Dec 10, 2024

Holiday Budgeting: Journaling Can Save Your Sanity

The holidays are magical, but let’s be real—they can also hit your wallet hard. Gifts, food, travel, decorations... it all adds up fast. I’ve been there, panicking in December, wondering where all my money went. But here’s a trick that’s worked wonders for me: start early and keep track of everything in a journal. Seriously, a simple notebook can be your holiday lifesaver.

Why a Holiday Journal Makes Sense

Journaling isn’t just for spilling your feelings or doodling (though I’m all for that too). It can actually be a practical way to manage your finances. I use mine as a holiday planner. Every time I have a little extra cash—like skipping that fancy coffee or selling something I don’t need—I jot it down. It’s not a huge effort, but those small amounts add up.

What’s great about this is that I know exactly where my money is going. I break it down into categories: gifts, travel, decorations, you name it. By the time the holidays roll around, I’m not scrambling to figure out if I can afford everything. My journal has it all mapped out.

And hey, if you like getting creative, this is the perfect excuse to have fun with it. Add some holiday doodles, use colorful pens, or make cute little savings trackers. Turning it into a creative journaling project can actually make the process enjoyable instead of stressful.

What’s the Payoff? Less Stress, More Joy

The best part of starting early is that you don’t feel that December panic. You know the one—when you suddenly realize you have way too much to buy and no clue how you’ll afford it all. Saving little by little and writing it down, you avoid that completely.

Another benefit? You learn so much about your spending habits. Looking back at my journals, I’ve spotted areas where I can cut back and save more for the things that matter. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about seeing your progress written down. It’s like giving yourself a pat on the back.

How to Get Started

Grab a Notebook: It doesn’t need to be fancy. If you’re into writing journals or bullet journals, go wild and make it pretty.
Write Down Goals: How much do you want to save for gifts? Travel? Write it all out and break it into small, manageable chunks.
Track Every Bit: Got a little extra cash? Skip a splurge? Write it down. Seeing those small wins builds motivation.
Plan Smart Purchases: Make lists of gift ideas, compare prices, and avoid impulse buys. Writing things down makes you think twice before spending.
Make It Fun: This is where the creative side comes in. Use stickers, draw a little snowman, or create a savings thermometer. It keeps you motivated and makes budgeting feel less like a chore.

Related: Jotter Notebooks - Set of 3

It’s All About Starting Small

Holiday stress is real, but it doesn’t have to be. Starting early, saving little by little, and using a journal to track everything has completely changed how I approach the holidays. It’s not about being perfect but being prepared.

So, grab that notebook, make it yours, and start jotting down your holiday savings and plans. Trust me, when December rolls around, you’ll be so thankful you did.

Related: The Gift of Giving Back