In his latest blog for Psychology Today, Beyond Finance’s client financial therapist Nathan Astle explores the emotional triggers that drive holiday overspending, and how consumers can regain a sense of balance, control, and joy during one of the most financially stressful times of the year.
Astle explains that many people enter the holidays already feeling financially depleted, leading to what he calls “reward deprivation.” After months of restraint or economic uncertainty, the season’s social pressure to spend can create a powerful urge to make up for lost time. The article offers clear, actionable steps to help prevent emotional spending before it starts.
Key lessons:
- Establish a realistic holiday budget early — before seasonal fatigue or sales temptations take over.
- Enlist an accountability partner to stay on track and avoid impulsive purchases.
- Check in with your finances regularly, even when it feels uncomfortable.
- Remember that meaningful gifts don’t have to come with a price tag; experiences and connection often matter more than material items.
Read the full article on Psychology Today: “How to Avoid Holiday Overspending This Year.”
(Originally published November 4, 2025)