2025 Holiday Spending Survey: Expert Insights on Managing Holiday Finances
Thrivent’s 2025 Holiday Spending Survey reveals Americans are approaching the holiday season with increased caution, as economic uncertainty is prompting many to scale back on overall spending.
Below, Thrivent Financial Advisor Sarah Hamlen offers insights into the survey’s findings along with practical tips to help families navigate holiday finances with confidence and clarity.
Q: What is the emotional impact of holiday spending, especially for people feeling strained financially?
Sarah: Financial strain during the holidays can turn a season of joy into one of stress and worry. Many feel anxious about affording gifts and celebrations, while parents often struggle with guilt over unmet expectations. This pressure can lead to cutting back on spending, skipping traditions, or finding creative alternatives like DIY gifts. Without adjusting your spending plan to reflect your current financial picture, you can ultimately leave yourself vulnerable to spending beyond your means—which only leads to more stress.
Q: What did Thrivent’s 2025 Holiday Spending Survey find regarding Americans’ holiday spending outlook this year?
Sarah: The survey reveals that two thirds of Americans are planning to cut back on holiday spending due to economic uncertainty, with half of respondents saying they’re concerned about managing their holiday finances this year. With overall higher prices, it’s clear the current economic environment is leading many to look at the holidays with caution when it comes to money management.
Q: Who is feeling the most financial strain during the holidays?
Sarah: Women, especially moms, are carrying the greatest burden this year as 61% of moms say they’re worried about holiday expenses. It’s a reflection of the pressure to create magical moments for their families while balancing tighter budgets.
Nearly 8 in 10 moms plan to cut back on spending, which means fewer gifts, scaled-down celebrations, and hard conversations about what’s possible this year. Parents overall feel this strain more than non-parents, likely because they’re juggling expectations from kids and loved ones.
Q: How can building a budget help manage stress and prevent overspending?
Sarah: Building a holiday budget before you shop helps reduce stress by giving you a clear plan for spending, so you know exactly what you can afford. It sets limits to prevent overspending and the financial regret—and debt—that can follow you into the new year. The goal is not only financial, but emotional—budgeting helps turn anxiety into confidence, and allows you to focus on the joy of the season.
Q: How can a financial advisor help set you up for holiday spending success?
Sarah: A financial advisor can help you approach holiday spending with confidence by aligning your budget to what matters most to you. They work with you to identify your core values—whether that’s family gatherings, gift giving, or travel—and then create a spending plan that prioritizes those areas. This personalized approach not only helps prevent overspending but also reduces stress, ensuring your money goes toward experiences and traditions that truly bring joy.
If you’d like to speak to Sarah about Thrivent’s 2025 Holiday Spending Survey and how people can make a financial plan for the holiday season, please contact us at mediarelations@thrivent.com.