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The holidays are meant for joy, family, and celebration — not post-holiday credit card regret. Yet each year, many Americans start January facing bills they didn’t plan for. The good news? A little preparation can help you enjoy the season without the financial stress.

Start by creating a simple holiday spending plan. Write down everyone you plan to buy for and assign a dollar limit to each gift. Don’t forget to include decorations, travel, and holiday meals — those little extras add up fast. Once you’ve set your budget, track purchases weekly so you can stay on target.

If you’re using your FNB debit card, review your transactions in online or mobile banking to see where your money’s going. It’s also helpful to withdraw cash for smaller expenses like teacher gifts or stocking stuffers — it’s easier to stop when the envelope is empty!

When it comes to gifting, remember that thoughtful beats expensive every time. Homemade cookies, photo calendars, or handwritten letters can mean far more than store-bought items. If your family loves experiences, plan a shared activity instead of exchanging gifts.

Finally, make next year easier by setting up a “Holiday Savings” fund in January. Even saving $50 a month builds $600 by December, enough to cover many holiday extras without dipping into your regular account.

With a little planning, you can spend more time celebrating and less time stressing.