HO HO HOPE you've been nice, cause we’re officially
58 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS 🎄🎅🏾

I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the calendar this morning, either. Time flies when you're getting your sh*t together, or whatever that quote says. 😂😂😂

Let’s be real—the holidays are supposed to be full of joy and laughter, but for a lot of us, they end up feeling like stress on top of stress. As a mom of 5, I know exactly how fast those holiday expenses can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. One minute you’re thinking about holiday cheer, and the next, you’re side-eyeing your bank account like, "How did we get here?!" 🎁😅

This year, I’m all about setting boundaries with my holiday spending. I’m taking the budget more seriously, and I wanted to share three ways I’m keeping those financial boundaries tight—because boundaries aren’t just for people, they’re for your wallet too. Maybe these will help you out, too:

1️⃣ Set a Budget and Stick to It

Look, I don’t play when it comes to my money, but Christmas has a way of shaking that up sometimes. 🥴 So before the holiday sales try to snatch my coins, I set boundaries by sitting down and figuring out exactly how much I can spend—on gifts, meals, and all the other holiday extras.

If it ain’t in the budget, it’s a hard NO. I don’t care how good the deal is, boundaries are boundaries. Trust me, this is way better than opening that credit card bill in January and feeling my stomach drop. 😂

2️⃣ Focus on Experiences, Not Just Gifts

For years, I stressed myself out trying to get the “perfect” gifts for my kids. But seriously, what do you get for kids who already seem to have everything?! I’ve learned that the stuff they remember the most isn’t the latest gadget or toy—it’s the little moments.

Every year, we do a few family holiday movie nights. We get the hot cocoa ready (with extra mini marshmallows, duh), bake cookies, and rock our matching PJs. And honestly? They still talk about those nights way more than they talk about the OLED Nintendo Switch they broke by spring break. 😬

Boundaries don’t mean less joy; sometimes, they mean more of what really matters.

3️⃣ Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs

The sneaky stuff? That’s what blows up your budget if you let it. Shipping fees, the last-minute Secret Santa, the Christmas party the kids conveniently forget to mention, or even that extra grocery run for the holiday dinner—it all adds up.

Now, I set boundaries by building a cushion into my budget just for those "damn, I forgot" moments. That little bit of extra cash keeps me from dipping into money that’s supposed to be for something else and keeps my spending in check.

Boundaries = peace of mind.

"You have to set your own boundaries. They are not going to set themselves." – Viola Davis

What’s one way you’re setting boundaries with your spending this holiday season? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your tips!

Dear Money Plug,

Christmas is coming so damn fast, and I really want to enjoy it without feeling like my wallet is on life support. But honestly, every year, I struggle with saying no to everything. I want to buy gifts for everybody, take my kids to all the holiday events, and do all the things. How do I set better boundaries with my money this year? I'm saving to buy a house and I can't mess this up.

WWTMPD Submission · Send in questions here.

Hey Cousin!

Whew, you are definitely not alone in this! I know exactly how it feels—wanting to make the holidays special without putting yourself in a bind. But here’s the thing: just like we set boundaries with people to protect our peace, we’ve gotta set boundaries with our money to protect our pockets.

Here’s how I’m doing it this year, and how you can too:

Remind Yourself What Matters Most
Before the holiday madness starts, take a minute to think about what really makes the season special for you and your loved ones. Is it the expensive gifts, or is it those little moments together? Setting boundaries doesn’t mean cutting out joy—it just means focusing on what truly matters.
Practice Saying No (And Mean It)
Listen, I’ve had to teach myself that saying “no” to a great sale or an extra gift isn’t about denying myself—it’s about honoring my budget. If it’s not in the plan, it’s not happening, and that’s okay. Boundaries are about choosing long-term peace over short-term pleasure.
Plan for the Unexpected
The holidays have a way of throwing surprise expenses at us—whether it’s an extra gift or an event you didn’t see coming. Build a little cushion into your budget for those “just in case” moments. It’s like setting a boundary with your future self, so you’re ready for whatever pops up.

Remember, Cousin, setting boundaries isn’t about being stingy—it’s about protecting your peace, your money, and your joy. You’ve got this, and I’m rooting for you to have a holiday season that’s as stress-free as it is joyful. 🎄

Your favorite cousin,
The Money Plug 💸

P.S. If you ever need more personalized tips, I’m just an email away. You’re not doing this alone.

What’s the most confusing part of employee benefits for you?

Health Insurance – I’m lost in the alphabet soup (HMO, PPO, HDHP?!).

Retirement Plans – 401(k), matching, contributions... help!

FSAs & HSAs – How do these even work, and am I using them right?

Wellness programs, PTO, and extras—I didn’t even know I had these!