Set a Clear Budget Together
•    Pray together for wisdom in setting financial goals.
•    List all potential holiday expenses (gifts, meals, travel, decorations).
•    Assign a specific amount to each category and stick to it.
 

Shop with Intention
•    Use a gift list: Decide who you’re buying for and set a limit for each person.
•    Avoid impulse buys but take advantage of sales.
•    Consider homemade or thoughtful, low-cost gifts.
 

Use Cash or a Prepaid Card
•    Withdraw or load the budgeted amount to avoid overspending.
 

Plan Ahead for Meals and Gatherings
•    Opt for potlucks or simple, budget-friendly recipes.
•    Buy non-perishables in advance to spread out costs.
 

Remember the Purpose of the Season
•    Focus on time together, serving others, and reflecting on Christ’s birth.
 

Staying on the Same Page With Your Spouse About Spending
Have a Pre-Holiday Conversation
•    Schedule a time to discuss holiday spending plans.
•    Share your expectations and fears about finances.
•    Use scripture (e.g., Luke 14:28 – “Count the cost”) to guide decisions.
Agree on Priorities
•    Determine what’s most important: meaningful gifts, hosting family, or giving generously to those in need.
•    Allocate funds accordingly.
Create a System for Decision-Making
•    Decide in advance how you’ll handle unexpected expenses (e.g., both must agree before spending over a set amount).
•    Keep an open communication channel through the season.
Use a Shared Tool
•    Use a budgeting app (like EveryDollar or Mint) or a simple spreadsheet to track expenses in real time.
•    Review the budget weekly to ensure alignment.
Pray Together Regularly
•    Ask God to guide your spending and unite you in decisions.
•    Pray for contentment and generosity (Philippians 4:12–13).
 

Resources for Further Support
•    The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey – Focuses on budgeting and debt-free living.
•    Your Money, Your Marriage by Brian and Cherie Lowe – Explores financial intimacy in marriage.
•    Crown Financial Ministries (https://www.crown.org)
•    EveryDollar – A simple budgeting app aligned with Dave Ramsey’s principles.