Leah Hadley [00:00:01]:
Welcome to Intentional Divorce Insights. I'm Leah Hadley, certified divorce financial analyst, accredited financial counselor, and the founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions. I'll be your guide through the complexities of divorce, finance, and emotional wellness. Join me as we uncover practical tips and empowering insights to help you navigate your divorce with clarity and intention.
Leah Hadley [00:00:24]:
Welcome back to Intentional Divorce Insights. I'm Leah Hadley. And today, we're diving into a topic that can be both exciting and overwhelming, financial self care during the holiday season. Now if you are recently divorced or navigating life as a single parent, this time of year can feel especially tricky. With social media, holiday ads, even while meeting friends and family, all encouraging us to spend, it's easy to feel like we need to go overboard. But today, we're gonna discuss ways to approach the season mindfully so you can feel in control and find joy in ways that align with your financial values. Now let's start by talking about why financial self care is especially important during this time of the year. The holiday season can put us in a unique position of balancing emotional and financial pressures.
Leah Hadley [00:01:20]:
We're encouraged to give to our kids, our friends, our neighbors, our family members. And sometimes we even try to make up, so the challenges of the year by overdoing it on holiday expenses. For those of us navigating new financial realities after a divorce, it can feel even more intense. You might be adjusting to a single income or learning to manage finances on your own for the first time. The good news is taking steps toward financial self care can give you a real sense of stability and peace. This isn't just about avoiding holiday debt, it's really about empowering yourself and making choices that support your well-being. So let's dig into some practical budgeting strategies. The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us, so it's good to set some clear guidelines that make you feel in control and not restricted.
Leah Hadley [00:02:16]:
So here's how. Number 1, set a realistic budget early. It may seem simple but creating a holiday budget ahead of time is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Think of your budget as a permission slip that lets you spend in a way that aligns with your priorities. Start by listing out all of your anticipated expenses, include gifts, holiday meals, travel expenses, decorations, even include the smaller things like holiday cards, postage, any extras for school or for work. Once you have that total, take a look at what's realistic for you right now. Remember, this budget doesn't have to match last year's or anybody else's. If you it should simply be something that feels manageable and comfortable.
Leah Hadley [00:03:08]:
This is your holiday season, and it's okay to set your own standards. Once you have a list of your expenses, you wanna start to prioritize where you spend. So in order to create your budget, you wanna identify what matters most to you. Maybe it's that one special gift for your kids, a meaningful meal with family, decorations that bring you joy. Prioritize those items and look for areas to save elsewhere. For instance, you might choose to host a smaller holiday gathering or suggest a potluck instead of preparing everything for yourself. Or if you're used to splurging on new holiday outfits, maybe this year is the year you try shopping your closet or borrowing from a friend. Small changes like these can add up to big savings, and they don't have to detract from your holiday joy.
Leah Hadley [00:04:03]:
Number 3, avoid relying on credit if possible. It's very tempting to rely on credit during the holidays, but this can lead to post holiday regrets and stress. If possible, try to stick to cash or debit cards for your holiday spending. This helps you stay mindful of your budget and avoid that feeling of overspending. If cash flow is tight, look at ways to start saving a small amount each week. Even setting aside 10 or $20 a week can add up quickly. I have lots of clients who start saving for the holidays in January, so that way they can feel confident in their spending when November and December roll around. Number 4, creative budget friendly gift ideas.
Leah Hadley [00:04:48]:
If gifts are a major part of your holiday tradition, you are not alone. But they don't have to be expensive to be meaningful. Think outside the box with budget friendly gifts like handmade items, experiences, or even letters that express appreciation. If you have a larger family, consider suggesting a Secret Santa or a white elephant exchange to reduce the number of gifts you need to buy. Another idea is to set a spending limit for gifts within your family or friend group. This can make gift giving more fun and less stressful for everybody involved. Holiday spending is about more than just dollars and cents. There is an emotional element to it too.
Leah Hadley [00:05:30]:
Let's explore some ways to find balance and protect our well-being in the face of seasonal pressures. Number 1, avoid the social media comparison trap. Social media can be wonderful, but during the holidays, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy. You see people posting beautifully decorated homes, extravagant holiday parties, loads of presents under the tree. It's easy to fall into the comparison trap and feel like your holiday celebration just isn't enough. Remember, social media is a highlight reel, not reality. Focus on your own values and what makes you happy rather than trying to match someone else's experience. Your holiday doesn't need to look like anyone else's to be meaningful.
Leah Hadley [00:06:18]:
Number 2, set financial boundaries with loved ones. Family expectations can add a layer of stress, especially if there's a history of big holiday gatherings or gift giving. It's okay to set boundaries and let loved ones know what you're comfortable with this year. You need to scale back. You might say something like, I'm focusing on more mindful spending this season, so I'd love to keep things simple. This doesn't mean you love them any less. In fact, sometimes simplifying the holiday can bring you closer to what really matters, spending time together and sharing those quality moments. Number 3, focus on experiences over things.
Leah Hadley [00:07:02]:
Some of the best memories don't come from expensive gifts, but from experiences that bring us closer to the people we love. Think about how you can create a memorable experience that doesn't involve much spending, like a family movie night, baking session, holiday walk through neighborhood decorated with lights. These can be especially meaningful if you're helping kids adjust to new holiday traditions post divorce. For me, I know one of my best memories every year is going to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens with my family. You get to see all the, gingerbread houses on display and all the beautiful lights, and it's just something I really look forward to every year. As we focus on financial self care, let's also remember the importance of emotional self care. The holidays can stir up a lot of feelings, especially if this is one of your 1st seasons post divorce. Practice mindfulness and gratitude.
Leah Hadley [00:07:59]:
You heard us talk about it on the podcast in a lot of different ways before, but it's so important to take a few moments each day to pause and reflect on what you're grateful for. This simple practice can help shift your perspective from what you don't have to what you do have. It could be something small, like a warm cup of coffee in the morning or quick laugh with a friend. Practicing gratitude has a way of grounding us and keeping our focus on what truly matters. Celebrate those wins. Holiday budgets aren't always as easy to stick with, so celebrate each small success. Maybe you found a thoughtful gift at a discount, or you created a holiday tradition that didn't break the bank. These wins are worth acknowledging, and they remind us that we're making positive changes for our future.
Leah Hadley [00:08:51]:
Lean on your support network. Remember, you are not alone. It's okay to reach out if you're feeling overwhelmed. Talk to friends or family who understand what you're going through, or even connect with online communities or support groups. You haven't tried out our virtual divorce support group, remember that everybody gets a free session, so you can try that out for free. There's so much value in sharing your experiences and learning from others. And if you feel like you need more structured support specifically around financial issues, reach out to a financial professional who can help you develop a plan that feels right for you. As we wrap up today's session, I hope you feel more empowered to take on the holidays with intention and confidence.
Leah Hadley [00:09:36]:
Financial self care is all about making choices that protect your peace and your future. This season, I invite you to focus on what truly matters, not the number of gifts under the tree or the fanciest holiday dinner, but the joy and the connection that comes from being present with yourself and your loved ones. If you're looking for more personalized support, I'm here to help. Consider scheduling a complimentary introductory call. We'll dive into your unique goals and create a road map for your financial future. And remember, there's no one right way to do the holidays. It's about finding what's authentic and meaningful to you. Thanks for tuning in to intentional divorce insights today.
Leah Hadley [00:10:22]:
Here's to a season of mindful spending, self care, and true holiday joy. Until next time, take care and happy holidays.
Leah Hadley [00:10:31]:
Thank you for joining me on Intentional Divorce Insights. It's a privilege to share this time with you. I hope each episode offers valuable guidance to navigate your journey. If you find our content helpful, please leave a review to help others discover the benefits of intentional decision making in divorce. Until next time, take care and continue to embrace your path with intention.
