Simple ways to save for the holidays now

The average consumer is expected to spend $1,552 this holiday season. Here are practical ways to budget, shop smarter, and avoid overspending

The average consumer is expected to spend $1,552 this holiday season. Here are practical ways to budget, shop smarter, and avoid overspending

The countdown to the holidays is on, and between the gifts, the gatherings, and travel, each person's expected to spend $1,552. That's according to *** survey from PWC. That sounds steep, but it's 5% less than last year, driven largely by cost conscious Gen Zers looking to cut back on spending. Bottom line, if you can, start budgeting now. Set up *** holiday fund and automate your savings, even if it's only $25 to $50 *** week. That'll add up to *** $100 by November. For another budget boost, turn clutter into cash by selling clothes, electronics, or kids' toys. Once you've done all that, make your budget and stick to it. Write down every expense, gifts, food, travel, even wrapping paper. Start your shopping early and spread it out. Many retailers start rolling out holiday sales as early as October, allowing for more wiggle room in your budget. Start there and then take advantage of sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For additional savings, join store loyalty programs, sign up for newsletters and deal alerts, and make sure to check your credit card for cashback offers. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lowe.

Updated: 1:18 PM CDT Sep 11, 2025

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Simple ways to save for the holidays now

The average consumer is expected to spend $1,552 this holiday season. Here are practical ways to budget, shop smarter, and avoid overspending

Updated: 1:18 PM CDT Sep 11, 2025

Editorial Standards ⓘ

The holiday season is just around the corner — and so are the expenses that come with it.According to PwC's 2025 Holiday Outlook, consumers are expected to spend about $1,552 each this season across gifts, travel, food, and entertainment. While this is 5% less than last year, driven by cost-conscious Gen Z shoppers, it’s still a significant amount.Want to keep the holiday cheer without blowing the budget? Start planning now.Set up a holiday fund Even small amounts add up. Automating just $25 to $50 a week into a dedicated savings account means you’ll have a few hundred dollars ready by November.Turn clutter into cash Decluttering pays. Selling old clothes, electronics, or kids’ toys online can give your holiday budget a quick boost — and free up space at home.Make your budget and stick to itTake note of every expense you expect: gifts, food, travel, even wrapping paper. Once you have your plan, stick to it. Setting limits ahead of time makes it much easier to avoid overspending. Start shopping earlyMany retailers start rolling out holiday sales as early as October, allowing for more wiggle room in your budget. Start there and then take advantage of sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Leverage loyalty For even more savings, join store loyalty programs, which often provide member discounts or bonus rewards during the holidays. Check your credit and debit cards to see if they offer cashback or points you can redeem for purchases. Using these benefits can stretch your holiday budget without any extra cost.

The holiday season is just around the corner — and so are the expenses that come with it.

According to PwC's , consumers are expected to spend about $1,552 each this season across gifts, travel, food, and entertainment. While this is 5% less than last year, driven by cost-conscious Gen Z shoppers, it’s still a significant amount.

Want to keep the holiday cheer without blowing the budget? Start planning now.

Set up a holiday fund

Even small amounts add up. Automating just $25 to $50 a week into a dedicated savings account means you’ll have a few hundred dollars ready by November.

Turn clutter into cash

Decluttering pays. Selling old clothes, electronics, or kids’ toys online can give your holiday budget a quick boost — and free up space at home.

Make your budget and stick to it

Take note of every expense you expect: gifts, food, travel, even wrapping paper. Once you have your plan, stick to it. Setting limits ahead of time makes it much easier to avoid overspending.

Start shopping early

Many retailers start rolling out holiday sales as early as October, allowing for more wiggle room in your budget. Start there and then take advantage of sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Leverage loyalty

For even more savings, join store loyalty programs, which often provide member discounts or bonus rewards during the holidays. Check your credit and debit cards to see if they offer cashback or points you can redeem for purchases. Using these benefits can stretch your holiday budget without any extra cost.

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