Holiday Shopping & Budget Tips

Dec 12, 2025 | 2 Minute Read

Powered by convenient tools from Elkhorn Valley Bank

The holiday season is a joyful time—but it can also put extra strain on your budget. Whether you’re making your list, checking it twice, or shopping on the go, a few smart strategies paired with the right banking tools, can help you stay organized and avoid overspending. Here are some practical tips to navigate holiday shopping with confidence.

1. Build a Holiday Budget (And Stick to It!)

Start by estimating how much you want to spend on gifts, travel, meals, and events. Break your budget into categories and set clear limits so you’re not tempted by last-minute impulse buys. Reviewing this weekly will help keep your spending on track throughout the season.

EVB tip: Use Digital Banking to keep a close eye on your balances and recent transactions from your phone, tablet, or computer. Real-time access makes it easier to stay within budget wherever you are.

2. Shop Safely and Conveniently Online

Holiday deals often come with an increase in online scams. Protect yourself by sticking to trusted retailers, avoiding unfamiliar links, and watching for fake websites or too-good-to-be-true offers.

EVB tip: EVB’s secure Digital Banking platform helps you monitor your accounts and detect suspicious activity quickly. Plus, your EVB debit and credit cards support tap to pay and work seamlessly with your preferred digital wallet so you can shop securely and conveniently—in stores and online.

3. Use Card Controls to Manage Spending

If you want tighter control over your holiday budget or simply an added layer of protection, EVB’s Card Controls give you powerful customization options. Within Digital Banking, you can:

  • Set spending limits and custom alerts
  • Enable or disable certain transaction types
  • Restrict card usage by location
  • Turn your card on/off instantly

These tools keep you in control and provide peace of mind during a busy shopping season.

4. Give the Gift That Always Fits

Struggling to find the perfect present? EVB Visa® Gift Cards make flexible, practical gifts for family members, teachers, coworkers, or anyone who’s hard to shop for. They let recipients choose exactly what they want—and they help you avoid overspending on impulse purchases.

5. Plan Ahead for Next Year

Once the holiday rush settles, take some time to review your overall spending. Did you exceed your budget? Were there unexpected costs? Starting a small monthly savings plan now can make next year’s holiday season smoother and more manageable.

EVB tip: Utilize our Digital Banking’s easy transfer tools to set up recurring transfers into a savings account—your future self will thank you.

Make Smarter, Safer Holiday Purchases with EVB

The right tools make all the difference during the holidays. Whether you’re shopping online, hitting the stores, or budgeting ahead, Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust offers secure and convenient solutions to support your financial well-being. Happy holidays from all of us at EVB—and happy budgeting!