Wrapping up the year: Plan your holiday budget with tools from Capital One

December 01, 2025 at 10:31 AM EST

(BPT) - The holiday season is synonymous with joyful celebrations, viral gift guides and wish lists that seem to grow every year. With so much excitement, it's easy for holiday spending to get out of hand. But with a little planning and helpful financial tools, gift givers can enjoy a season of giving without the guilt of overspending.

Try these three simple strategies for smarter, stress-free holiday spending, while prepping for the future:

Set your game plan (and your budget) early

Before holiday deals hit, consider outlining your financial goals using the Capital One Money & Life Program. The Money & Life Program offers free mentoring, digital tools and personalized tips to help your financial well-being, which could help you prioritize gift lists and set realistic spending limits. Take advantage of the ambiance and free Wi-Fi at a local Capital One Café, open to everyone, not just Capital One customers, to map out your holiday budget in a relaxed setting. Money & Life Mentors are available in the Cafés or virtually to help set holiday goals and answer questions about Capital One accounts and tools. There's also on-demand content.

Make your list and check it twice!

Double-checking your shopping list can make all the difference. Categorize gifts by priority and set a spending limit for each recipient. Bring your list to your local Capital One Café to chat with a Café Ambassador for financial wellness and other goal setting tips. It may be helpful to include a dedicated "holiday" savings bucket in your budget, allowing you to track your spending with confidence. Check out how a Capital One 360 Checking or 360 Performance Savings account with no fees or minimums could help you manage your money this holiday season.

Woman checking over her holiday gift list with a calculator while sitting at a table at home surrounded by wrapped packages and holiday lights.

Make your money work for you

Gift yourself a nest egg. While saving for the holidays, consider putting your funds into an account such as a Capital One 360 CD to earn consistent returns at a fixed rate. This is an easy way to set aside money for next year's festivities, or even a future vacation, while watching your savings grow.

Use the Capital One Money & Life Program to plan beyond the holiday and into the new year. The free one-on-one mentoring and other resources can help to support your financial goals, navigate expenses and build healthy financial habits for 2026.

Little pink piggy bank surrounded by coins with a sparkler shinning in the background.

Visit a Capital One Café near you or explore the Money & Life Program hub at www.capitalone.com/local/money-and-life/ to start mapping out your budget or schedule free mentorship conversations. This season, make your list, check it twice, and enjoy the gift of giving with less stress.