How to keep your holiday spending under control amid inflation and product shortages

With the economy still recovering, consumer demand still robust, and inflation at historic levels, the 2021 holiday season may be the most expensive ever. Of course, that doesn't mean you have to spend more money than ever. With proper planning, a little bit of organization, and some rather practical restraint, you can make it to January without financial regrets.

The final six weeks of the year typically are more expensive than the previous 46 weeks. If you don't go into this period with a spending strategy, you'll spend more than you intend to, and based on how expensive everything seems to be right now, you might actually damage your finances.

The pesky thing about holidays and money is if you consistently justify your spending with "it's OK, it's the holidays," it's not OK. The season of excess often leads to, well, excess.

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