No Grinch Allowed! Inflation-Beating Tips for the Holidays
To make the most of your holiday season, set a budget, plan to pay more than last year and manage expectations — yours and others’.


While inflation has been bearing down on society for over a year, the holidays will come on time as they always do. Many shoppers may wish to start early when preparing for the holidays this year in anticipation that inflation will impact their holiday shopping season.
What can you to do lessen the impact of inflation while still making the holiday season magical? Start early and set expectations.
Make a list and check it twice
Start now by thinking about what you want your holiday season to look like. Determine who you’ll be buying gifts for and start making a list.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you need to cut back this year, set those expectations now. Pivot to a simpler celebration and focus on what is important to you and your family. Communicate your holiday expectations early — if you’re setting boundaries and implementing a spending limit, let your family and friends know your plans. They may be relieved and in turn won’t feel obligated to overspend within their own budgets as well.
Reassure your friends and loved ones that the holiday season can be just as magical without going into debt and that you can find ways to enjoy the season that are easier on your wallet. If others in your life are still comfortable spending more and would like to continue to do that, that’s all right, too — but you need to do what is best for you financially, during the holidays and the whole year through.
So, set a budget, understanding that prices may rise between now and the holidays. If you want to account for inflation, you might want to see what you spent last year and add an additional 10% for 15%, depending on the categories where you’ll be spending the most.
If you see something on your list at a good price, pick it up and stash it until the holidays. Keep track of what you’ve bought for gifts, so that you’re not purchasing duplicates. Either write yourself a note or try using an app. Christmas Gift List Tracker (iOS) and Christmas Gift List (Android) come well-reviewed.
Look for cash back
If you can’t find an item on sale, try using a couponing app or browser extension, such as Ibotta or Rakuten, to see if you can make some money back or earn points toward your purchase.
You may want to utilize credit cards with great rewards while holiday shopping, as long as you pay them off right away — periods of time when interest rates are rising are the worst times to carry a balance. Instead, try treating your credit card like a debit card. If you’ve been using a credit card that accumulates points or cash back, put those points or cash toward your holiday purchases to offset some of the inflation that you may be feeling.
Save on how you get home for the holidays
Plan ahead for your travel in addition to your shopping. If you usually fly during the holidays, flights may be cheaper if you can be flexible, and you may want to set up alerts for your flight route to find the cheapest tickets. (To look for travel deals, see the article 24 Best Travel Websites to Find Deals and Save You Money.)
And finally, while gas prices are comparatively lower than they were last year, it can still add up if you’re planning a road trip. To try to minimize those fuel costs as you maximize your mileage, take advantage of some gas-saving tips that actually work. For example, quit hauling around extra junk in your trunk and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Hey, when it comes to spending around the holidays, every little bit helps.
Diversified LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC. A copy of Diversified’s current written disclosure brochure, which discusses, among other things, the firm’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Investments in securities involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. The information on this website is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction.
Related Content
- 75% of Holiday Travelers Are Cutting Back. Are You?
- Holiday Tipping Guide: Who to Tip (And How Much?)
- Holiday Shipping Schedules: When to Send Your Packages
- Cyber Monday Sales Could Top Black Friday. When Will You Shop?
- Is Your Spending Out of Control? Three Ways to Fix It
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

In March 2010, Andrew Rosen joined Diversified, bringing with him nine years of financial industry experience. As a financial planner, Andrew forges lifelong relationships with clients, coaching them through all stages of life. He has obtained his Series 6, 7 and 63, along with property/casualty and health/life insurance licenses. Andrew consistently delivers high-level, concierge service to all clients.
-
S&P, Nasdaq Hit New Highs: Stock Market Today
A late-day rally wasn't enough to lift the Dow into the green as its six-session winning streak came to an end.
-
Five Things to Consider Now If You Want to Retire in 2026
To retire with confidence in the year ahead, tackle these essential tasks right now.
-
Striking Gold (or Gas): A Financial Pro Unpacks the Nuances of Energy Investing
Investing in the energy industry, particularly oil and gas, involves understanding the facts about how projects generate returns through cash flow and long-term asset building, while also being aware of the risks.
-
Escaping the New Golden Handcuffs: A Financial Expert Has a Plan for Today's Executives
Feeling stuck in your job? It could be your complicated compensation package, but it also could be where you live, your family or even how you view yourself.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Here's How to Invest Like the Wealthy, Even if You Don't Have Millions
Private market investments, once exclusive to the ultra-wealthy and institutions, have become more accessible to individual investors, thanks to regulatory changes and new investment structures.
-
Four Ways a Massive Emergency Fund Can Hurt You More Than It Helps
Saving too much could mean you're missing opportunities to put your money to work. Redirect some of that money toward paying off debt, building retirement funds, fulfilling a dream or investing in higher-growth options.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: How to Dodge a Retirement Danger You May Not Have Heard About
Timing is everything, and sequence of returns risk can mean the difference between a retirement nest egg that's overflowing … or empty.
-
Caring for Aging Parents: An Expert Guide to Easing the Financial and Emotional Strain
Early conversations, financial planning and understanding the progression of care needs can help to mitigate stress and protect family relationships.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: The OBBB Is a Reminder for Older People to Have a Long-Term Plan
The new tax bill presents a good opportunity for retirees to revisit tax plans, look into doing some Roth conversions and consider plans for long-term care.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: This Is Exactly Why Your Insurance Rates Are Soaring (and What You Can Do)
A dramatic rise in the frequency and cost of severe weather and wildfires means you need to prepare, prepare, prepare — no matter where you live — for higher premiums.