The retail holiday season might as well be its own Olympic event. Between the endless stocking, early hours and massive crowds, it takes a lot of mental and physical strength to make it through the end of the year in one piece.
Some retail workers find release in participating in “really good” deals or little treats — but that can all add up, and leave you with less than you deserve when all is said and done.
So if you’re trying to make the most of your earnings during the busiest time of the year, we’ve got a grounded, practical guide for you.
More Effort, More Money
Overspending can be common during high-intensity work periods because you literally need more motivation to push forward.
Stress and exhaustion take their toll, and when you’re surrounded with messages that promise holiday cheer through consumption, it’s easy to be tempted into spending money to feel better.
That’s human. But there are ways to find relief during the peak season without draining your checking account.
Step 1: Build a Flash Budget
Instead of trying to overhaul your entire financial life right now, focus on the last few weeks of the year for your “flash budget.” You’ll want to include:
- Predictable expenses, like rent, car payments, insurance, credit card payments and other stable, recurring expenses.
- Your variable essentials, including groceries, transportation and other typical costs.
- Your peak-season concessions, which covers gifts, eating out during long shifts or other expenses you might see cropping up during your workdays.
- A small buffer, because even setting aside $15–$25 a week can help cover surprises.
Step 2: Make Fewer Decisions
When you’re busy, having options to default to can help you save money and mental energy. Some of them require a little planning ahead, but that effort is worth the peace-of-mind later.
- Meal prep on your day off: Make a big batch of something filling and comforting, then split the leftovers in half: some to take to work this week, and some to freeze and eat later in the month, when you have less time and energy to cook.
- Standardize your break routine: Don’t skip your legally-mandated breaks, and use your time to focus on your health. Taking a short walk or stretching instead of scrolling can help you feel grounded and refreshed.
- Build in a “treat” budget: Budget a set amount you’re allowed to use guilt-free. We suggest setting aside money for a meal out, especially if you’re working a double shift.
Step 3: Create a Stress-Relief Toolkit
Don’t let a customer’s bad day ruin the rest of yours. A small, simple emergency kit can help you reset and move forward, without wasting energy on frustration or negativity.
Outside Work:
- Go for a walk and take time to sit in peace and quiet
- Play with your kids or pets, or reach out to friends to stay connected to what really matters.
- Take a warm shower immediately after getting home to shift your focus away from work and towards relaxing.
During Work:
- Stretch and shake out your body (This helps relieve tension more than you’d imagine!)
- Try breathing techniques to calm down and reset after stressful periods
- Connect with co-workers you trust to vent and support one another
Step 4: Make a Realistic Gift Plan
Working the holidays in retail means you can be tempted at every turn. But instead of spending your whole paycheck at your job, consider reworking the way you gift to help you — and your loved ones — save money and stress.
Consider setting a total holiday spending cap or doing family gift exchanges instead of gifting to everyone Remember: generosity isn’t measured by price tags. Thoughtful, affordable gifts matter just as much as big-ticket items.
Step 5: Prepare for the Post-Season “Dip”
Once peak season ends, your paycheck may return to normal, but your spending habits can lag behind.
A few ways to soften that transition include reviewing your scheduled hours, adjusting that snapshot budget you built before the holidays and using any overtime earnings to make an impact on debts or savings.
If Debt Is Making Your Work Mean Less
If you’re working more hours but still struggling to stay ahead because unsecured debts keep piling up, you’re not alone. Many retail workers carry high-interest credit card debt that grows faster than their income.
But the good news is that Accredited Debt Relief can help. Our tried-and-tested program has helped over 1 million people since 2011, and paid off more than $3 billion in debt.