The holiday season can get expensive – and fast. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend an average of $998 on holiday expenses each year.

Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be you! Take control of your spending this holiday season with these budget-friendly tips:

• Set spending limits on gifts. Before you set out to do your holiday shopping, make a list of people you want to buy gifts for - and set firm spending limits for each. If you stick to the plan, you’ll limit impulse spending.
  
• Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and coupons. Take advantage of in-store or online holiday sales while you’re shopping for gifts, and clip some coupons. However, be careful not to spend money on something you don’t need just to get the deal!
  
• Suggest a family gift exchange. Why buy five gifts when you could buy one with a gift exchange? The whole crew will be grateful for saving them time and money!
  
• Turn your annual holiday party into a potluck. Cut down on party costs by asking your guests to contribute sides, desserts, beverages, or even festive decorations.
  
  Some people skip the holiday party all together! Instead, try organizing a group of your family and friends to go volunteer for a local charity.
  

• Plan any holiday travel in advance, especially if you’re flying to your destination. Flights are often cheaper the earlier you book them. Don’t forget to use travel apps or websites to compare prices and get the best deal.
  
• Recycle your decorations from last year. Do your best to keep all your decorations in good shape and packed away in marked boxes, so you can dust them off and reuse them year after year.  
  
• Go homemade. Instead of buying an expensive gift, bake some homemade cookies or craft a cute decoration for the special people in your life. You can even make your own coupons that family can cash in for “a free night of babysitting,” or “a home-cooked meal” whenever they want!