Ask AI Advisor: Advice for Holiday Budgeting and Spending

It’s the giving season, and here at Origin we’re focusing on ways that we can give our members the tools to pay it forward. We’ve shared some strategies from our in-house Certified Financial Planners® on how to give generously and celebrate meaningfully without derailing financial goals, and now we’re putting our industry-leading AI financial advisor to work for you and your loved ones. With all the joy this time of year brings, it can also come with stress and anxiety — especially after the inflation, layoffs, tariff talk, and resulting market swings of the past few years.

So with that in mind, we turned to AI Advisor for help on some of the trickier situations you or your loved ones might be experiencing this year. Here, we’re exploring advice on budgeting and spending at this time of year. 

Keep this advice in mind for conversations over the next few weeks, and check out AI Advisor’s answers to other tricky topics for spending this time of year: layoffs and job searches, upcoming retirement, expecting a baby, and worries about a potential AI bubble. We also hope that this inspires you to ask AI Advisor for guidance on other financial and economic hurdles impacting you, your family or friends. 

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What are some tips for budgeting and spending this holiday season while being mindful of existing economic pressures?

‍Set a firm budget early. Determine what you can actually afford before shopping begins. A common guideline is 10% of monthly income for all holiday expenses — that’s gifts, travel, food, and decorations combined. 

Use Origin’s AI Budget Builder (which analyzes your complete financial picture, including income, savings patterns, and spending history) to create and set your holiday budget. Tweak the personalized recommendations and then either create a dedicated holiday spending category or adjust your December budget accordingly. 

Shop sales and plan purchases. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and early December sales can stretch your budget significantly. An $800 budget with strategic 30% discounts means you only spend $560 while getting the same value. Use price-tracking tools and shop with a list to avoid impulse purchases that derail your plan.

Pay with cash or debit. Credit cards make overspending dangerously easy. Someone who budgets $1,000 in cash stays on track, but charging $1,800 and paying it off over eight months at 22% APR costs $1,962 total — nearly double the original budget. The holiday season shouldn't cost you into spring.

Consider small cuts that add up. Daily habits matter more than you think. A $6.50 coffee shop visit every day through November and December costs $390. Making coffee at home for $1.50 daily costs just $90, saving $300 that could cover multiple gifts.

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AI Advisor gives realistic advice about real financial concerns you may have — or topics you want to be able to advise parents, siblings, or friends on when you meet up to celebrate this holiday season.

Ready to take control of your wealth building journey? For a limited time only, you can join Origin for just $1 for the first year. 

Or if you’re already a member, refer your friends and family, and get your next year of membership for just $1.