Skip to content
United Settlement
  • Manage Your Debt
    • get-startedGet Started
    • settlementDebt Settlement
    • consolidationDebt Consolidation
    • debt-managmentDebt Management
    • bankruptcyBankruptcy
    • credit-cardCredit Card Debt
    • businessBusiness Debt
    • car-loanAuto Loan Debt
    • student-debtStudent Loan
  • Understand Your Debt
    • credit-cardCredit Card
    • business-2Small Business Debt
    • medicalMedical
    • loansLoans
    • umbrellaCredit Card Relief
    • interest-ratesInterest Rates
    • student-debtStudent Debt
  • Tools & Resources
    • faqFAQs
    • credit-cardCredit Guidance
    • calculatorCalculator
    • call-usContact Us
    • contact-usAbout Us
  • More
    • Debt Settlement
    • Debt Consolidation
    • Reviews
    • FAQs
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Blog
    • Sitemap
    • Debt Relief by State
    • Careers
Debt Relief & Settlement Programs
Logo
United Settlement
phone icon 888-574-5454
client icon Client Log In
  • More
    • About Us
    • Proven Results
    • Reviews
    • Contact Us
    • Debt Settlement
    • Debt Consolidation
    • Debt Management
    • Business Debt Relief
    • Credit Card Debt Relief
    • Debt Relief by State
    • FAQs
    • Blog
    • Sitemap
    • Careers
Qualify For Debt Relief
Debt Relief & Settlement Programs
  • Manage Your Debt
    • get-startedGet Started
    • settlementDebt Settlement
    • consolidationDebt Consolidation
    • debt-managmentDebt Management
    • bankruptcyBankruptcy
    • credit-cardCredit Card Debt
    • businessBusiness Debt
    • car-loanAuto Loan Debt
    • student-debtStudent Loan
  • Understand Your Debt
    • credit-cardCredit Card
    • business-2Small Business Debt
    • medicalMedical
    • loansLoans
    • umbrellaCredit Card Relief
    • interest-ratesInterest Rates
    • student-debtStudent Debt
  • Tools & Resources
    • faqFAQs
    • credit-cardCredit Guidance
    • calculatorCalculator
    • call-usContact Us
    • contact-usAbout Us
  • More
    • Debt Settlement
    • Debt Consolidation
    • Reviews
    • FAQs
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Blog
    • Sitemap
    • Debt Relief by State
    • Careers
United Settlement » Blog » How to Stay Out of Debt This Holiday Season

How to Stay Out of Debt This Holiday Season

October 14, 2020

Throughout the holiday season, it is important for us to do out best, to manage our time, manage our money, enjoy our friends and family, and give to those around us. However, like any other time of year, it’s also important to know how to budget wisely and prevent ourselves from building a pile of debt.

Minimizing debt throughout the year is always a good idea, but as the holidays approach, it can become an even better idea. If you want to make certain of how to stay out of debt this holiday season, there are several things to keep in mind. After all, with the holidays approaching, there are plenty of ways to spend too much money. Here are some tips on how to stay out of debt this holiday season.

How To Stay Out of Debt This Holiday Season

If you want to know how to stay out of debt this holiday season, the first thing to have in mind is to have a pre-set budget for all of your gifts and spending related to any holiday parties that you may be throwing yourself – you must have a predefined spending limit!

It makes sense that if you have a firm limit heading in, then you will have a much better chance of not exceeding it. Without a clearly defined spending limit, how can we possibly know whether we’re spending too much and potentially getting ourselves into trouble?

Therefore, avoid the typical response of creating a list of people to whom you wish to give gifts and instead start with a number – the maximum amount that you can afford to spend on all gifts, cards, food, drinks, party supplies and decorations before beginning your shopping. Once you have a pre-set spending limit in mind, stick to it!

Being smart about staying out of debt during the holiday season also includes giving yourself plenty of time for shopping and bargain hunting. For the most part, rely on cash as much as possible – especially given that the overall objective is to remain within the bounds of your spending limit. Exceptions can be made when you have existing points or cash back dollars sitting on credit cards that can be allotted toward holiday spending.

While we’re on the subject, you can also look to use any spare amounts you may have remaining on gift cards for holiday shopping. Apart from these examples, relying on cash (your budgeted amount, withdrawn from your bank ahead of time) serves as a preventative against relying on credit cards while also strictly avoiding potential impulse purchases that can tip you over your spending limit.

When you plan ahead like this, you also avoid the need for last-minute purchases that can prove overly expensive. Remember too, that in those instances when using a card makes some sense (for cash back or promotions) that you use the lowest interest-rate card possible, remain within your pre-set spending limit, maintain a written record of all purchases, and create a written plan for exactly when you will pay back all charges in full. Writing everything down and keeping yourself accountable as we head into 2022 is the best answer to the question of how to pay off holiday debt.

Debt Free Holiday Season

Another way to ensure a debt free holiday season is to substitute some of your time for your money when planning your gift giving. The expression, “it’s the thought that counts” really comes into play here. Meaningful gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money – yet they can be among the most treasured and remembered.

For many older people who have fewer material wants, thoughtful gestures and meaningful gifts can really make a difference. Simple handwritten creations combined with thoughtfully selected trinkets from thrift shops and garage sales can mean the world to an older person when you’ve shown them that you know who they are on the inside.

Doing something as simple as giving a photo from earlier in the year presented in a nice, inexpensive frame helps fortify a friendship. How about a “gift certificate” for a babysitting night – or a weekend of dog walks?

What about offering to help an older person with their food shopping, or even better – a lunch outing? Or simply plan to spend a day with a friend or loved one who you haven’t really seen in awhile if the two of you live nearby. All of these (and others that you can think of yourself) can really hit home in a good way while maintaining your spending below your pre-set limit.

Stay Out of Debt This Holiday Season

A few final thoughts as we plan ahead in our efforts to stay out of debt this holiday season. If you’ve never done it before, consider trying a “Secret Santa” this year with your family or a group of friends.

This way, everybody winds up getting a gift and nobody has to buy gifts for everyone – an easy way for everyone to participate while saving money and staying out of debt.

Next, when it comes to Black Friday (and Cyber Monday), you’re far more likely to come out ahead when you plan in advance exactly what you’re going to buy at a discount – and nothing more! In other words, we’re not going to act like kids in a candy store who need to get everything that they want.

No. Instead, we can use these shopping holidays to save money and time while keeping ourselves reigned in from impulse purchases. Remember your pre-set spending limit – because it’s on these particular days when you will need it most!

Contact United Debt Settlement to learn more about how to get out of debt. Give us a call at (888-574-5454) or fill out our online contact form. 

About the Author: Steven Brachman

Steven Brachman is the lead content provider for UnitedSettlement.com. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Economics, Steven spent several years as a registered representative in the securities industry before moving on to equity research and trading. He is also an experienced test-prep professional and admissions consultant to aspiring graduate business school students. In his spare time, Steven enjoys writing, reading, travel, music and fantasy sports.

Gabriel Gorelik, CEO & Co-Founder
Gabriel Gorelik

Gabriel Gorelik paves the way for customer service and operations at United Settlement. He is passionate about numbers and holds a strong belief in helping anyone with their debt. Before United Settlement, Gabriel received his BS in Finance & Economics from Brooklyn College. After graduation, Gabriel went on to build his first financial services company where he managed over 1,000 business clients. He understands the importance of client satisfaction, professionalism, and exceeding expectations.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Search Blog

Are you in debt? we can help

  • Amount
  • Contact

How much do you owe?

Excellent

Based on 377 reviews.
Overall 4.4 out of 5 stars

View All Reviews

Annette Huggins

March 14

That when it seems like nobody can help United will.

This was a great experience for me. I am just starting but Madelene Gallon made me feel like we were friends for years. She tried to make me feel that she would help me and make sure I got the best deal...

Kiirstin

March 01

Kind and caring

Had been searching for a while for a company I could trust to get me out of crippling debt. Really didn’t think it was possible. Spoke to Ben at United Debt and he assured me that not only was it possible,...

Kiirstin

March 01

Kind and caring

Had been searching for a while for a company I could trust to get me out of crippling debt. Really didn’t think it was possible. Spoke to Ben at United Debt and he assured me that not only was it possible,...

Dylan

February 28

Quick, easy assistance!

I've been working with Ben at United Debt to help me organize and get out of debt for once - I've been dealing with debt for ages and Ben showed me some simple ways to begin dealing with things to keep...

Takota Carrie

February 14

I need help

I really appreciate

JONICA Amber PIRON

December 21

Great!

Renika went above and beyond today to help me. She is wonderful to work with! Thank you again Renika for all of your help today! Happy Holidays to you!

Jayvon

December 20

Paying back

They where great listeners

Shawn abetha

December 14

Everything

Thanks

Robert Phillips

November 23

Do your home eork

Paid several thousand dollars and nothing done. Ended up settling 90%by myself. This is a preatory company. So do your homework. This will never post.

Dm

November 18

Customer service is truly helpful

Renika was so helpful. My account was paid off but I kept receiving notifications. She cleared up the situation.

Jose Rosa

November 16

Great Customer Service

Renika did a wonderful job handling my questions and transactions. She is very patient on the phone and took care of my needs accordingly.

Russ

November 03

Very helpful

Renika did a great job in answering all of my questions in a timely manner. She was polite and friendly. Keep her on the payroll.

Anthony Desoto

October 31

What's Important to me is United Settlement Costumer service !

United Settlement Costumer service is Amazing Everyone is Professional . I am so happy choosing them with my card Debt. thank you all for helping me out .

Ri cky

August 23

That this company has integrity!

A responsive company that keeps it clients up to date and fully informed. I like the fact that I can send them a text and be guaranteed an answer within 24 hrs.

Jerry Bolandis

June 04

Professional and focused on facts and truth not hype. Excellent. We want to know facts.

Great work very professional and great updates. Communication is excellent.

janice head

October 25

trust them

Excellent. Also each time i call there they treat me with respect even though they are probably thinking jerk . You sure have made mess of your life. but they have been taught to smile smile smile. this...

Scott W O'Neill

August 01

Thanks for all your help and negotiations.

Thanks for the update! I have faith in you guys and will continue my payments. Thanks for all your help and negotiations.

Cassandra Robinson

July 30

That A Settlement Was Entered.

I Absolutely Love You All At United Settlements. You All Have Saved My Credit Solutions. I Would Refer Everyone To You Services.

Mildred Yvonne Sherron

July 16

The results of the settlement attempts.

So far, I have found United Settlement more than satisfactory. Very conscientious and very efficient in providing a service in debt settlement. Thank you and all the members of your team who are assisting...

Diana Cardona

July 16

Tough Financial Hard Times During Covid-19

I signed up with United Debt Settlement because of large credit card debts, which had taken a financial toll on my credit. UDS has an outstanding reputation assisting clients like me achieve financial recovery...

  • Contact Us
  • 240 West 37th Street
    Suite 400
    New York, NY 10018
  • (888)-574-5454
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Debt Relief Services
  • Debt Settlement
  • Business Debt Relief
  • Credit Card Help
  • Debt Consolidation
  • Debt Management
  • Student Loan Help
  • Careers
Learn more about debt relief


    • facebook
    • Google Plus
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Linkedin
    • facebook
    • Tools & Resources
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Debt Calculator
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Sitemap
    • Reviews
    • Client Login
    Free Savings Estimate
    Apply Here
    Clients who stay according to debt relief program can realize approximate savings of 50% before fees, or 25% including fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for reasons such as: their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period. We do not assume consumer and/or business debt, provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting, legal or credit repair services/ advice. Our program is not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. If you have any additional questions please contact us. NMLS ID: 1947026
    Copyright 2023. United Debt Settlement, LLC