Scary Spending Habits to Break Before the Holidays

As Halloween creeps closer, it’s the perfect time to shine a flashlight on some of the spookiest spending habits that love to lurk in the shadows, especially before the holiday season begins. While ghosts and goblins are harmless fun, letting your finances turn into a horror story is another matter. The good news? These habits can be kicked to the curb before they drain your wallet.

Here are a few financial frights to face before they haunt your holiday plans:

👻 Impulse buying: Those “just one more thing” purchases at checkout or online can pile up quickly. Shop with a plan and stick to it.

🧛 Overspending: It's easy to go overboard this time of year. Set spending limits for gifts, events, and seasonal splurges.

🎃 No budget: If you're navigating the holidays without a budget, it’s like wandering through a haunted house blindfolded. Take time now to map out your spending.

🕷️ Subscription traps: Forgotten streaming services or unused apps can silently drain your account each month. Review and cancel what you don’t use.

🦇 Last-minute gift panic: Without a gift plan, you might overspend under pressure. Make a list now, and watch for deals early.

The holidays are meant to be joyful, not stressful. With a few smart habits and a little planning, you can skip the scary surprises and make your money work in your favor. Start now, and you’ll thank yourself when the season kicks off.