Redefining Your Holiday Budget

As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves juggling the joy of gift-giving with the pressure to keep our finances on track. The temptation to splurge can overshadow our financial goals, often leaving us feeling frustrated and regretful when January rolls around. But what if budgeting didn’t have to feel like deprivation? What if it was actually freeing?

The Difference Between Rules and Standards

A friend shared a video earlier today and it spurred a memory. Here is the video 
When I was around five or six, my dad would challenge me to walk to my favorite tree in our yard. He’d offer me a quarter if I could walk there without running.

But every single time, I’d break out in a run, eager to get to the tree as fast as possible. Without his challenge, though, I’d take my time and walk, enjoying the journey. As I grew older and my parents would share this story, it made me reflect on why I always ran. This little game taught me that rules can sometimes feel restrictive, sparking a desire to break free. But standards—the things we do because they align with who we are—come from within.

This idea is powerful when it comes to managing money. Many people see budgeting as a strict set of rules, which can lead to feelings of deprivation. But a budgeting approach based on personal standards can help you build financial habits that feel sustainable and fulfilling.

The Trap of “Holiday Deals” (and How to Avoid It)

Around this time of year, we’re bombarded with “deals too good to miss.” And it’s easy to get swept up.

I know, I’m talking about rules and when you read what I’m about to say, you’re going to question – Is that a rule????

I often recommend to clients is the 24-48-hour rule: when you see something tempting, wait 24-48 hours.

Give yourself a couple of days to decide if the purchase aligns with your goals or if it’s an impulse buy you might regret later. This simple step can save you from that all-too-familiar post-holiday spending regret.

My clients typically come back and say how rewarding this discipline feels!  It’s a trick I began practicing in 2008 when I had no choice but learn how to manage money.  It became a discipline for me.  I’m a natural spender and I had to learn boundaries.

Transforming Your Budget

Budgeting doesn’t have to be about rigid rules. When you shift from rules to personal standards, budgeting becomes a tool that aligns with your values, allowing you to spend with purpose. Here are some practical steps to make this shift:

1. Define Your Financial Values and Goals

Start by identifying what truly matters to you. Is it saving for your kids’ college education, paying off debt, or planning a family vacation? Write down 1–3 financial goals that are meaningful for you and set guiding principles around them. For example, if your goal is to focus on family time this holiday season, your guiding principle could be, “I’ll limit gift spending to make sure we stay within our family-time budget.”

2. Create a Flexible Spending Plan

Develop a spending plan that reflects your personal standards and allows for flexibility. This doesn’t mean denying yourself treats; it means budgeting for what matters most. Allocate funds for essentials, savings, and a bit for discretionary spending. By leaving room for occasional treats, you prevent that feeling of deprivation, which is often what leads to budget “breaking.”

3. Reflect on Last Year’s Spending

Take a moment to think back to last year’s holiday season. What purchases brought you genuine joy? Which ones left you feeling stretched or disappointed? Use these reflections as a guide for more intentional spending this year. This small exercise can help you stay mindful and keep your spending aligned with what truly matters.

4. Embrace Saying “No” with Confidence

It’s not easy to say “no” during the holidays—especially when it comes to family and social expectations. But each “no” to something that doesn’t align with your goals is a “yes” to something that does. I often remind clients that protecting your family’s financial health isn’t about deprivation; it’s about standing by what matters to you. Practicing this kind of empowered spending can free you from financial pressure and help you build confidence.

5. Monitor Your Progress and Celebrate Small Wins

Regularly review your spending habits and check how they align with your personal standards. Celebrate each small win, even if it’s simply sticking to your budget for a week. The holidays can be stressful, but acknowledging your progress—even the small steps—can make a world of difference in maintaining motivation.

A Financially Empowered Holiday Season Is Possible

Many of my clients start off feeling like budgeting is something they can only stick to for a few weeks before they “slip” and buy something unplanned. If you’d like to read more about a budget, I have a post here.

6 Steps to Create a Budget that Works for You

By creating a plan based on personal standards rather than strict rules, they find themselves breaking that cycle. They tell me that this approach not only helps them stay consistent but also leaves them feeling empowered rather than deprived.

Imagine finishing the holiday season without any lingering guilt or financial anxiety—only the confidence that you’ve made choices that reflect your values. My clients consistently tell me that this values-driven approach to budgeting is a game changer. It’s possible for you, too!

A Special Offer to Support Your Financial Journey

To help you start the new year on the right financial track, I’m offering a special on my 2-hour Intensive Sessions.

Usually priced at $597, these sessions are now available for $397 through November 13th.

This two-hour session will help you:

• Set clear, personalized financial goals that align with your values
• Take a detailed look at your spending habits to find areas for improvement
• Review your current budget and ensure it supports your personal objectives
• Address any lingering financial questions or concerns

If you register by 11:00 p.m. EST on November 9th, you’ll also receive 2 days of WhatsApp message access (between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST) to me for follow-up support.

This is your chance to start 2025 equipped with a realistic, values-centered plan for your money. Let’s make this season about what truly matters.

A Financially Empowered Holiday Season

The holiday season doesn’t have to mean debt, stress, or regret. By embracing a budgeting approach that aligns with your values, you’re setting yourself up for peace of mind and genuine joy. I’m here to help you walk that path confidently. You deserve to enjoy the season, knowing that your money choices are grounded in what matters most to you.