By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Staff Writer
The holiday season is here! Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas bring joy, food, gifts, and travel.
Students can feel the excitement everywhere, whether it’s sales, parties, or plans with friends or family. But behind the fun, there is also stress: money. Many students spend too much and end the year with debt.
The good news is you can still celebrate, give, and travel without emptying your wallet. With smart choices, the holidays can be full of happiness and financial peace.
“For giving, avoid debt by creating meaningful, low-cost gifts like personalized coupon books, offering services (e.g., house cleaning, tutoring), or handmade items like baked goods, or suggest a group Secret Santa with a strict price limit,” said Dr. Kelly Atkins, associate professor of management.
Celebration does not mean spending a ton of money. Instead, students can try a potluck where everyone brings food. This way, you get a full meal with the cost being much cheaper.
Decorations can be simple string lights, paper crafts, or even recycled items. They can be found at Dollar Tree, Five Below, and similar stores.
Fun activities like holiday movie nights, baking cookies, or campus events are memorable and less costly.
“This can mean hosting a Friendsgiving potluck, and, also, taking full advantage of all campus-held holiday-themed events which are usually free and can be celebrated with friends. In doing these activities, students are able to join in on the festivities while not placing themselves in situations where they feel financially burdened,” said Keleah Stubbs, a senior majoring in business management with a minor in accounting.
Gift giving is special, but it does not need to be expensive. Handmade gifts like photo albums, playlists, or letters show care and creativity. If you are buying gifts, set a clear budget and stick to it.
Secret Santa exchanges are perfect for groups; one gift, less money but still lots of fun. The best gifts are thoughtful, not costly.
Travel is often the biggest holiday expense. To save money, book tickets early and check student discounts. Be flexible with dates; sometimes, traveling a day earlier or later is cheaper. Carpooling with friends or using ride share boards can also cut costs when traveling.
If you cannot travel far, explore local attractions or plan group outings nearby. A short trip can feel just as refreshing as a long one.
Budgeting is your best holiday tool. Write down the expected costs for food, gifts, and travel. Decide how much you can spend then track it. Use cash or debit cards to avoid credit card debt. There are free budgeting apps that can help you see where your money goes.
Most importantly, remind yourself that the holidays are about connection, not consumption.
The holidays should bring joy to students, not financial stress. By celebrating smart, giving with heart, and traveling wisely, students can enjoy the season without debt.
Budgeting makes everything easier and keeps the focus on what matters: friends, family, and memories. The best gift you can give yourself this year is financial peace of mind.
