How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Going Into Debt

The best gift you can give yourself this season might not come wrapped in paper or tied with a bow.The holiday season—from Thanksgiving through Christmas—can be one of the most joyful times of the year, but also one of the most stressful, especially when money’s tight. What if you could celebrate the whole season without the financial regret that debt brings? The good news is—you can. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the season, bless others, and keep peace in your heart and home.Start With a Spending PlanFrom the turkey to the tinsel, the holidays bring both delight and pressure. We want to give, to gather, and to make memories. But if we’re not careful, the bills that follow can overshadow the joy.Begin by setting a total spending limit. Start with what you can afford, not what you wish you could. That number becomes your guardrail for the season. You’re not being stingy—you’re being wise. Every dollar you keep out of debt stays available for future generosity.Next, divide that total into categories—food, travel, gifts, decorations, charitable giving—whatever matters most to your family. Writing it down makes the plan tangible and easier to follow.If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, include the cost of groceries. If you’re traveling, plan for gas or airfare now so you’re not caught off guard later.Pay With Cash or DebitStudies show we spend about 30% more when paying with credit. Whenever possible, pay with cash or a debit card. If you must use a credit card, set a firm limit and stick to it.Some families even open a separate account just for holiday spending. It creates a natural boundary and helps avoid impulse purchases. There’s real freedom in knowing you’ve already decided what’s enough.Get Creative With GivingWhether it’s hosting Thanksgiving dinner or wrapping Christmas gifts, remember—it’s not about the price tag. A handwritten note, a framed photo, or a homemade pie can carry far more meaning than something store-bought.Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” That blessing isn’t about the cost—it’s about the heart.If your children are old enough, invite them to help bake cookies for neighbors or make handmade gifts for grandparents. These shared experiences create memories that last far longer than the presents themselves.You can also use what you already have—redeem unused reward points or gift cards. It’s one more way to keep spending within your means.Plan Ahead for Next YearWhen January rolls around, start setting aside a little each month for the next holiday season. Even $50 a paycheck can make a big difference. By next November, you’ll be ready to give and celebrate without anxiety.If you prefer automation, set up a small transfer to a dedicated savings account. You’ll hardly notice it leaving your budget—but you’ll be grateful when the holidays return.Partner With a Faith-Based Financial InstitutionIf you’re looking for a trusted place to save, consider our friends at Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU)—a financial institution that’s been serving believers and ministries for over 68 years.They share your faith and are committed to helping you manage money in a way that honors God. Their savings accounts, digital tools, and personalized service can help you stay on track during the busiest time of the year.Right now, as a special offer to FaithFi listeners, you can receive up to a $400 bonus when you open a high-yield checking, savings, or Visa cash-back card. Visit FaithFi.com/Banking and enter the code “FaithFi” when you apply.Keep Your Focus on What Matters MostAs you prepare for Thanksgiving, take a moment to thank God for His provision. Gratitude is where wise stewardship begins. And as Christmas draws near, let your giving reflect the joy of God’s greatest gift—His Son, Jesus Christ.When we give with grateful hearts and live with margin, we reflect His generosity to the world around us. Ultimately, this creates space for what matters most: faith, family, gratitude, and the celebration of Christ’s birth.Even when finances feel tight, remember—lasting peace isn’t found in numbers or careful planning, but in resting on God’s faithful provision. That is the heart of faithful stewardship: learning to live not from scarcity, but from trust in the One who provides abundantly.And when you do, you’ll find a joy that lasts long after the holidays are over.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’ve been on and off Social Security disability after a head injury, but was later able to return to work. They kept sending me payments even after I notified them I was earning more than allowed. Now that my cancer has returned and I may need to stop working again, how should I handle this with Social Security? Should I visit their office in person to get it sorted out?My wife and I own our home outright, but have built up significant credit card debt over the past few years. We’re debating whether to take out a home equity loan or a reverse mortgage to get back on track. Which option would you recommend?We’re selling our home and deciding whether to use all the proceeds to buy our next house or invest some of them in our retirement accounts to increase our monthly income. Which choice makes the most financial sense?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU)Movement MortgageWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.