Sleigh Your Holiday Spending Without Slaying Your Financial Goals
The holidays are a time for togetherness, reflection, and celebration… but for many professional women, they also bring the pressure of gift-giving, family expectations, and the temptation to overspend. At Laideen & Co., we know that financial confidence isn’t about saying “no” to joy, but about aligning your spending with your vision for wealth and well-being.
Let’s explore how Canadian women can enjoy the season, support their families, and invest in their future… all while keeping financial goals front and centre.
Holiday Spending Trends: What Canadians Are Doing This Year
According to NerdWallet Canada’s 2025 Holiday Spending Report, the average Canadian plans to spend $708 this year… a modest increase from $698 in 2024. But inflation means every dollar counts, and many women are tightening their budgets or getting creative to keep celebrations meaningful and affordable.
A striking fact: “More than a quarter of 2024 holiday shoppers who incurred credit card debt for their holiday shopping last year (28%) say they are still paying that debt off.” For professional women balancing careers, family, and generational wealth goals, this is a reminder to avoid short-term decisions that can undermine long-term plans.
Generational Differences: Why Women Lead in Smart Spending
Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to use credit cards and “buy now, pay later” services, sometimes leading to lingering debt. Women, especially mothers and caregivers, often carry the emotional labour of holiday planning… making it even more important to set boundaries and model healthy financial habits for the next generation.
Across all ages, Canadians are shifting their approach: shopping local, maximizing rewards, and using side hustles to stretch their budgets. These strategies are not just about saving money. They are about reclaiming control and making intentional choices.
Rethinking Holiday Spending: Aligning Joy with Your Wealth Vision
How can you enjoy the season and still move closer to your financial goals? Here are some strategies that resonate with our community:
Define your “enough”: What truly matters to you and your family? Focus on experiences, meaningful gifts, and traditions that bring joy… without overspending.
Set a values-based budget: Allocate funds for what aligns with your goals (like travel, charity, or quality time), and say no to purchases that don’t serve your bigger picture.
Pause before purchase: Ask yourself, “Is this bringing me closer to my vision of wealth, or just filling a momentary gap?”
Share your goals: Involve your loved ones in your plans. Let them know you’re focusing on building wealth and creating new traditions together.
Smart Holiday Money Moves for Wealth-Building Women
Ready to make this season both joyful and financially empowering? Try these tips:
Create a holiday budget that reflects your goals: Track spending, avoid dipping into emergency savings, and resist the urge to use high-interest credit.
Leverage your resources: Use credit card rewards, shop local for unique gifts, and consider a seasonal side hustle if it aligns with your schedule.
Automate your savings: If you receive a holiday bonus, direct a portion into your TFSA or RRSP before you spend it.
Practice gratitude and generosity: Give thoughtfully… sometimes the most memorable gifts are experiences or acts of service, not things.
Enjoy the Holidays… Without Compromising Your Wealth Goals
The holidays should be a time of connection and celebration, not financial regret. By planning ahead, making conscious choices, and keeping your wealth vision in focus, you can enjoy the season thoroughly and step into the new year with confidence.
Want more wealth-building tips for women? Join our email list or explore another post. Let’s make 2026 your most empowered year yet… together.
