Many people aspire to be the perfect gift-givers during the festive season.

However, financial planners caution that December’s excitement can easily overshadow the importance of staying financially grounded.

Pretoria financial adviser Elzette Brits from Olive Tree Solutions encourages residents to start preparing now for the financial pressures that often follow in January.

In an interview with Rekord, Brits says that households frequently underestimate how quickly small festive purchases add up, emphasising that realistic planning can help prevent unnecessary strain.

“Families often feel pressured to spend on gifts, travel, and celebrations. But with a bit of planning and discipline, you can enjoy the holidays without damaging your finances. Early preparation and honest conversations at home can help families avoid unnecessary debt,” she says.

She notes that overspending typically begins well before Christmas, making November a crucial month for setting spending limits.

Brits advises starting with a clear and honest holiday budget that reflects your actual income.

According to her, realistic financial planning is one of the most effective ways to stay on track.

She recommends dividing spending into categories and taking advantage of local price guides and early discounts.

“Allocate specific amounts for gifts, travel, and daily expenses. Book travel early and consider affordable alternatives like camping,” she suggests.

Brits also reminds residents that meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive.

“Handmade gifts often mean more than store-bought items. They show effort and thought, and making them can involve the whole family and keep the kids busy.”

She suggests ideas such as cookie jars, personalised recipe books, memory jars, and DIY candles.

“Shopping locally or making use of early November specials can also help households stretch their money further.”

Brits warns against common festive traps like impulse buying and the frenzy of holiday sales.

She points out that online shopping allows more time to reconsider purchases before paying, reducing the risk of unnecessary spending.

“Never go shopping hungry. Food is expensive, and eating before you shop can save you a lot of money,” she adds.

Limiting event or party commitments is another way to avoid putting pressure on your budget.

She states that once a budget is set, maintaining discipline can be challenging.

Brits suggests tracking expenses daily or weekly to prevent overspending and avoid building up credit card debt.

She recommends the cash-envelope method, which restricts spending in specific categories.

“Use cash envelopes to allocate money to different categories. Track your spending and stick to your daily expense budget,” she says.

“Spending limits on banking apps and real-time tracking tools can also help households stay in control during the busy season. Technology can be a powerful tool if used correctly. Budgeting apps are great, but those who prefer a more personal system can use Excel or Google Sheets.”

She adds that monitoring spending throughout the month, rather than waiting for a January statement, helps prevent unpleasant surprises.

Brits also notes that medical aid contributions often increase in January, making it a good time to reassess your health cover.

She advises checking short-term insurance on vehicles and household items, especially for families planning to travel, as correctly valued assets can prevent unexpected costs.

“An emergency fund remains one of your best financial safety nets. Consistently saving throughout the year, even small amounts, can help cover sudden costs such as medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or unexpected home repairs. This fund provides confidence and stability, especially during the busy festive season,” says Brits.

She adds that families should consider tax-free savings accounts, explaining that tax-free savings accounts allow investment growth without tax, up to the annual contribution limit and offer a flexible way to build long-term financial security.

With planning and foresight, Brits believes families can enjoy the festive season without sacrificing their financial stability.

“Small, proactive steps taken now will help residents enter 2026 with confidence rather than stress,” she concludes.

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