead of letting it sit, turn it into cash:
Post on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or eBay
Host a mini yard sale one Saturday morning
Sell old books or games to local shops
If you average $20 per item, just five things add $100 to your total.
4. Put Your Savings on Autopilot
Open a separate savings account (bonus if it’s a high-yield savings account) and set up an automatic transfer. Even $25 a week will feel painless, but over the next 8 weeks, that’s $200 saved without you thinking about it.
5. Pocket Your “Found Money”
Whenever you get unexpected money — a rebate, cash back (like from using an app like Upside or Rakuten), a Venmo refund from a friend, even coins in the laundry — stash it in your holiday fund. These small amounts add up quickly, and because you weren’t counting on them, you won’t miss them.
Your Holiday Savings Plan at a Glance
Cut $100/month from expenses = $300
Cash-only weekends (3x) = $150
Sell 5 things = $100
Automatic transfers ($25 x 8 weeks) = $200
“Found money” = $50+
Total: $800+ potential savings before December. Even if you only hit part of that, you’ll easily cross the $500 mark — and that’s money you won’t have to put on a credit card this holiday season.
Holiday spending doesn’t have to derail your budget. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy the season without the financial stress. Start today, and by the time the holidays roll around, you’ll have a nice cash cushion ready to go.
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