Four weeks and counting! That's all we've got until Christmas rolls around again. Of course, not everyone marks Christmas – but whether you celebrate Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Tết, Western New Year, or simply Silly Season, it’s an expensive time for many.

If you’re anything like us, holidays often come with a mix of excitement and a slight panic about how much you’re likely to spend. .

But what if you could greet the holiday season with a sense of readiness, instead of the usual end-of-year scramble?

In this bonus episode, we’re sharing five clever things you can do to save for the 2023/24 holidays.

We've even sprinkled in our personal holiday goals for 2023 – a blend of enjoyment, auto-investing , and self-care. Perhaps, nestled within our conversation, you'll discover the spark of inspiration for planning your own holiday goals.

Five tips to save money during the holidays (and reduce holiday stress)

1. Get organised now

With the festive season almost upon us, it's crunch time for your wallet. But here's a thought: why wait until December to scramble for funds?

Here’s a simple, yet effective trick: wust like you'd plan for a big event, consider setting up a weekly automatic transfer into a special 'festive fun' account. Pacing your saving this way can take the pressure off your December paycheque.

Even something as small as $30 a week adds up to an extra $120 by Christmas. Or, if you're feeling really ambitious, $150 a week turns into a sweet $600. Imagine the extra fun things you could do with that. Early planning equals less financial stress and more festive cheer.

2. Get cash back on shopping

Yes, you read that right. With cashback sites like ShopBack and CashRewards, your shopping spree can actually put money back in your pocket.

These platforms offer a percentage of your spend – sometimes as much as 20% – back into your account. And when you stack these with discount codes (a favorite is Honey for sniffing out the best deals), you're stacking serious savings.

3. Embrace Secret Santa (or an equivalent for your celebration of choice)

The cost of living is rising, and so is the pressure of gift-giving. Why not switch to Secret Santa this year? It’s a win-win: everyone gets a well-thought-out gift, and no one has to break the bank.

And if Secret Santa isn't quite your style, setting a mutual gift budget with friends and family can keep things fair and manageable. It's a conversation worth having, and chances are, they're thinking the same thing.

4. Buy ahead during sales

Why pay full price when you can get it on sale? Key shopping events like Click Frenzy, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are your allies. Make a list, check it twice, and then shop with intention during those sales.

5. Travel smart with flyer points and fuel discounts

Traveling during the festive season can be pricey, but there are ways to stretch your dollar further. Look into converting Flybuys or Woolworths Everyday Rewards into frequent flyer points. If you’re driving, apps like My 7-11 and Fuel Map Australia can help you find the cheapest fuel options.

Our 2023 holiday goals: balancing money goals and wellbeing

We're not just thinking about gifts and celebrations; we're also focusing on our personal holiday goals. In this one, we reveal what those are and maybe you can find some inspiration for your own.

Ana's goals

Ana’s goal for the holidays is twofold: staying within a set budget for a family Christmas trip and prioritising her health.

She’s earmarked funds for flights, accommodation, and car hire to cover the holiday needs of her family and her partner’s. Additionally, Ana has created a special column for something we overlook: our personal wellbeing. After launching her book, Kids Ain't Cheap , Ana’s planning to finally use those spa coupons she's been holding onto and take that well-deserved break.

Tash’s goals

Then there's Tash, who's committing to investing $200 every fortnight. It’s a small step that's about to make a big leap towards her retirement goals. But there's more: as a self-employed professional, finding time to switch off is a challenge. So, Tash is better organising her work to hold space for a true break this Christmas.

Your turn: Share your 2023 holiday goals with us

Achieving our money goals is a journey that starts with a simple step: sharing. When you share your goals, whether it’s about saving for a holiday or investing for the future, you're not just setting a target. You're inviting accountability and support.

In keeping with this spirit, we’d love to hear your money goals this holiday and beyond in our Facebook group . And if you're feeling the season of giving, why not spread the word on our Instagram page or the Pearler Exchange ?

Listen to the full episode for more insights and don't hesitate to share it with those who might benefit. If you're new to investing, revisit our first 10 episodes to help you get started in this long-term investing game.

Happy investing!

Tash & Ana