Simplify the Season: Focusing on the Essentials for a Joyful Holiday Season

Our weekly#CreditChatstarted in 2012 to help our community learn about credit and important personal finance topics (e.g. saving money, paying down debt, improving credit scores). Each chat is hosted by@Experianon X (formerly Twitter) and all are welcome to participate. DM us any questions.

This chat is all about cutting through holiday overwhelm to focus on what truly matters, with tips for mindful spending, meaningful gift-giving, and enjoying the season without overspending. Let’s talk about creating holiday memories that last without the financial stress!

Topic: Simplify the Season: Focusing on the Essentials for a Joyful Holiday Season

When: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET.

Where: Join the live hashtag discussion

The panel will include: Jeanne Kelly: Credit expert, identity theft expert, speaker and founder of JeanneKelly.net; Lawrence Sprung: CFP® and Author of Financial Planning Made Personal; Nia Adams: Speaker, Real Estate Investor, Author and Founder of PerspectivesChange.com; Beverly Harzog: Credit Card Expert, Bestselling Author, columnist and podcast host at BeverlyHarzog.com; Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.

Gift Card Giveaway
Enter here for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! We will be announcing a winner at the end of the chat. Entry Period: Raffle open now and closes at the end of this chat at 4 p.m. ET. Complete rules here.

Questions we will discuss:

1. When you think of “holiday essentials,” what comes to mind? How do you define what’s truly important to you during this season?
2. What are some practical ways to prepare financially and mentally for a stress-free holiday season focused on essentials?
3. The holiday season can be chaotic. What are some ways you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed by all the holiday “extras”?
4. How do you decide on a holiday budget that aligns with your values and priorities? What strategies help you stay on track?
5. How do you approach holiday gifting in a way that emphasizes quality and thoughtfulness over quantity?
6. How do you handle the pressure to keep up with holiday sales and promotions? What helps you resist the temptation?
7. How do you decide which holiday events and gatherings to attend? What’s your strategy for balancing commitments with self-care?
8. How do you balance holiday excitement for kids with a focus on essentials? What are some family-friendly activities that don’t involve spending?
9. How do you avoid comparing your holiday experience to others on social media? What helps you stay grounded?
10. Looking back, what’s one thing you’d change about your holiday spending habits? How will you simplify your approach this year?

Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.