dimewiseclub

Holiday Ready checklist

16 steps to a holiday season that's paid for before it starts.

Track your progress with a free accountGet the free Holiday Budget Planner

Plan and save

Start early, save monthly.

  • Add up what last year's holidays really cost Guide
  • Agree a total budget with your household Guide
  • Set an automatic monthly transfer to a holiday fund Guide
  • List the year's birthdays and events with an amount for each Guide

Gifts

A list, a limit, a plan.

  • Write a gift list with a limit for each person Guide
  • Suggest a gift exchange or limit to family, early Guide
  • Plan a few homemade or experience gifts Guide
  • Pick a simple rule for kids' gifts Guide

Hosting and travel

The big-ticket items.

  • Plan the menu and ask guests to bring a dish Guide
  • Book holiday travel early, with price alerts Guide
  • Buy decorations and wrap in after-season sales Guide
  • Pay online with a credit card and type store addresses yourself Guide

Avoid the hangover

Get to January debt-free.

  • Avoid stacking buy now, pay later plans Guide
  • Keep gift receipts in one place Guide
  • Use gift cards you receive within a few months Guide
  • Do a January review and start next year's fund Guide