This Holiday Season, Give Yourself the Gift of Financial Peace – Here’s How
- Davina Jackson
- Dec 22, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Welcome to The Woman CFO – a space crafted just for you, where we embark on a journey of financial empowerment.
The holidays can feel like a financial minefield, can’t they? Between the pressure to find the perfect gifts, navigating endless sales, and trying to make every moment social media-perfect, it’s easy to feel like your wallet (and your sanity) are stretched too thin.
But what if this year, instead of just giving to everyone else, you gave yourself something truly priceless: Financial peace.
Financial peace isn’t about having an overflowing bank account, skipping the festivities or being stingy. It’s about feeling calm, in control, and unapologetically confident about how you manage your money.
It’s the ultimate holiday gift, and the best part? It’s something you can carry into the New Year and beyond.
In this week’s post, we’re going to talk about what financial peace really means and how to achieve it - even during the busiest and most expensive time of the year.
I’ll show you how to reclaim your holiday joy, protect your finances, and set yourself up for a confident, money-smart 2025
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Key Points
Financial Peace Defined: Financial peace is about feeling in control, confident, and stress-free about your money decisions, even during the hectic holiday season.
Shift Your Mindset: Let go of holiday spending guilt and focus on spending with intention.
Actionable Steps for Financial Peace: Budget wisely, say no when needed, and align your spending with your goals.
Unique Financial Habits to Start Now: Start a gratitude money list, give experiences, and create budget-friendly traditions.
Carry It Forward: Build on your holiday success with automatic savings, accountability groups, and financial education.
Instant Gratification Zone: Skip to the Good Stuff
Why Financial Peace Matters During the Holidays
The holidays are often painted as a magical season filled with joy, connection, and warmth. But let’s be real for a second: beneath the twinkling lights and festive music, the holidays can also bring a lot of stress.
From gift shopping to party planning and last-minute expenses, it’s easy to feel like your wallet is working overtime while your peace of mind is on vacation.
The financial strain doesn’t just affect your bank account, it seeps into your mental and emotional well-being. And you might find yourself losing sleep over credit card bills or feeling guilty for not being able to do it all.
This especially applies to women. We (too often) find ourselves juggling the emotional labor of traditions, gift-giving, and hosting, at the expense of our own financial stability - just to create a “perfect” holiday.
Let this be a gentle reminder to you, sis: the holidays are supposed to be about joy and connection, not financial chaos.
When you prioritize financial peace, you reclaim control over how you spend your money, time, and energy. You stop the cycle of overspending, and more importantly, you create space to truly enjoy the season as it’s supposed to be enjoyed.
So, this year, let’s change the narrative. Let’s make the holidays about meaningful moments, not maxed-out budgets.
Because the best gift you can give yourself is the freedom to enjoy the season without financial regret trailing behind.
Shift Your Mindset Around Holiday Spending
Once you acknowledge how crucial financial peace is during the holidays, the next step is to address what’s really at the heart of holiday stress: your mindset.
I mean.... let’s face it. The holidays come with a lot of expectations, mostly self-inflicted. We feel the pressure to give the “perfect” gift, host Instagram-worthy gatherings, or say yes to every party and tradition.
Spoiler alert: none of the pressure is real or true.
The holidays are about creating joy, connection, and memories - not maxing out your credit card. So, that financial peace you need? It starts in your mind before it even reaches your wallet.
Now, that doesn’t mean giving up on creating memorable moments. It just means it’s time to let go of the guilt and perfectionism that’s tied to money and focus on what really matters - your values, goals, and memories you want to make.
Here’s how you can start:
#1 Define What the Holidays Mean to You
Identify what the true essence of the holiday season means for you. Is it connection, joy, or giving back?
Write down the top three things you value most about this time of year and let those guide your decisions.
You’ll see that when your spending aligns with your values, it will be easier to say no to unnecessary expenses that don’t add meaning to your life.
#2 Stop the Comparison Game
It’s sooooo easy to scroll through social media and feel like you’re falling short. But remember: most of those curated posts are highlights, not reality.
Instead of comparing your holiday to someone else’s, focus on your unique traditions and what makes your celebration special.
#3 Reframe “Cutting Back” as Gaining Control
Cutting back isn’t about depriving yourself - it’s about empowerment.
When you set boundaries on your spending, you’re creating financial freedom for the things that truly matter.
Think of it as a gift to your future self rather than a sacrifice.
#4 Prioritize Intentional Spending
Before pulling out your credit card, ask yourself: Does this purchase bring me closer to the kind of holiday I want to experience?
If the answer is no, skip it.
Mindful spending isn’t just about saving money; it’s about honoring what’s most important to you.
#5 Celebrate Small Wins
Every time you make a decision that aligns with your financial goals, celebrate it! Whether it’s choosing to DIY gifts or hosting a cozy potluck instead of a lavish dinner, these choices are steps toward creating a holiday season that feels good - not just looks good.
Remember, the magic of the holidays isn’t in how much you spend—it’s in the memories you create.
4 Steps to Gift Yourself Financial Peace
Now that you’ve worked on shifting your mindset around holiday spending, it’s time to turn those new thoughts into actionable steps.
There's only 4 steps - which may sound simple - but trust me, they're powerful and will change the game this holiday season and beyond:
Step 1: Set a Holiday Budget (And Stick to It)
First things first - you have to get real with your finances. You can do that by setting a holiday budget that feels good and is achievable.
Think about what you can comfortably spend on gifts, travel, and any extra holiday expenses (decorations, food, etc.). And don’t forget to factor in a little wiggle room for surprises - but, again, be firm with yourself on what’s reasonable.
There's no need to impress anyone with your spending. However.... you do need to impress yourself with your ability to stick to your plan.
Step 2: Learn to Say No (While Keeping Your Peace)
Saying no doesn’t mean you’re a Grinch. It means you’re protecting your peace and your finances.
It's 100% ok to say "no" if you’re invited to events that aren’t in your budget, or if someone’s asking for a more expensive gift than you’re comfortable with.
Own your decision, and remember that your financial peace is non-negotiable. You can still show up with love and support without overextending yourself.
Step 3: Create a Holiday Self-Care Fund
This one is key - especially for those of us who juggle a million things during the holidays. Create a self-care fund that is all about taking care of you while you’re taking care of everything else.
Set aside a small amount of money that’s just for you - whether it’s for a massage, a new pair of cozy pajamas, or a spa day. You deserve it!
When you prioritize your well-being, you’ll feel more balanced and less frazzled. Plus, it’s an investment in the peace you need to power through the season.
Step 4: Reflect on Your 2025 Financial Goals
While you’re gifting yourself peace this holiday, take a moment to think about the future and what you want to achieve financially in 2025.
Maybe you want to save for a big trip, pay off debt, or invest in your retirement. Whatever it is, reflecting on these goals now will help you stay focused and grounded during the holidays.
Using this time to align your spending with your long-term goals, ensures that you don’t get caught up in the holiday hustle that leaves you scrambling come January.
Each one of these steps is like a little gift to yourself and a reminder that your peace is worth protecting.
Unique Holiday Financial Habits to Start Now
After taking actionable steps to gift yourself financial peace, it’s time to think long-term. And the holiday season is the perfect time to do that.
So let's set the stage for habits that will not only save you money but also transform how you experience this time of year.
These habits aren’t just about cutting costs - they’re about creating more meaningful traditions that align with your values.
Habit #1: Start Gratitude Money List
This one’s simple, but a total game-changer. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have or how much you’re spending, start a gratitude money list.
Every day, jot down a few things you’re grateful for when it comes to your finances. It could be anything from having enough to cover your bills, to that small bonus you received, or even just the fact that you’ve learned how to manage your money better this year.
This habit will help you shift your perspective and appreciate the abundance you already have, rather than stressing over what you don’t. Plus, it keeps you grounded during the holiday rush.
Habit #2: Give Experiences, Not Stuff
Let’s be real. The holidays can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker of "must-buy" gifts, and the idea of getting the perfect present can be overwhelming (and expensive).
Instead of making yourself crazy with trying to figure it all out, why not gift an experience that’s meaningful and memorable?
Experiences create lasting memories and often cost far less than material items - and could be anything from tickets to a concert, to a cooking class, or a day out at a local museum.
The beauty of this? It aligns with your values and creates moments of joy... without the clutter or overspending.
Plus, giving an experience is a fresh way to avoid financial stress and start a new tradition that lasts.
Habit #3: Start a Budget-Friendly Giving Tradition
Giving doesn’t always mean spending big, and this year, it’s time to set the tone for more intentional, budget-friendly holiday traditions because you don’t need to go broke to show you care.
So, instead of buying extravagant gifts for everyone, why not start a tradition that focuses on giving back without the financial burden like volunteering together, donating to a cause you all care about, or making handmade gifts.
This habit not only helps keep you financially balanced but also strengthens your connection with loved ones through the spirit of giving.
And the best part? It's a gift that keeps on giving - helping you stay grounded not only this holiday season but in the years to come.
How to Carry Financial Peace into the New Year
The holidays may be winding down, but your financial peace doesn’t have to. In fact, now is the perfect time to set yourself up for a strong financial start in 2025.
I truly believe financial peace isn’t just a holiday thing, it’s a lifestyle shift. So let's get into ways you can keep the momentum going into 2025:
Set Up Automatic Savings and Investment Plans for 2025
One of the simplest ways to keep the peace rolling into the new year is to automate your savings and investments.
Set up automatic transfers to your savings account or investment portfolio, even if it’s just a small amount.
This takes the pressure off your shoulders by ensuring that money is set aside for your future before you even have to think about it.
Not only will this help you grow your wealth over time, but it also keeps you financially organized, so you can focus on living your best life - without stressing about the numbers... and you’ll start 2025 knowing your financial foundation is already secure.
Join a Financial Accountability Group (Or Start One With Friends)
Your financial goals are much more achievable when you have support. So why not set up or join - a financial accountability group in the new year?
If you have friends who are also interested in taking control of their money, create a monthly check-in to discuss budgeting, saving, and investing.
If you don’t have a group, consider joining an online community of like-minded women who are all about financial wellness (shameless plug for The Woman CFO community).
Having a group that keeps you accountable can be a powerful motivator to stay on track with your goals and encourages you to learn new strategies to build wealth.
Take a Financial Course as a New Year Investment in Yourself
Investing in your knowledge is one of the most powerful ways to ensure financial peace. So why not make it a priority to take a financial course?
Whether it’s about mastering your budget, diving deeper into investing, or learning how to build a sustainable side hustle, there’s a course out there for every financial goal. Find one that fits your goal and dive in!
By taking the time to learn more about your money, you’re not only improving your financial situation but also investing in yourself. And who better to invest in than YOU?
The True Spirit of the Season
The holidays aren’t about the biggest tree, the most extravagant gifts, or perfectly curated social media moments - they’re about connection, gratitude, and joy. And having financial peace during this time isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a way to honor the true spirit of the season.
By shifting your mindset, setting thoughtful goals, and adopting meaningful habits, you’re giving yourself the gift of a stress-free, intentional holiday season.
Imagine starting the new year without a mountain of holiday debt or regrets about overspending. Instead, you’re armed with financial clarity, purposeful habits, and a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from making choices aligned with your values.
That’s the magic of gifting yourself financial peace.
As you reflect on 2024 and the New Year, I encourage you to take just one step today - whether it’s creating a gratitude money list, setting up a holiday budget, or planning your first budget-friendly giving tradition. Each small action will bring you closer to the financial peace you deserve.
I hope you let this holiday season be the one where you rewrite the narrative. Embrace joy over stress, memories over materialism, and intention over impulse.
Happy Holidays!
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