The holidays have a way of tempting even the most disciplined budgeters. There’s the big family meal… the gifts… the travel… the last-minute “oops I forgot someone” purchases. Before you know it, your December joy becomes January’s “why did I do that?” But good news — avoiding common holiday money traps is totally doable.
Mistake #1: Shopping Without a Plan
Impulse buying is the festive villain of December. Make a list before you go online or into stores and decide on a max budget for each gift. Your wallet will thank you.
Mistake #2: Forgetting Hidden Costs
Gift wrap. Postage. Secret Santa. Holiday outfits. These “tiny but mighty” extras can snowball. Add a buffer category to your holiday budget to avoid surprises.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Rewards
If you’re using a credit card, make the rewards work for you — especially if you have the Premier Rewards Visa® Credit Card, which earns points or cash back. Those benefits can help offset holiday purchases.
Mistake #4: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Last-minute shopping leads to higher prices, limited choices, and rushed decisions. Start early (or start now) to give your budget breathing room.
Mistake #5: Not Tracking Spending
A quick daily check-in using your Nymeo online banking or mobile app helps you stay on course. Think of it like brushing your teeth — tiny habit, big payoff.
With a thoughtful approach, you can enjoy the season without letting spending get out of control. Let December you celebrate — not stress.
Category: Credit & Budgeting
