Detty December is the season of pure, unadulterated enjoyment. It’s the reunion tours with the university squad, the back-to-back concerts, the boujee dinners, and the end-of-year parties that fill our camera rolls and linger in our hearts and minds. But while our social lives thrive during this season, our bank accounts often scream for help during what is arguably the most expensive seasonal holiday. After all, the December festivities—the daytime outings and late nights, the endless celebrations, and the spontaneous vacations—add up, and they add up fast. We’ve all been there. We get swept up in the frenzied excitement of the season, swiping our cards with reckless abandon, only to face a brutal financial hangover in January.
At the end of every December, I reactively tighten my budget just to catch up, but this year, I am taking a proactive approach and prepping my wallet now. With December right around the corner, I’m committed to getting the full Detty December experience without draining my funds. Keep on reading to learn the 8 smart money moves I’m adopting now to make sure my finances are more than ready for the festive season.
1. I’m Taking a Brutally Honest Inventory of My Finances
You can’t plan a journey without knowing your starting point. Before I can even think about saving, I’m sitting down for a money date with myself. This means opening up my banking app, pulling up my statements, and getting a clear picture of what’s coming in and what’s going out. I’m tracking everything for a week, from my morning sandwiches to my streaming subscriptions, to see where my money is really going. This financial check-up is the foundation for everything else.
2. I’m Currently Making Small Lifestyle Changes
To save for big fun later, I’m making small sacrifices now. This doesn’t mean living like a hermit until December 1st. It just means being more intentional. I’m channeling my inner chef and cooking most of my meals, saving restaurant money for actual December outings. That gym membership I barely use? It’s cancelled. I’m embracing free at-home workouts on YouTube and outdoor runs. These little changes create a surprising amount of wiggle room in my budget.
3. I’m Creating a December Activity Vision Board
What does my ideal Detty December look like? Instead of just vaguely wanting to “have fun,” I’m getting specific. I’m creating a vision board (you can do this on Pinterest or even just a note on your phone) with the exact experiences I want: a ticket to my fave artist’s concert, a festive brunch with my IJGB best friends, a new outfit for my birthday (Capricorn supremacy!!!), and a weekend trip to my village. Seeing my goals visually makes them feel real and gives me the motivation to save for them.
4. I’m Setting Hyper-Specific Savings Goals
Saving money without a clear purpose feels like a chore. By assigning specific goals to my savings, it becomes a game. For example, last year I was determined to see Rema and wanted the full VIP experience. I opened a dedicated savings pot on PiggyVest and named it “Rema Fund.” Every week, I automatically transferred money into it. Watching that fund grow was all the motivation I needed. This year, I have pots for “Village Trip,” “Birthday Dinner” and “Holiday Gifts”
Pro-tip: Keep these savings in a high-yield savings account so your money makes a little extra money while it sits.
5. I’m Embracing Loud Budgeting
Let’s normalize talking about our financial goals! Loud budgeting is my forever superpower. It’s about confidently declining financial commitments that don’t align with my goals, without the awkwardness. I’ve started using simple, guilt-free phrases that work wonders.
- A friend invites you to an uber expensive dinner? “That sounds amazing, but there’s rice at home.”
- A family member asks for a loan? “I’d love to help, but I’m focusing on some big financial goals at the moment.”
- That tempting group trip? “Let me check my budget and get back to you.”
It’s empowering, honest, and protects your wallet—and your peace. I have been doing this for a while now, no one can shame me for being financially wise.
6. I’m Assessing My Debt
High-interest debt is the ultimate vibe-killer. It’s like a leak in your financial bucket, draining money that could be going toward your December fun. I’m taking a look at personal loans I have and making a plan to pay down as much as possible before the holidays. Even making slightly more than the minimum payment now can reduce the interest I pay later, freeing up cash for what really matters.
Plus, don’t you want to post your oblee festivities on social media without being scared that your creditor will call you out for enjoying yourself on borrowed funds?
7. I’m Planning to Hit the Year’s Biggest Sales
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are my secret weapon for a budget-friendly December. I’m making a detailed list of everything I’ll need: Christmas gifts for family, a new dress, a bottle of wine for my office party, you name it. By planning ahead, I can buy these things at a deep discount instead of paying full price in a last-minute panic. The key is the list. It keeps me from making impulse purchases that derail my budget.
8. I’m Booking Travel and Tickets in Advance
If travel is part of your December plans, the time to book is NOW. Flight prices, train tickets, and even bus fares skyrocket as the holidays get closer. The same goes for high-demand events. Many concerts and festivals offer early-bird ticket prices. By booking my transportation and securing my event tickets in October or November, I’m locking in better prices and avoiding that peak-season surge.
By taking these proactive steps now, I’m setting myself up for a December that’s rich in memories, not in debt. The goal is to smartly fund my enjoyment. Here’s to a festive season filled with joy, connection, and zero financial regrets come January 1st.
