Flipping the Script on the Push to Purchase
The holiday season is six months away.
For some of us, this might mean spending the last two months of the year scouring stores to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Others might notice a sale and think, “I might as well grab something for myself since this is such a good deal.” And if you see December 25 as simply another day, hang in there; we have something for you, too!
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it makes its presence known.
Beneath the festive veil, Christmas is one of many commercialized holidays trying to sell you the next best thing. As the air starts to chill and people long to stay in the warmth of their home, marketing agencies attempt to create an illusion that you do not have enough or do not give enough to others to get you out of the house to spend some money.
Companies time their sales intentionally to keep their money flow consistent. One month before Christmas, we see Black Friday sales, followed by Cyber Monday deals. The closer we inch to the end of the year (and the colder it gets), sales continue, trickling down for the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.
A built-in sense of urgency is created for a holiday that might feel ritualistic to many of us. The strategies that marketing agencies take advantage of throughout the year are ones we, as consumers, can adapt ourselves—planning intentionally and timely.
Tips on Planning with Intention
Perceive your money.
Planning can be a lot! If a lingering upcoming expense (like those pesky little tag renewals) is keeping you from living your best life this Holiday season, take it easy. Start from ground zero. See what expenses you have in store, and see what money you have coming in.
Set time aside to have a Money Date.
The thing about planning is that it’s most effective when it’s consistent. Money Dates are a way to reframe how intimidating money can seem. If we do it once a week, 1. It becomes more habitual than a daunting task done on occasion, and 2. It can make budgeting more approachable and less stressful by choosing a place or time to set your intentions. Think about it as self-care.
Do some research and track your Holiday spending.
Ground yourself in the prep work by allowing time to reflect on your spending habits. (A great place to start on your money date!) This year may be about getting to know yourself a little more. How much do you typically spend during the Holiday season?
Create a Set Aside Savings for gifts.
Create a pot of money for future expenses. Set-Aside Savings is one of the best strategies you can use to set yourself up for success—especially when it comes to gift-giving. If you already know you are going to give your loved ones special, meaningful (and occasionally very expensive) gifts, why not start today by planning today? Create a pot of money, specifically for those upcoming gifts.
Incorporate SMART Goals to make gift-giving more attainable.
Create a sustainable goal that works with the state of your current finances, and not against it, using SMART Goals. Remember to take it small and steady. If your goal feels overwhelming, break it down to the smallest steps possible. One small step forward is still a step forward.
And don't overlook the power of a homemade gift. They're a personal way to show you care—and it's as kind to your budget as it is to the heart.
Keep your values in mind as motivation.
You know you best, so figure out what you value the most, incorporate it into your budget, and use it to motivate yourself! Keep yourself on track. (Ba dum tss.) Especially if your love language is gift-giving!
One Final Thought
So, what does Christmas in July mean? Embrace your values. (Christmas is only one of many upcoming holidays, and one of many things we can start planning for.) How can you plan in a way that is honest to you in your present self?
Think of Christmas in July as an opportunity to empower yourself. Be curious about yourself. Be kind to yourself.
With time, you will notice how planning can come naturally to you. As we say in our Money Foundations Workshop, the first step toward financial wellness starts with courageously looking at your money. If you start with courage, the rest unfolds with a lot more clarity and ease.
