Holiday Spending Hacks

☑ LMY VERIFIED

On November 4, 2025, we hosted a virtual live event via Zoom featuring Certified Financial Coaches, LaShanta and Varinder, who focused on strategies to help you navigate holiday spending without breaking the bank. The session kicked off with a poll asking participants when they start planning for holiday expenses. Answers ranged from “I start in the summer” to “I don’t plan—I just go with the flow.” Regardless of your approach, the key takeaway was clear: a plan is key.

Our discussion centered around three main pillars—budgeting and spending, rewards and loyalty programs, and creative credit strategies without racking up debt. 

Varinder emphasized that creating a budget is the first step. Consider all expenses, including gifts, food, travel, and even wrapping supplies. Starting early and writing things down can make a big difference. One helpful tip is using BCU’s Rainy Day Savings Account to set aside money each month, ensuring holiday costs don’t interfere with other financial goals.

When it comes to gifting, LaShanta shared creative ideas like DIY projects inspired by hobbies or TikTok trends, buying in sets during semiannual sales, and leveraging loyalty points at retailers such as Ulta or Sephora. She also suggested giving experiences instead of physical gifts, reminding us that meaningful gestures don’t have to be expensive. Love languages can guide your choices—focus on what truly matters to the recipient.
Rewards and loyalty programs were another hot topic. Varinder encouraged attendees to stack savings by using existing rewards points and planning ahead for major sale days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. He cautioned against opening new store credit cards, recommending instead manageable options like BCU’s Cash Rewards Visa® for cash back on holiday purchases.

We also tackled the concept of “spaving”—spending now to “save” later. LaShanta advised comparison shopping, using price trackers, and implementing a 48-hour waiting period before making purchases. Shopping with intention, avoiding impulse buys, and factoring in shipping costs can help keep spending under control.

Finally, Varinder shared tips for using credit creatively without accumulating debt. These included taking advantage of sign-on bonuses, automating savings through a Holiday Savings Account, and unsubscribing from marketing emails to reduce temptation. Differentiating between financial institution cards and retail cards is crucial for maintaining healthy credit habits.

Ready to make this holiday season stress-free? Start planning today and subscribe to Life. Money. You.^® to receive our newsletter for more tips and tools!

Watch the recording from the event here.

 Featuring LaShanta Wilson and Varinder Singh |  Edited by: Dani Buschick 

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