Top 5 Budgeting Mistakes People Make Over Holiday Sales Week (And How to Avoid Them)

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Written by Perjan Duro
Top 5 Budgeting Mistakes People Make Over Holiday Sales Week (And How to Avoid Them)

Top 5 Budgeting Mistakes People Make Over Holiday Sales Week (And How to Avoid Them)

The holiday shopping season is exciting — deals, discounts, and limited-time offers everywhere you look.
But while retailers thrive, many shoppers unknowingly sabotage their finances.

Here are the five most common budgeting mistakes people make during sales week — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Setting a Spending Limit

The biggest mistake is walking into the holiday season without a plan.
When you shop emotionally, not logically, your wallet pays the price.

Avoid it by:

  • Setting a total holiday budget in advance.
  • Breaking it down by category — gifts, travel, food, etc.
  • Tracking every purchase in MoneyCoach as you go.

If you don’t assign a maximum, you’ll always find a “great deal” to justify overspending.

2. Confusing Discounts with Savings

Just because something is discounted doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.
If you buy something you didn’t plan for, you didn’t save 40% — you spent 60%.

Smart shoppers compare price history using Idealo, Keepa, or CamelCamelCamel to verify real discounts.
Only buy what was already on your list.

3. Using High-Interest Credit Without a Repayment Plan

Credit cards and “Buy Now, Pay Later” options can help — but they can also destroy your post-holiday finances.

Avoid debt traps by:

  • Paying balances in full each month.
  • Keeping total BNPL payments under 10% of monthly income.
  • Avoiding new credit cards just for points or cashback.

A €300 impulse purchase at 20% interest quickly becomes €360 by spring.

4. Ignoring Hidden Costs and Returns

Shipping fees, restocking charges, and non-refundable items can eat up your savings fast.
Always read the fine print before checking out.

Double-check:

  • Return policies and restocking fees.
  • Whether “free shipping” requires a minimum spend.
  • The total cost after taxes and add-ons.

Sometimes, skipping one purchase saves you more than the entire discount combined.

5. Forgetting to Rebalance After the Sales

Even with discipline, overspending happens.
The mistake is pretending it didn’t.

Here’s what to do if you go over budget:

  1. Pause non-essential spending for 2–3 weeks.
  2. Reassign money from less urgent categories (like entertainment).
  3. Review your purchases and tag “regret buys” in MoneyCoach.

The point isn’t perfection — it’s awareness.
Fix it fast and move forward stronger.

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Final Thought

The holiday season should bring joy, not guilt.
By planning ahead and avoiding these traps, you can enjoy shopping without financial hangovers.

Spend intentionally, stick to your plan, and let smart budgeting — not marketing — guide your decisions.

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