She Strengthens

Break Free from Holiday Spending Stress

For many of us, the holiday season is synonymous with overspending and financial stress. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Meet five individuals who have found creative ways to stay on track financially during the holidays.

Rethinking Gift-Giving

As a Florida resident, I used to spend upwards of $1,000 on presents for my husband and two daughters. But after realizing that most gifts were forgotten by February, I switched to buying a few stocking stuffers and one big experiential gift, like discounted Disney annual passes. Not only does this approach save me half of what I used to spend, but it also provides year-round family fun.

Cash in on Credit Card Rewards

Marc, a 39-year-old blogger from York, Pa., uses cash-back credit cards for almost every purchase throughout the year. By accumulating rewards and paying off the balance in full each month, he’s racked up $1,000 to pay for all his holiday shopping. This strategy can be applied even if you’re starting late, as many cards offer signup bonuses to pad your holiday fund.

The Secret to Saving $800

Jim Wang, a 38-year-old blogger from Maple Lawn, Md., introduced a Secret Santa exchange to his large family, where each person buys one meaningful gift for no more than $50. This simple hack has saved him around $800 every year, allowing him to focus on more intimate and special gifts. While it may not work for everyone, especially children, Jim takes advantage of sales throughout the year to stockpile presents.

Timing is Everything

Tim Stobierski, a 29-year-old marketer from Ansonia, Conn., avoids last-minute shopping by buying gifts at the right time. He’s taken advantage of employee discounts, bought unique gifts while traveling, and looks out for sales and free shipping deals. By keeping an eye out for opportunities, Tim has been able to stay on track financially while still enjoying the holiday season.

Throwing a Budget-Friendly Party

BreAnna Fiala, a 29-year-old blogger from New York City, has mastered the art of throwing a great holiday party for just $10 per person. By keeping the guest list small, sending digital invites, and opting for festive appetizers instead of sit-down meals, she’s been able to save hundreds of dollars. She also gets creative with decorations from the dollar store and borrows items from friends to avoid new purchases.

Renting Out Your Home for the Holidays

Kylie Travers, a 33-year-old writer and motivational speaker from Melbourne, Australia, has found a unique way to earn extra cash during the holiday season. By renting out her home on Airbnb, she’s made up to $1,300 in just five nights. This approach not only covers her holiday expenses but also provides a nice bonus to spend as she likes. With some careful planning and precautions, renting out extra space can be a low-effort way to boost your income.