Money Stress After the Holidays

The weeks, even months, following the holidays can feel heavy. Between credit card statements, a clutter of receipts, and the pressure to “get back to normal,” it’s easy to let money worries pile up. The good news: you don’t need a giant overhaul to start feeling better. Small, intentional steps create momentum. Pick one tiny win this week — something you can do right now — and notice how different you feel.  Taking action is the key to feeling better.

Why do tiny wins matter? 

Big financial goals such as paying off debt, building an emergency fund, maxing out retirement are important, but they can feel overwhelming. Tiny wins work better. 

Tiny wins: 

• Reduce decision-fatigue 

• Build confidence  

• Compound over time

Three simple tiny win options  

Here are three easy, concrete actions. Choose one that feels doable and commit to it this week. 

Start an emergency fund:

Move $25 into a separate account. Even a small emergency fund gives you breathing room and a safety cushion against day-to-day stress. 

To start: 

• Open a separate savings account (many banks let you open one in minutes). 

• Set up a monthly transfer of $25, or automate $5/week if that’s easier. 
• Label the account clearly (e.g., “Rainy Day”) so you don’t mix it with spending money. That small balance is symbolic but powerful. Seeing money set aside reduces anxiety and makes it easier to add to it later.

Cancel one subscription you don’t use.

• Recurring charges quietly eat at your budget. Canceling one subscription frees up money and simplifies your monthly bills. 
• Review your bank or card statements for subscriptions (streaming services, apps, memberships).
• Ask: “Have I used this in the last 30–90 days?” If not, cancel it. You’ll be surprised how small monthly savings add up. You’ll also feel more in control of where your money goes.
  

Make a meal rather than dining out. Cooking at home saves money and often improves nutrition and mental well-being. 

• Pick a simple, comforting recipe you already know (pasta, stir-fry, soup). 
• Use what you have in the pantry to keep costs low. 
• Consider doubling the recipe for another meal later. You save money immediately and gain a sense of accomplishment. 

How to pick the right tiny win 

Choose what feels easiest. The point is action, not perfection. 

After you complete your first tiny win, take a moment to notice how it feels, then consider adding another small step the following week. Progress doesn’t come from one big, dramatic move, but from gradual, consistent action over time. Those steady choices matter far more than short-lived bursts of motivation. Over the course of a month, the impact becomes real and visible: emergency savings slowly begin to grow, trimming unused subscriptions creates breathing room in your budget, and choosing more meals at home puts tangible dollars back in your pocket. Small decisions, repeated often, quietly build momentum. 

Money stress after the holidays is incredibly common, and you’re not alone in feeling the weight of it. But that heaviness doesn’t have to linger. Start with just one tiny win this week—transfer $25 into savings, cancel a subscription you no longer need, or cook one simple meal at home. Pause and notice the sense of relief that follows. That first step is often the hardest to take, yet it’s also the most powerful because it shifts you from feeling stuck to feeling capable. Keep going, one small choice at a time. You may be surprised by how much progress those little actions create and how quickly they begin to add up. 

Terina Bainter is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and Financial Coach with Blue Collar Financial Coaching. Visit Terina’s FindAnAFC profile to view her services and connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.