If you’re trying to avoid overspending during the holidays NZ, you’re definitely not alone. Kiwis all over the country feel the squeeze in December — longer days, more social plans, Christmas shopping, school holidays, and the general “ah well, it’s summer” attitude that makes the EFTPOS card work overtime.
The good news? A few smart habits can help keep things fun and financially under control.
Why It Matters to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays
The holiday season can create a perfect storm: higher spending, reduced income (if work slows down), and January bills waiting to pounce.
Keeping things balanced now gives you a smoother start to the year — especially if you’re planning big goals like buying a home, refinancing, or sorting your insurance.
👉 Related reading:
Avoid Overspending by Setting a Realistic Budget
Before the silly season kicks into full gear, take five minutes to jot down what you’re likely to spend on:
- Gifts
- Food & BBQ supplies
- Travel or petrol
- Kids’ activities
- Summer day trips
- Extra treats (ice cream… because it’s basically a law in summer)
Once you have a rough number, it’s much easier to make decisions that fit inside it.
Pro tip: If budgeting feels boring, flip it — set an amount you want to keep in your bank account by January 10th. That becomes your guardrail.
Avoid Overspending by Planning Gifts Early (and Smart)
Last-minute gift shopping is the budget’s natural enemy.
Instead:
- Set a per-person limit
- Use Secret Santa for big families
- Choose experience gifts (sunset picnic, homemade vouchers, day at the beach)
- Buy from local Kiwi makers — often better value and more meaningful
This keeps the spending under control and the stress levels low.
Avoid Overspending During the Holidays NZ with a “Cash First” Approach
In summer, tapping your card becomes almost automatic — especially when you’re relaxed and wandering through markets or beach towns.
Try this:
- Withdraw a set amount each week
- Use cash for discretionary spending
- When it’s gone, it’s gone
It’s old school, but it works ridiculously well.
Plan Food & BBQ Days Ahead
Food is one of the biggest silent money-eaters over summer.
Keep it simple:
- Plan BBQ nights with shared platters
- Take snacks and a chilly bin to the beach
- Cook in bulk and freeze before the rush
- Use what’s already in the cupboards (holiday challenge: “no-spend dinners”)
January You will thank December You.
Being Smart With Sales
Boxing Day and New Year sales sound great… until you get home with three things you didn’t need.
Have a rule:
If it wasn’t on your shopping list before the sale, it’s not a bargain — it’s an impulse buy.
Avoid Overspending During the Holidays NZ by Looking Ahead to 2026 Goals
A quick pulse check on your money plans now makes a huge difference:
- Buying a first home
- Refinancing for a better deal
- Getting insurance sorted properly
- Reviewing your cover before summer trips
These are the big-ticket things that matter much more than December impulse spending.
👉 Helpful resources for planning:
Need help heading into the new year?
Whether you’re quietly planning for a first home, thinking about refinancing, or wanting to make sure your insurance is working for you, we’re here — even through summer.
You can start any time on our website, and we’ll help you hit 2026 feeling confident and in control.