Post Reports You can avoid overspending on the holidays. Here’s how.
Nov 24, 2025
Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist from The Washington Post, shares invaluable tips on navigating holiday spending. She highlights how the early onset of Black Friday deals can dilute savings and advises verifying discounts through price tracking. Singletary emphasizes setting a budget per person and openly discussing financial limits with family, especially kids. She warns against buy-now-pay-later schemes and suggests alternatives to expensive gifts, focusing on experiences and togetherness instead.
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Black Friday's Urgency Has Vanished
- Michelle explains Black Friday lost luster because online shopping and pandemic-driven year-round deals removed urgency.
- She urges checking price history to know whether a sale is truly a discount.
Verify Sale Claims With Price History
- Use apps that track price history and verify whether a
Start With A Total Budget
- Start holiday shopping by setting a total budget and subtract purchases as you buy to stay within limits.
- Keep a visible index card or list and regularly reference unpaid credit card bills as a reminder.
