Seasonal budgeting: Cover holiday shopping without credit card debt
Plan your holiday spending with ease and avoid the credit card crunch.
Get practical tips for holiday shopping on a budget.
Find out how to make the most of seasonal sales.
See how Snap’s lease-to-own financing can help you shop now and pay over time.
The holidays can be a joyful time filled with celebration, family, and tradition. But for many, they also bring financial stress. Seasonal expenses add up fast, especially for big-ticket purchases such as electronics, appliances, furniture, or auto-related needs that often arise during this time. According to LendingTree, 36% of Americans took on holiday debt in 2024, and 65% of shoppers charged their purchases to credit cards, often carrying balances into the new year.
If you’re feeling pressured to rely on credit cards this season, you’re not alone. But the good news is that you don’t have to face the holidays weighed down by credit card debt. With thoughtful budgeting and convenient alternatives like lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance, you can shop for the holidays now, and pay later.
Holiday budgeting tips for a stress-free season
Planning your holiday budget ahead of time is key to enjoying the season without financial headaches. Here are some practical strategies to help you stay on track.
Determine your holiday budget
Start by setting a clear spending limit for all your seasonal expenses. Consider everything, from home upgrades for entertaining to technology needs or necessary auto maintenance for winter driving. Breaking your total budget into smaller categories helps keep spending organized and manageable.
2. Take advantage of smart shopping and deals
The holiday season is packed with opportunities to save. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-year sales can be great times to purchase big-ticket items. Be sure to:
Compare prices to find the best deals.
Stick to your list to avoid impulse buys.
Track your spending to ensure you stay within your budget.
3. Prioritize needs over wants
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season, but focusing on what you truly need helps prevent overspending. Make a list of essentials first, such as replacing a worn-out appliance or upgrading your home office and consider postponing less urgent purchases.
4. Set spending alerts and monitor progress
Use budgeting apps or banking alerts to keep a real-time eye on your spending throughout the season. Regularly reviewing your expenses helps you adjust your plan as needed and avoid last-minute surprises.
5. Consider lease-to-own financing
When faced with holiday must-haves that stretch your budget, lease-to-own financing can help. Instead of one large upfront payment or carrying a revolving credit card balance, lease-to-own is an alternative pay-over-time option for big-ticket items. It’s also typically more accessible to those who have bad credit or no credit, compared to traditional financing.
Why choose Snap Finance for lease-to-own financing
Snap Finance is a leading provider of lease-to-own financing. There’s no credit needed to apply¹, and decisions are given in seconds. If approved, you get instant access to up to $5,000 in lease-to-own financing,² so you can start shopping right away. You’ll make payments over a set period of time, and once you’ve fulfilled the terms of your lease agreement, the items are yours to keep.
Snap also offers the benefit of convenient payment plans. Payments are automatically set up to align with your paydays for the maximum length of the lease agreement. You can also choose to buy out your lease early and save on overall lease costs.³ Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to pay:
o Maximum-Term Plan (lowest payments)³
Customers make payments over the maximum 12-18 months of their lease agreement. This is the default payment schedule.
o 100-Day Option (lowest overall cost)³
Customers can save significantly on their cost of lease by making all regular payments on time and paying the required amount in the first 100 days. Customers must schedule this option.
o Early Buyout Option (most flexible option)
After the first 100 days, customers can also save on their cost of lease when they buy out their agreement before the end of the maximum term. Customers must schedule this option.
With multiple payment options, fast decisioning, and the ability to take your items home the same day, Snap Finance makes lease-to-own simple, convenient, and built around your needs. It’s an empowering way to shop with confidence and pay over time – without relying on credit cards.
How to get started with Snap
The Snap Finance application process is designed to be fast and simple, whether you’re applying online or in a store.
Here’s how you can apply:
Apply online at snapfinance.com or through the Snap Finance mobile app (IOS or Android).
Apply in-store at one of Snap’s retail partners through our text-to-apply feature on your smartphone or a QR code. Look for information about Snap in the store or ask a sales representative for help. To find a Snap Partner, go to the Snap Finance Store Locator.
Apply and check out online with our select e-commerce Snap Partners. To find an e-commerce Snap Partner, go to the Snap Finance Store Locator.
What you’ll need to apply:
Be old enough to enter into a legal contract (18 or older in most states)
Steady monthly income of at least $750
Active checking account
Valid email address and smartphone number
What can you shop for with Snap Finance?
Snap Finance partners with more than 150,000 retailers nationwide, making it easy to lease-to-own a wide variety of items. Use the Store Locator to find stores near you or online. Here are some of the categories where Snap’s lease-to-own financing can help you this holiday season:
Electronics and computers⁴
Upgrade your workspace or home entertainment with TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and accessories.
Appliances
Whether you’re hosting holiday meals or need to replace an old washer/dryer, Snap helps you shop appliances now and pay later.
Furniture and mattresses
Create a cozy, inviting home environment with a new sofa, desk, or mattresses – perfect for those seasonal gatherings and a fresh start in the new year.
Auto products
Prepare for winter with auto products such as new tires, brakes, or a car audio system. Snap can help you stay safe and comfortable on the road.
Enjoy the holidays without the credit card debt
Holiday budgeting doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With planning, smart shopping, and lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance, you can get the seasonal essentials you need now and pay over time in a way that works for you.
This year, make your holiday spending plan one that supports your financial wellness – no credit card debt required.
Looking for more ways to budget smarter and shop with confidence? Explore these additional resources to help you plan, save, and make the most of your spending year-round:
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
¹Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.
²Approval amounts vary from $300 to $5,000, subject to underwriting, and apply only to the cash price of leased items.
³Standard maximum lease term is 12-18 months. To exercise the 100-Day Option, consumers must ensure the full 100-day amount is paid within 100 days by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769 or scheduling payments in the customer portal. The 100-Day Option includes a cost of lease above the merchandise price.
⁴Some restrictions may apply on leasable auto parts, electronics, or sporting goods. Please check with merchants for details.