Show Notes
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, connection, and making memories with the people we love. But between buying gifts, hosting gatherings, traveling, family traditions, and all those little expenses that seem to pop up, the financial pressure can add up quickly.
And with the cost of everyday life already stretching many families' budgets, how can we make the holidays feel special without starting the new year feeling financially overwhelmed?
In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Hayes Levi, Community Outreach Specialist at Wings Credit Union and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC). Stephanie works with schools and communities across Colorado, helping people feel more confident about their finances through practical, approachable financial education.
Together, we talk about something many of us experience but don't always discuss openly: the emotional side of holiday spending. We want to create magical experiences for our families, give thoughtful gifts, and participate in traditions, but sometimes the pressure to do it all can lead us to spend more than we planned.
Stephanie shares why it's so easy to overspend during the holidays and how a few simple financial habits can help us make more intentional decisions. From setting a realistic holiday budget and planning for unexpected expenses to giving ourselves time before making purchases, we explore ways to enjoy the season without putting unnecessary strain on our finances.
And what happens if January rolls around and we've spent more than we intended? Stephanie walks us through practical debt repayment strategies, including the snowball and avalanche methods, and explains how to start making a plan without getting caught up in guilt or shame.
IIn this episode, we cover:
Why emotions play such a big role in holiday spending
How to create a realistic holiday budget that goes beyond gifts
The little holiday expenses we often forget to plan for
Simple ways to avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary spending
How to prioritize meaningful traditions and experiences over gifts
Navigating conversations with family about gift giving, spending limits, and expectations
How planning ahead can help reduce holiday spending stress
What to do if you find yourself facing holiday debt
Understanding the snowball and avalanche methods of paying down debt
Free financial coaching and educational resources available through Wings Credit Union
And just as importantly, financial wellness isn't about getting everything right. Our circumstances change, our priorities shift, and sometimes we have to make adjustments. What matters is making decisions that support our well-being and the season of life we're currently in.
If you've ever felt the pressure to make the holidays perfect or found yourself spending more than you intended, this episode is for you. Because enjoying the holidays shouldn't have to come at the expense of your financial peace of mind.
Connect with Wings Credit Union:
Find a location near you here.
www.wingsco.com/events - Where listeners can find free monthly webinars on a range of financial topics. They have a 30-minute runtime and if you’re unable to make a specific date, we have a library of webinars on our Wings YouTube channel.
www.wingsco.com/coaching - More information about our Financial Coaching program and how listeners can make a virtual or in-person appointment.
FinancialEducation@ent.com – If listeners have a specific financial question that they’d like to reach out to our team about.
Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast:
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Learn more about the Fall Wellness Giveaway here.