By Charles Zackary King – America in Black and White / AMIBW The Magazine

The holidays are a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But for many in underserved, marginalized, and LGBTQ communities, they can also bring financial stress. Rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the pressure to “keep up” can make this season feel overwhelming. The truth is: prosperity isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about how wisely you manage what you have.

Here are 7 smart holiday spending tips to help you celebrate without financial regret:

1️⃣ Set a Holiday Budget, and Stick to It

• Decide how much you can realistically spend before shopping.
• Break it down into categories: gifts, food, travel, and entertainment.
• Remember: a budget is not a restriction, it’s a roadmap to peace of mind.

2️⃣ Prioritize Meaning Over Money

• The most valuable gifts are time, love, and presence.
• Consider homemade gifts, shared experiences, or community service.
• Focus on creating memories, not debt.

3️⃣ Avoid Credit Card Traps

• High-interest debt can linger long after the holidays.
• Use cash or debit when possible to stay grounded in reality.
• If you must use credit, pay it off quickly to avoid long-term costs.

4️⃣ Shop Smart and Early

• Compare prices online before buying.
• Take advantage of community markets and small businesses that often offer affordable, unique items.
• Avoid last-minute shopping, it leads to overspending.

5️⃣ Protect Your Future Goals

• Don’t let holiday spending derail long-term plans like saving for a home, investing, or retirement.
• Ask yourself: Will this purchase bring lasting value, or just temporary satisfaction?
• Keep your financial priorities front and center.

6️⃣ Build Community Wealth

• Support local LGBTQ-owned and minority-owned businesses.
• Every dollar spent in your community strengthens its future.
• Think of holiday spending as an investment in legacy.

7️⃣ Plan for the New Year

• Start January with a financial reset: review what worked and what didn’t.
• Set savings goals early to avoid repeating holiday stress.
• Remember: prosperity is a journey, not a one-time event.

Closing Thought

This season, let’s choose prosperity over pressure. Being smart with your money is not just about surviving uncertain times, it’s about building a future where our communities thrive. Joy doesn’t come from overspending; it comes from knowing we are protecting our legacy, our families, and our futures.

Celebrate wisely. Spend intentionally. Prosper together.