Holiday Money Stress: 4 Red Flags to know Now

Hi Friend,

Holidays are full of joy and connections, right? Family gatherings, good food, gifts, sounds perfect.

But the reality? Money stress sneaks in. Between gift buying, traveling, and hosting, we often find ourselves on edge. So, let’s take a look at some red flags that can pop up around this time of year. Knowing what to look out for might just help you manage it a little easier.

1. Struggling to Sleep??

Ever lie in bed wide awake, but not because of excitement for the holidays? You’re going over bills, wondering how you’ll cover gifts, travel, or holiday meals.

That's financial insomnia. Maybe you fall asleep, but then you’re up again at 3 a.m. thinking about your bank balance. It’s like your mind is on an endless loop of holiday expenses.

If you’re finding it hard to get a full night’s sleep, that’s your first red flag. Money stress can sneak into every part of your day, even when you should be resting.

2. Trouble Concentrating??

The holiday season already comes with distractions, but money stress takes it up a notch. Imagine you’re at work, and instead of focusing on your task, your mind drifts to how much you spent last week.

You’re mentally going over your budget, thinking about your credit card balance, and calculating holiday expenses.

Take Dan,? an engineer balancing work, family, and holiday costs. He sits in meetings at work. He's distracted by thoughts of upcoming holiday travel. And whether he can afford that extra gift his family’s expecting.

Concentration fades, and frustration takes its place. If this sounds like you, holiday financial stress is taking a toll.

3. Indecisive Spending?

Some people struggle to make quick spending decisions. Especially, when it’s tied to holiday gifts.

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling online stores or pacing through aisles, you’re not alone. Indecisiveness creeps in as you think, “Is this gift too much? Or not enough?”

I will use myself as an example. In the past as the holiday neared, I felt? a bit lost. I wanted to get thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank, yet every decision felt like it had a financial weight.

I would put off shopping, feeling overwhelmed and stressed out as the holiday nears. If you’re in the same boat, this could be a sign of spending indecisiveness driven by holiday money stress.?

4. Feeling Irritated?

Holiday stress has a way of making even the calmest among us feel irritable. You’re shopping, handling family demands, and then, bam! Someone mentions a holiday outing or a pricey gift exchange, and you can’t keep your frustration in check.

Here is how irritability works. Kyle, an engineer who usually loves treating himself. But as holiday expenses pile up without any savings in place, he’s frustrated.

He becomes short with friends who suggest gift exchanges and feels defensive when family mentions traveling for Thanksgiving. His usual chill demeanor shifts, and he can barely hide his frustration.

4 Tips to Help You Control Holiday Money Stress

If any of these sound like you, it’s okay. These red flags are common, and with a few simple tips, you can get back on track.

1. Stay Grounded??

Practice grounding exercises to stay calm and centered.? Practice grounding exercises to stay calm and centered. Take a few deep breaths. Listen to relaxing music. Doing something as simple as making a warm drink can make a difference. Remind yourself it’s okay to step back and reset.

2. Focus on Your Values??

Holidays don’t have to be about the price tag. Think about what truly matters to you. Prioritize time with family, meaningful conversations, and quality experiences over big-ticket items. When your spending lines up with your values, you’ll feel more at peace.

3. Plan Ahead??

A holiday spending plan can work wonders. Even if you’re starting late, take a look at your budget now. Set limits for each gift or gathering, and try sticking to them. Planning in advance can save you from stress and financial surprises.

4. Volunteer??

Giving back can put holiday stress into perspective. When you focus on helping others, you gain a sense of purpose that can ease financial anxiety. Whether you’re volunteering at a shelter or helping a neighbor, it’s a great way to connect. And feel good without spending a dime.

?Conclusion

Holiday money stress is real, but knowing these red flags can help you manage it. By recognizing financial insomnia, trouble concentrating, spending indecisiveness, and irritability, you’re already on your way to a less stressful season. Focus on what matters, set a plan, and take a deep breath. Enjoy your Holidays!

??What I Have Learned

“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”— William Burroughs

??Guest Author

My colleague Walli Miller says, your most significant savings will come if you cut costs in the most expensive areas of your budget. This can help you significantly impact your financial picture without sacrificing too much. You can get Walli’s tips in her article, How To Cut Expenses In The Most Expensive Areas Of Your Budget?

??Knock out these money-related tasks now to help you finish the month strong.

• Start Planning for the next year. Write down possible goals for the coming year.
• Evaluate your spending plan and make any necessary adjustments.
• This is a great time to do some end of year planning, especially before the flurry of holiday activities and stress set in.

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Thanks for reading this far.

Thanks for your time and kindness.

Stay wise and healthy.

Celebrate.

??See you Dec. 1st

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