How to Save Money During the Holidays

The holidays are fun, but they’re also one of the easiest times to overspend—between gifts, food, travel, and parties, your budget can disappear fast.

A bit of planning upfront can keep things festive and affordable.

KOHO Essential For Your Holiday Savings

Keeping all your holiday spending in one place makes it easier to stay on track.

With KOHO Essential, you can:

• It has a low monthly plan fee that can be waived when you set up direct deposit or add +$1,000.

• Use a prepaid Mastercard® for groceries, bills, subscriptions, and travel.

• Grow your savings with a 2% interest savings rate on your entire balance.

• Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation.

• You can subscribe to Credit Building for $10/month, it's an affordable way to build your credit history.

• Enjoy unlimited transactions and free e-transfers (never worry about fees when sending money to someone again).

Set a Hard Holiday Budget (And Stick to It)

• Decide on one total number you’re comfortable spending for the season.

• Break it into buckets: gifts, food, events, travel, extras.

• Use your KOHO balance as a hard limit—when it’s gone, you’re done.

Seeing the number in one place helps you avoid “death by a thousand little purchases.”

Simplify Gifts

• Suggest Secret Santa or gift exchanges so each person buys fewer presents.

• Set a price cap for each gift.

• Consider low cost options: baking, handwritten notes, or shared experiences instead of pricey items.

People usually remember the thought, not the price tag.

Plan Food and Events in Advance

• Host potlucks so one person isn’t paying for everything.

• Plan meals ahead to avoid last minute, expensive grocery runs.

• Limit how many paid events you say yes to—pick a few that really matter.

A little planning can cut food and entertainment costs in half.

Be Smart About Travel

• Travel on off peak days if you can.

• Use public transit where possible instead of multiple rideshares.

• If you’re staying with family or friends, offer to contribute in ways that don’t cost much (cooking, cleaning, helping out).

Protect January You

The goal isn’t a “perfect” holiday—it’s to enjoy yourself without dreading your credit card bill in January.

Setting a clear limit and making a few intentional choices can keep things fun and affordable.