The holidays are right around the corner, and ya’ll it’s one of my favorite times of the year! But I’m going to be honest, in the past, it was such a stressful time of the year because of money. We had our wedding anniversary late October, our son’s birthday 3 days later. Halloween, Thanksgiving, our daughter’s birthday right before Christmas, then Christmas for 4 kiddos! It was stressful because we didn’t have a plan for the holiday season nor did we budget for it! So after years of failing around the holiday season :), here are 5 Homeschool Money Tips for the Holiday season.
Start a Sinking Fund (for this year and next)
If you haven’t already, it’s the perfect time to start a sinking fund—a dedicated savings plan for upcoming expenses where you put a small amount in an envelope or account for a larger purchase. Add a little each week or paycheck for holiday gifts, travel, or homeschool materials. Put it in an envelope with the title labeled on the envelope for ease! I like to do separate envelopes for travel, holiday pictures, holiday outfits, all of the things. You’ll thank yourself later when January rolls around and you’re not facing a mountain of debt. Bonus tip: start next year’s fund now while the habit is fresh.
2. Declutter and Sell What You’re Not Using.
Take a good look around your home—you likely have more value sitting on shelves than you realize. Unused toys, outgrown clothes, or last year’s curriculum can all find new life (and make you a little extra cash). Try platforms like Once Upon a Child, Poshmark, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace. Not only does decluttering lighten your space, but it also frees your mind as you head into a season of giving. When I declutter and sell, I can make $100-$500 depending on what I sell! So get to decluttering and use that money for Christmas or the holidays!
3. Ask for Meaningful, Practical Gifts like Memberships you’ll use!
This year, guide family and friends toward giving items that make homeschooling life smoother. Think memberships to museums or zoos, homeschool resources, educational games, or even gift cards for curriculum or coffee. Encourage experiences that build memories, not clutter. You can even create an Amazon wish list to make it easy for others to gift intentionally.
Nassau Bahamas: Last week, we took the kids on our first Bahamas Cruise with friends!
4. Create a Holiday Budget—and Stick to It.
The quickest way to overspend is to skip planning. Take an hour to outline how much you’ll spend on gifts, food, travel, and extras—then track your purchases in a simple spreadsheet or app. This one act of stewardship protects your peace and helps you model financial wisdom for your kids. Remember: your boundaries are blessings, not burdens. Here’s a Holiday Budget Sheet for you to budget your holidays and plan now!
5. Choose Experiences and Connection Over Excess
Some of the most beautiful memories cost nothing at all—baking cookies, reading by candlelight, or driving to see Christmas lights. Many churches and communities host free events, concerts, or plays. Focus your energy on connection rather than consumption. Your children won’t remember what you bought—they’ll remember how you made the season feel.
The holiday season doesn’t have to drain your joy—or your wallet. With a little planning, creativity, and faith-driven stewardship, you can create a season filled with peace and purpose. Remember, the heart of the holidays isn’t about spending—it’s about enjoying time and connection with those you love.
By starting your sinking fund, simplifying your home, and choosing connection over consumption, you’re modeling contentment and wisdom for your children. These lessons will last far longer than anything wrapped under the tree.
So this year, let’s trade holiday hustle for holy moments, focusing on gratitude, giving, and the beauty of simplicity.
Until next time,
Your vet Homeschool Bestie,
Shelly
P.S. Here’s some freebie or low cost items below!
Kids Finance Flash Cards (free): 54 finance flash cards app for kids to learn about financial literacy
Kids Finance Camp (a low cost): online game where kids learn about finances through navigating different environments, finding and reading finance books, quizzes and games! Very interactive! Very fun!
(updated Oct 12, 2025)
Other Blog Posts You May Enjoy: