Bobbi Rebell, CFP®, CFT™, Chief Financial Education Advisor at Accredited Debt Relief, appeared on Fox 5 to discuss how to plan for the next three months of spending, from holiday hosting and travel to fall weddings, without starting 2027 in debt.
Watch the full segment:
How to Plan for a Crowded Spending Season
The holidays aren’t the only big expense on the calendar this season. Fall is also peak wedding season, which adds gifts, travel and registry requests to an already crowded few months.
Rebell said rising prices will make this season feel tighter than usual, so the first step is to plan for every expense together rather than one at a time. That includes the smaller costs that are easy to overlook, like a dish for a potluck or a Secret Santa gift. She also noted that many couples now ask for cash on their wedding registries to help cover a honeymoon or a down payment.
“Prioritize first, be intentional, be deliberate,” she said.
Book Holiday Travel Early and Stay Flexible
On airfare, Rebell said the same fuel costs people are seeing at the pump are pushing ticket prices up. She recommended booking as early as possible and staying flexible on travel dates.
“If you don’t have to travel at a peak time, do not do so,” she said.
She added that she has become more open to refundable tickets, even when they cost more, because plans can change quickly during the holidays and a refundable fare keeps that money from being lost.
How to Decline an Invitation That Doesn’t Fit the Budget
When an invitation doesn’t fit the budget, Rebell’s advice was to decline early and kindly, and to keep the explanation short. A simple “I’m so sorry I can’t make it, but I wish you all the best” is enough, along with a gift at whatever amount feels comfortable. For a charitable event, she suggested offering to make a donation in the host’s name and leaving it there. What she cautioned against was not responding at all.
“Don’t just avoid them,” she said.
Spending Habits to Watch This Season
Rebell named a few habits to watch as spending picks up:
- Letting stress drive spending decisions
- Charging more on a credit card than can be paid off at the end of the month
- Stacking several buy now, pay later (BNPL) plans at the same time
What to Do if You Fall Behind in January
For anyone who reaches January behind on payments, Rebell said to act early. She suggested calling credit card companies, even before falling behind, to ask about a lower interest rate, since issuers may be willing to work with people who stay in contact.
If the debt still grows past what the budget can handle, she named debt relief companies, including Accredited Debt Relief, as one place to look for help.
About Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief is an award-winning and highly rated provider of personalized debt relief options. Their mission is to make debt relief accessible so that no one has to face debt alone.
Accredited Debt Relief has helped more than 1.3 million people. To date, they have resolved $15+ billion in debt.
Accredited Debt Relief earned 2025 ConsumerAffairs Buyer’s Choice Awards for Best Customer Service, Best Value and Best Overall Process. They also hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and accreditation from the Association for Consumer Debt Relief.
The information on this site is provided as a general resource and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, this content, including any third-party sources referenced, should not be the basis for any financial decision. For guidance specific to your situation, we recommend consulting a qualified professional. Bobbi Rebell is a paid spokesperson for Accredited Debt Relief.