How To Budget: Prepping for the Holidays Early

The holidays always sneak up on us. One moment it’s October and we’re just pulling out cozy sweaters, and the next it’s December with gift lists, parties, and expenses piling up. The truth is, holiday spending can get overwhelming if you don’t prepare early. That’s why October is the perfect time to start budgeting. Giving yourself months instead of weeks to plan.

Here are a few simple ways to get started:

Type your email…

Subscribe

1. Create a Holiday Spending Plan

Before you start shopping, take a moment to outline how much you want (and can realistically afford) to spend. Think about categories like gifts, food, travel, and decor. Having this framework in place helps you avoid surprises later.

2. Start Saving Small Now

Even setting aside $20–$40 a week between now and December can make a big difference. Small amounts add up quickly when you stay consistent.

3. Shop Early & Shop Smart

Don’t wait until December! October and November sales are your best friend. Shopping early helps spread out expenses and keeps you from overspending in a last-minute rush.

Want More Holiday Budgeting Strategies?

This is just the beginning. In my ebook, I share:

• The exact step-by-step holiday budget worksheet I use
• Creative ways to save money without missing out on traditions
• How to handle family expectations without breaking your wallet
• And bonus tips for starting January without financial regret

If you’re serious about making this your most stress-free holiday season yet, check out my ebook for the full breakdown.

• 
  How I Actually Improve My Sleep (+ the Things That Help Me Get There)
  The author shares insights on improving sleep quality, emphasizing the importance of treating rest as essential for healing. Key strategies include setting a consistent bedtime, using magnesium for relaxation, minimizing screen time, utilizing a weighted blanket, enjoying herbal tea, journaling, employing white noise, and investing in a silk pillowcase for better skin and hair.
• 
  How to Build a Self-Care Sunday Routine on a Budget
  Self-care can be simple and budget-friendly, focusing on intentional routines rather than expensive luxuries. A realistic Sunday routine includes slow mornings, light cleaning, meal prep, and evening relaxation practices. Prioritizing consistency and grounding habits can lead to a more fulfilling week. Self-care emphasizes quality over aesthetics and affordability.
• 
  What I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started “Joi’s Journey”
  The content reflects a personal journey of growth and self-acceptance. The author shares insights on the importance of honesty, patience, and consistency while navigating life’s challenges. They emphasize the value of evolving publicly, allowing both strength and softness to coexist, and the realization that true progress is about becoming rather than simply arriving.
• 
  The Book That Changed How I See the World? I Had to Write It Myself.
  The author reflects on how writing their book, “Clay,” transformed their worldview. Addressing themes of personal growth, the author uses pottery as a metaphor for life’s stages, shifting from seeing breakage as failure to viewing it as an opportunity for healing. The book aims to help others reclaim their agency in shaping themselves.
• 
  Warm Soup Recipes That Actually Help with Period Cramps
  During your menstrual cycle, the body craves warm, grounding foods to alleviate discomfort. This article shares simple soup recipes, highlighting how ingredients like lentils, sweet potatoes, and miso provide nourishment and relief. Emphasizing that warm meals support digestion and comfort, it encourages tuning into your body’s needs during this time.