(COLORADO SPRINGS) — As the holiday shopping season kicks off, Ent Credit Union is offering tips to help shoppers avoid overspending.
Bree Shellito, Director of Financial Well-Being at Ent Credit Union, shared strategies on FOX21 Morning News on Thursday, Nov. 6, to manage holiday expenses effectively.
Courtesy: Ent
“Yesterday was 50 days until Christmas, today is 38 days until Hanukkah; it is coming,” said Shellito, who advised setting a ‘cheer budget’ that includes all holiday-related expenses such as gifts, travel, and parties.
How to set your holiday “cheer budget”
Don’t just make a gift list – make a total spending cap that includes travel, food, wrapping paper, and parties, all the things that come your way this time of year.
It’s not about cutting joy – it’s about cutting chaos.
Try using the “4-Gift Rule” for kids (something they want, need, wear, and read).
Use cash-back or reward points strategically – Ideally, if you can pay off the balance in full or have a short-term payoff plan, because your joy shouldn’t come with interest!
You don’t have to buy for everyone to show you care, so set clear expectations early.
Next, Shellito said that shoppers are encouraged to create a wish list and wait 24 hours before purchasing to avoid impulse buys.
Shop with a plan (and a pause button)
Create a “wish list” a few days before shopping, but give yourself a time frame (maybe 24 hours) to cool off before you buy.
Compare prices using browser extensions or apps that track deals automatically.
Skip the “doorbusters” if they weren’t on your list – they’re designed to create impulse buys.
A sale isn’t a savings if it wasn’t in your plan.
Shellito also highlighted the value of ‘experience gifts,’ such as baking days or movie nights.
Presence over presents
Suggest experience gifts or service-based gifts like shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, pet sitting, etc.
Host a gift exchange or “Secret Santa” instead of buying for everyone – especially among adults.
Holiday magic doesn’t come from your money — it comes from your meaning.
Homemade or personalized gifts (photos, playlists, crafts) often mean more — and cost less. Pick out photos to have printed now.
Lastly, she said planning for next year is crucial.
Plan for 2026
Open a holiday savings account or automatic transfer early in the year, even $10 a week = $500+ by next December.
Use January to track what you actually spent this year – that becomes your realistic 2026 plan.
Holiday happiness starts with habits, not last-minute panic.
For more tips, visit Ent.com/Events.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by FOX21. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by FOX21 staff before being published.
