The festive season is about relaxing and spending time with loved ones, but it can also put serious pressure on your wallet.
Between gifts, travel, entertaining and tempting sales, holiday expenses can quickly spiral. Before the new year begins, take some time to reset your finances.
Also see: How a financial adviser can help you achieve your financial goals
Glacier by Sanlam and Nedbank offer practical ways to avoid common festive-season money mistakes.
Revisit your financial goals
Before setting new goals, look at the ones you made this year.
Whether you wanted to save, pay off debt or build an emergency fund, consider what you managed to achieve and where you may need to refocus, Glacier by Sanlam advises. You don’t have to have everything figured out. The aim is to identify what matters most and set realistic priorities for the year ahead.
Give your budget a check
The end of the year often comes with additional costs, so keeping track of your spending is especially important.
Review your budget and look at where you can cut unnecessary expenses. Glacier by Sanlam also recommends checking subscriptions and memberships you no longer use, as well as reviewing your insurance policies to ensure your cover remains appropriate.
Nedbank highlights another important consideration: don’t let festive spending become January debt.
Impulsive purchases because something is on sale, excessive credit-card spending and over-catering can all leave you with less money than expected once the holidays are over.
Instead, identify your non-negotiables. If the family lunch, children’s gifts or a short getaway matter most, prioritise those expenses and skip the rest.
Check your credit health
If you’re considering a major purchase, now is a good time to check your credit profile.
Glacier by Sanlam recommends requesting your free annual credit report and checking it for errors or outdated information.
Understanding your credit health can help you make more informed financial decisions when planning for goals such as buying a car or home.
Also see: Storm-proof your finances: 14 financial tips for extreme weather
Get your financial paperwork in order
Use some of the quieter holiday moments to organise important financial documents, including bank statements, tax returns, investment statements and insurance policies.
Digital copies can make them easier to access and reduce clutter. It’s also worth checking that your will and beneficiary details are still up to date.
Plan and keep learning
Late travel bookings can push up costs, according to Nedbank, so plan your holiday expenses carefully where possible.
And if you’re unsure about your financial direction, Glacier by Sanlam suggests considering advice from a financial adviser who can help you create a plan suited to your goals, lifestyle and risk appetite.
You can also use the festive break to learn more about money management and investing through articles, podcasts or online workshops.
A financial reset doesn’t have to be complicated. A few intentional decisions now can help you enter 2027 feeling more organised, informed and ready for what’s ahead.
Also see: Top 5 tips to help you set financial boundaries
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