The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, but it often comes with a side of financial stress. Whether you’re buying gifts, hosting gatherings, or traveling to see family, the extra expenses can sneak up on you. Thankfully, with a little preparation and some smart financial moves, you can handle these costs without too much strain. Joe DiSanto of Play Louder offers some down-to-earth advice on how to get ahead of holiday spending, even if you haven’t planned in advance.
A Yearly Plan: Budgeting for the Holidays
If you’re the kind of person who likes to plan ahead, one of the best things you can do is make holiday expenses part of your yearly budget. DiSanto suggests taking a look at your overall spending habits using tools like Quicken or Mint to track where your money is going. “If you already know the holidays tend to get expensive, it makes sense to factor that into your budget from the beginning of the year,” he says.
Setting aside a little money each month for holiday expenses can make a big difference when December rolls around. You’ll feel more in control because you’ve already accounted for the extra costs instead of scrambling to come up with the money at the last minute. It’s a simple idea, but one that takes the pressure off when the holiday season arrives.
Short-Term Fixes: What to Do If You Haven’t Planned Ahead
If you haven’t set up a long-term budget for the holidays, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, and there are still plenty of ways to prepare for the upcoming expenses. One of the quickest ways to start saving is by tightening your belt on everyday spending.
Start by reviewing your monthly subscriptions. “It’s easy to forget about the streaming services, gym memberships, and other subscriptions you don’t use regularly,” DiSanto explains. He suggests using apps like Truebill or Rocket Money to help identify any recurring charges you may have overlooked. Canceling just a few services could free up enough cash to cover some of your holiday shopping.
But don’t feel like you have to cut everything. DiSanto adds, “I’m not going to get rid of Netflix, but I’m definitely looking at anything I’m not using.” The key is to be selective and focus on what adds value to your life.
Get Rid of That Storage Unit
Storage units can be a hidden money drain. Many people rent storage space for items they don’t use or can’t fit in their homes, and the cost adds up quickly. “If you’ve had stuff in storage for years and haven’t touched it, it’s probably time to reassess,” DiSanto advises. The logic is simple: If it’s out of sight and you’re not using it, why pay to keep it?
Clearing out a storage unit not only saves you money, but it also gives you an opportunity to declutter your life. It’s a win-win. Plus, as DiSanto points out, you can often sell the items you no longer need and make some extra money in the process.
Sell Unused Items for Extra Cash
Selling items you no longer need can be a great way to raise some quick cash for holiday expenses. DiSanto recommends using Facebook Marketplace, especially for smaller items that are easy to ship. “You’d be surprised what people will buy,” he says. “Old electronics, baby gear, random cables—there’s a buyer out there for just about everything.”
The beauty of Facebook Marketplace is that it makes the selling process simple. You upload a few photos, set your price, and once an item sells, the platform sends you a shipping label to print. This way, you can sell to people across the country, not just locally.
For larger items, like furniture or appliances, local buyers are your best bet. DiSanto shares how he’s sold bigger items by simply leaving them in his driveway for the buyer to pick up. “I didn’t even have to meet the person,” he recalls. “I just told them the vacuum was outside, and they came and got it.”
Decluttering your home and selling unused items not only gives you some extra money for the holidays, but it also creates a more organized space—which can feel like a gift in itself.
Make Small Adjustments to Everyday Spending
In addition to selling unused items and trimming subscriptions, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your everyday spending. DiSanto suggests making small changes, like cutting back on dining out or limiting impulse purchases, as a way to build up extra savings. “If you can eat out one less time per week, you might save hundreds of dollars by the end of the year,” he says.
Another common area where people overspend is on duplicate services. Do you have two meal delivery services? Or a gym membership you’re not using? DiSanto encourages people to evaluate where they might be overspending and make adjustments accordingly.
These small changes can add up quickly, and by the time the holidays roll around, you’ll have more financial breathing room. “It’s all about being mindful of your spending,” DiSanto emphasizes. “Every little bit helps.”
Set a Holiday Budget
Once you’ve found some ways to free up extra cash, it’s time to set a clear holiday budget. DiSanto recommends deciding how much you’re willing to spend on gifts, travel, and other holiday-related expenses and sticking to it. “It’s easy to get carried away during the holidays,” he notes. “But setting a budget will keep you from overspending and regretting it later.”
A budget of $1,000 to $2,000 is a good starting point, depending on your usual holiday spending habits. Having a clear plan allows you to be intentional about your purchases and avoid the financial hangover that often comes in January.
If you find that your budget is tight, consider focusing on experiences rather than material gifts. “Sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t things at all,” DiSanto points out. Offering your time, planning a special day with loved ones, or gifting a homemade meal can be just as thoughtful—if not more so—than a store-bought item.
Don’t Forget About Travel and Hosting Costs
Holiday expenses don’t stop at gift-giving. If you’re planning to travel or host family and friends, those costs can add up quickly, too. DiSanto advises factoring these expenses into your overall holiday budget. “If you’re traveling, look for deals early and try to book in advance,” he suggests. “For hosting, consider a potluck to share the cost of food.”
When it comes to charitable donations, many people feel the pressure to give during the holidays. While giving back is a wonderful thing, it’s important to donate within your means. You don’t have to give large sums to make a difference. DiSanto recommends setting a donation budget just as you would for gifts and sticking to it. “You can still make an impact without overextending yourself financially,” he says.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Holidays Without the Stress
The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed, and by taking a few simple steps, you can avoid the financial stress that often accompanies it. Whether you’re cutting unnecessary expenses, decluttering your home, or simply being more mindful of your spending, every little effort adds up.
DiSanto’s advice boils down to this: Start now, make a plan, and stick to it. “The earlier you get started, the better you’ll feel when the holidays arrive,” he says. By taking these practical steps, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season—without worrying about how you’ll cover the costs.
So this year, take a deep breath, get organized, and enjoy the holidays with confidence, knowing you’ve got your financial game plan in place.
