In today’s episode, we explore practical strategies for preparing financially for the holiday season. We discuss how to review past spending, set realistic budgets, and save money without sacrificing the joy of the season. We are also excited to share insights from our special guest, Cameron Huddleston, a 20-year veteran journalist in the personal finance space, who shares her expertise on family money talks and holiday budgeting.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

Reviewing last year’s holiday spending to set a realistic budget for this year, including often overlooked categories like teacher gifts, travel expenses, and holiday parties.

Strategies for reducing gift-giving expenses, such as drawing names for family exchanges, setting gift limits, and focusing on experiences rather than material items. 

How to have conversations with family and friends about changing holiday traditions to be more budget-friendly without focusing on financial constraints. 

Setting up automatic savings plans to prepare for holiday expenses, ensuring you have cash on hand to avoid debt during the season.