It’s mid-holiday season-mode already here at White River Credit Union (WRCU). The lights are up, the carols are playing at the grocery store, and maybe you’re thinking: Am I going to enjoy this or just pay for it all year long? We’ve got you. This month’s blog is all about staying in the driver’s seat of your holiday finances, so you can soak up the magic without the money stress.
Why the Credit Crunch Is Real
Holiday spending trends show caution ahead
According to a recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers, U.S. consumers in 2025 expect their holiday spending to drop about 5% year-over-year, marking the largest decline since the pandemic.
What’s more, they expect to spend 11% less on gifts this year.
In other words: people are buying, but they’re doing so more carefully.
Inflation + pressure = need for better budgeting
Another study by Deloitte found consumers plan to spend an average of $1,595 this holiday season, down 10% from last year.
Many say they’re worried about the economy, rising prices, or being behind the curve. That means yes: you can keep the joy. But you’ll want to actively manage the spending rather than let it manage you.
Spending Smart: Your Holiday Season Game Plan
Set your “No-Debt” goal
Right now, draw a line in the sand: “I won’t start 2026 still paying for holiday 2025.” Then build everything around that.
- Use our BALANCE resources for worksheets and check-ins.
- Decide how much you’re comfortable spending in total (gifts + décor + food + “extras”).
- Commit to either paying off gift or card balances in full or don’t swipe.
According to the NerdWallet study, 31% of 2024 holiday shoppers who used credit cards still hadn’t paid off their balances by the next year.
Use our WRCU tools to give you breathing room
Here’s how WRCU helps you stay ahead of the crunch:
- Skip-a-Pay: If you already have a loan with us and December is tight, ask about skipping a payment to free up some cash flow.
- Holiday Loan: If you’re going to spend anyway, better to borrow smart (short term, low rate) than let high-interest credit card debt linger.
- Holiday Savings Accounts: Calling all planners! Open an account ahead of time and save throughout the year to make sure you’re ready when the holidays come around.
- BALANCE Financial Wellness: Free counseling and tools to check your plan, adjust mid-season, and avoid surprises.
By using these, you’re not just waiting for the bill; you’re adapting your plan in real time.
Prioritize what matters, let the rest slide
With many households trimming budgets this year, it’s a great time to lean into meaning:
- What’s really important (a meaningful gift, a cozy gathering, a local experience)?
- What’s “nice-to-have” but won’t create joy if you’re stressing over paying for it in spring?
Remember the McKinsey insight: consumers are hunting value and shifting spending toward essentials or meaningful experiences. So maybe it’s less about the biggest present and more about the right one.
Keep an eye out for debt traps
Beware of “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) or ramping up card balances without a plan. The NerdWallet study warned that about 18% of holiday shoppers plan to use BNPL, which could affect credit scores.
Rather:
- Use your Holiday Loan when you must so you know exactly what you owe and when it’s done.
- If you use credit cards, have a payment plan in mind.
- Use your BALANCE worksheets to monitor mid-season and course-correct.
Mid-Holiday Check-In: Your December Health Check
Weekly mini-reviews
Each week between now and the new year:
- Look at how much you’ve spent vs. your cap.
- Ask: “Did I create any new debt I can’t pay off in 30 days?”
- Consider whether Skip-a-Pay or a Holiday Loan would help if a surprise comes up.
Share the load (and the joy)
Local tip: At WRCU, we believe the Plateau is strongest when we support each other. Consider shared gifts (split the cost), local experiences (less “stuff”, more memory), or charitable giving (feels good, counts for community presence).
This also aligns with WRCU’s goal of maintaining community presence. By shifting the focus from spending to connection, you’re bank-rolling joy, not just purchases.
What WRCU Brings You
Frosty Funds: Extra cash to get you through
Give your friends and family the holiday they deserve without breaking your budget. With Frosty Funds from White River Credit Union, members can borrow up to $1,000 to cover holiday expenses and keep the season merry and bright.
Skip-a-Pay: A little breathing room
If you have an existing loan with us and December’s tighter than planned, ask about skipping a payment. No shame in a little flexibility; just make a plan for January when you resume normal payments.
Holiday Loans: Smarter than piling on credit card debt
We know December can bring extra expenses. Our Holiday Loan is built for this: predictable payoff, manageable terms, and helping you avoid the ripple effect of high interest.
BALANCE Financial Wellness: Your calm-down toolkit
Free, non-judgmental, and local (yes, we’re in Enumclaw at your side). From worksheets to webinars, this tool is as much about peace of mind as numbers. Check it out!
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
- Have your spending cap documented and agreed upon (with yourself or family).
- Review your progress each week. Don’t wait until New Year’s Day to wake up and find a surprise bill.
- Use Frosty Funds, Skip-a-Pay, or Holiday Loan before it gets desperate, so you stay calm, not scrambling.
- If you slip? Use BALANCE to reset your plan. One hiccup isn’t the end, but ignoring it might be.
- Remember: joy isn’t the price tag. Connection, memory, community; that’s real value.
Here at WRCU, we’ve served the Plateau since 1952. We’ve seen seasons of plenty and seasons of tightening belts. We know what good banking feels like: a neighbor who helps you stay strong, not just someone who says “write a check.” Our goal is your financial wellness, not just for December but for every month after. Contact us today for more information.
So hang the lights, sip your cocoa, laugh loud, and spend smart. When January rolls around, you’ll still be smiling and your budget will still be intact. Let’s make this holiday one where you enjoy today and own tomorrow.
