the holiday season is a time of Joy but it can also bring a lot of financial stress if you’re concerned about overspending here are five tips to manage your money during the holiday season according to experts the first tip is to start with a budget before you even begin shopping decide an amount that you feel comfortable spending and don’t go over it you also don’t want to forget to account for taxes and shipping costs in your budget the second tip is to manage expectations with loved ones if the giftgiving Traditions that you have feel very overwhelming to you having an honest conversation about your financial situation with your family friends or significant other can help you alleviate stress the third tip is to think outside the box opting for homemade gifts or experiences rather than expensive items can be very good some examples of this can include cooking a special meal babysitting for a friend or making a photo album for your significant other the fourth tip is to share the cause of gatherings hosting family or friends can become quite expensive so you can suggest having a polock style meal where everyone contributes a dish and the fifth one is to take care of yourself the holidays can be emotionally taxing a specifically