If you’re tempted to apply for a loan to finance the winter holidays, you’re not alone. Individual shoppers spent an average of over $890 during the 2025 season, according to the National Retail Federation.
Where did it all go? The majority was spent on gifts for family members and friends, The rest was spent on food, decorations, flowers and greeting cards, among other goodies.
All of that can add up to a major burden on an educator’s salary. Consider these budget-friendly tips to take the sting out of your holiday spending:
1. Be an informed shopper
The only way to know if you’re getting a good price on a good product is to do your research. These days, people shop in several stages. Sometimes we research online, then go to a store to make a purchase. Other times, we browse in stores, then search online for better prices.
There are some great tools to help you hunt down the best price either way: Comparison-shop on sites such as PriceGrabber.com and Shopzilla.com, or use apps such as ShopSavvy in-store.
Those kinds of apps let you scan barcodes, see online and local prices, and read reviews—all while you’re in the store. You can even sign up to have an email alert sent to you when your desired price is met.
Before hitting the “buy” button on your online purchase, search the retailer name and “promotional code” to find limited-time discounts posted by websites such as RetailMeNot.com and CouponCabin.com.
NEA members can use the NEA Cashback Rewards app through NEA Shop & Dine. Earn cash back when shopping online and in-store at participating retailers. Cash back is available instantly for use on future purchases.
2. Let the sales come to you
Sign up for emails and texts from your favorite retailers and comparison-shopping websites to be alerted to steep holiday discounts.
3. Use your plastic
Years ago, there was a negative stigma associated with using credit to shop during the holidays. These days, credit-card companies and retailers provide generous discounts/cash-back rewards for using their cards.
“Some credit cards offer as much as 5% back on department store and Amazon purchases in the last three months of the year,” says Jodi Furman, author of “Live fabuLESS!,” which focuses on living an upscale life on a “regular” salary. “In addition, stores will market credit/debit cards that offer ‘deep’ discounts—like 20% instead of 15%—for new applicants and existing cardholders.”
However, if you allow interest on these purchases to build up, you’ll essentially give back that discount—and then some. “To avoid interest charges, immediately pay off the total amount you just charged,” Furman says. “You can even pay the bill with your smartphone before you leave the store. This means you’ll get all the advantages of a card—and no risk.”
4. Get rewarded
If you’re making holiday purchases using a credit card, pick one that lets you earn cash rewards or points for the purchases you’re making. Learn how to maximize your rewards with the NEA® Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature® credit card. You’ll earn 6% cash back for the first year (3% cash back + 3% first-year cash back bonus) in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
And there’s a special incentive offer for new account holders. Click the link above to learn more about this offer.
5. Stock your wallet with big bills
This sounds counterintuitive, but having large denominations in your wallet has been proven to limit spending habits. “People are more reluctant to break up large bills than small ones,” says consumer finance expert Kevin Gallegos, vice president of Phoenix operations for Freedom Financial Network, “so pack $50s in your wallet rather than $20s and $10s.”
6. Shop based on value, not a predetermined amount
It’s good to designate spending limits for each immediate family member and others on your “nice” list. But keep in mind that this is a ceiling, not a quota. You still can give that much value in a present while staying well under your limit.
“Let’s say you find an amazing sweater that you know would normally go for $49.99, but it’s on sale during the holidays for under $30,” says Mary Hunt, author of “Debt-Proof Your Christmas” and founder of DebtProofLiving.com. “Don’t assume you have to spend another $20 on your sister to meet a preconceived requirement that you must spend the full $50 you allotted. Your mission is complete.”
Create and manage your shopping list, including maximum budget amounts, in present-tracking apps such as GiftPlanner and mGifts.
7. Buy gift cards for less than face value
Gift cards aren’t just for gift giving. If you’re planning a major purchase or if you know you’ll be shopping soon at a favorite store, buy discounted gift cards for that store before you shop. As an NEA member, you can purchase discounted gift cards through NEA Shop & Dine.
Restaurant.com certificates are also popular at NEA Shop & Dine. Get discounts up to 50% off at local restaurants, including deals at over 170,000 participating locations!
8. Ship gifts for free
Many retailers will waive their shipping fee as a standard promotion—sometimes without minimum purchase amounts. For more variety, you can get free shipping from hundreds of online retailers on National Free Shipping Day—but that’s only if you can wait until mid-December.
9. Save money by giving “free” gifts
When you buy “stuff” for presents, sometimes those items can simply gather dust. But when you pair a thoughtful card with a handwritten note to give a precious asset—time—you’ll really make an impact.
“Offer a movie day with a child,” Gallegos says. “Or shovel snow, or host a party, or give your spouse a day off from chores and/or parenting and/or cooking duties.”
Another idea is to bequeath an important family heirloom. Write a heartfelt explanation to the recipient about its significance on high-quality stationery to make an impact that will last a lifetime.
“You’ll preserve family history but not spend a dime,” Hunt says. This kind of gift isn’t right for everyone, though. “Unless a person has expressed a particular love or desire for said heirloom, do not assume your gesture will be appreciated.”
10. Defray your entertaining costs
You can spend a fortune on holiday decorations if you’re not careful. But why blow hundreds on inflatable Santas and enough twinkling lights to put the Griswolds to shame? Furman suggests that you turn to both nature and your loved ones for a more homespun look.
“Use branches from your backyard as wreathes or garlands,” she says. “String fresh cranberries for a Hallmark-style throwback look to simpler days. If you have kids or grandkids or nieces and nephews, display their holiday art projects. Take advantage of bows and ribbons that you can use every year.” Avoid decorations that you’d be inclined to toss after the big day.
If you’re hosting a large party, your holiday cheer can turn to tears if you’re holed up in the kitchen. Instead of stressing yourself out by trying to host a Martha Stewart-worthy dinner party, boost the fun factor by inviting loved ones for a potluck. “You share recipes—and cost—all at the same time,” Furman says.
Get tips on holiday décor in our article “Spruce Up Your Home for the Holidays—for Less.”
