As the holiday season approaches, are you starting to feel the familiar stress of rising expenses? It’s the time of year when costs have a way of creeping up—whether it’s holiday travel, gift buying, or entertaining loved ones. Have you found yourself wondering how much you’ll end up spending this year, or are you prepared to handle the seasonal splurge without derailing your financial goals?

For many, this season is a prime example of unintentional spending at its peak. But what if you could enter the holidays feeling confident that every dollar has a purpose? At Get Priorities Straight (GPS), we believe in the power of intentional spending, not just during the holidays, but year-round. By taking control of your spending decisions, you can protect yourself from holiday-induced financial stress and ensure that your money is supporting your broader life goals.

What is Unintentional Spending?

Unintentional spending happens when you make purchases without fully considering how they align with your priorities. This is often driven by impulse, convenience, or habit, especially during the holidays when deals are abundant, and emotions run high. Some typical examples include:

• Holiday Gift Overload: It’s easy to overspend on gifts, especially when you’re not tracking how much you’ve already purchased.
• Travel and Entertainment Expenses: Costs associated with holiday gatherings, flights, hotels, and family outings can add up quickly if they aren’t part of an intentional plan.
• Subscription Renewals: It’s common to overlook automatic renewals for services like meal delivery kits, streaming platforms, or apps that you may not even use anymore.

These small, seemingly insignificant costs pile up quickly, leading to financial “leaks” that could cost high earners between $10,000 and $25,000 annually. For someone earning between $150,000 and $400,000 a year, that’s a considerable sum that could be going toward more meaningful goals like retirement savings, debt reduction, or even funding your dream vacation.

The Power of Intentional Spending

Intentional spending involves making conscious decisions about where your money goes and ensuring it aligns with your long-term goals. It’s not about saying “no” to the things you love—it’s about making sure that every dollar is working for you and your vision of financial well-being.

When you follow the system GPS teaches, you’ll have money already allocated for holiday expenses long before the season arrives. That’s the power of intentional spending—you don’t have to scramble or worry about overspending. You’ll also have built-in flexibility to handle those unexpected costs that inevitably pop up, whether it’s a last-minute gift or an impromptu family gathering. It all comes down to being intentional with every dollar, all year long.

Actionable Steps to Shift Toward Intentional Spending

Even if you’re not currently working with GPS, you can start implementing intentional spending practices today. Here are a few steps to get you started:

1. Set Clear Financial Goals: What do you want your money to do for you? Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a large purchase, or covering holiday expenses, knowing your goals will guide your spending decisions.
2. Track Every Dollar: Start tracking your expenses daily. Apps like YNAB or even a simple spreadsheet can help you see exactly where your money is going. This awareness is key to avoiding unintentional spending.
3. Create a Holiday Spending Plan: Sit down and estimate your total holiday expenses. Include gifts, travel, entertainment, and even small costs like wrapping paper. Set a specific budget for each category.
4. Pause Before Making Purchases: Before clicking “buy” or pulling out your card, take a moment to reflect on whether this purchase aligns with your goals. Is it necessary? Does it bring you closer to your financial vision?
5. Prepare for the Unexpected: Life will always throw surprises your way. Build a cushion into your budget to cover unexpected expenses, so you’re not derailed when they happen. Having this buffer can make a huge difference in reducing stress.

The GPS Approach: Achieve Financial Peace of Mind

While these steps can help you start down the path toward intentional spending, working with GPS takes it to the next level. With our system, you’ll have a clear roadmap that not only helps you plan for the holidays but keeps you on track all year long. Our clients find that shifting from unintentional to intentional spending helps them regain control, reduce unnecessary expenses, get peace of mind, and achieve more with their income.

Imagine how empowered you’ll feel going into this holiday season with a plan that allows you to enjoy the festivities without the post-holiday financial hangover. If unintentional spending is costing you $10,000 to $25,000 annually, reclaiming even a portion of that can have a massive impact on your financial goals.

If you’re ready to take control of your finances and bring intentionality to every dollar you spend, book a free consultation with me. Together, we’ll create a plan that gives you clarity, flexibility, and peace of mind—not just for the holidays, but for the long run.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of financial clarity. Let’s get your priorities straight so you can focus on what truly matters, without the stress of mounting holiday debt.