Birthdays and Christmas are Not a Surprise
We all know birthdays, Christmas, and family celebrations are coming every year.
Yet so often, these predictable events catch people off guard financially.
This results in last-minute stress about where the money’s going to come from, or worse, putting celebrations on a credit card just to make things work.
But what if we stopped treating these moments like "unexpected surprises" and started planning for them with purpose?
By including these events in your regular spending plan, you can enjoy the moments that matter without second-guessing yourself. Let’s dive into how shifting your approach to life’s predictable expenses can bring you more control and peace of mind.
Shifting From "Can We Afford This?" to "We Planned For This"
A family I worked with recently found themselves in this exact situation. Every year, they’d stress about budgeting for their kids' birthdays and holiday gifts, which ended up taking the joy out of these celebrations. They were managing their money well but hadn’t made room in the budget for these predictable events, so every celebration felt like a strain.
We made one small shift: instead of treating birthdays and Christmas as extra expenses, we made them part of their regular spending plan. Now, they have funds set aside and ready to go when these special days arrive. No stress, no second-guessing—just a relaxed celebration of what matters. They’re back to enjoying the moments with their family, and that’s how it should be.
Planning Smarter, Not Spending Less
This approach isn’t about spending less; it’s about planning smarter. Financial strategy isn’t only for retirement or paying off debt—it’s about putting your money to work in a way that supports the life you want, today and in the future.
When you start building things like birthdays and Christmas into your plan, you’re taking a proactive approach to your money. You’re saying, “I’m in control here,” rather than letting financial stress take over.
A Real Strategy Goes Beyond Ticking Boxes
When we talk about financial strategy, it’s easy to think of it as a checklist: an accountant to maximise tax deductions, a mortgage broker to lock in a good rate, and maybe some insurance for peace of mind.
But I see this all the time—clients come in with their boxes ticked, yet their strategy still doesn’t line up with the big-picture goals they have for their family.
A couple I recently worked with was in this exact position. They had a great accountant and broker on board and were doing well on paper.
But when we looked closer, we saw their money wasn’t actually set up to reflect their goals. It was optimised for the here and now but missed the mark on securing a future they truly wanted—a future where they could pass on wealth, not financial worries, to their kids.
Real strategy isn’t just about today’s wins; it’s about having your finances work in a way that aligns with your vision. It’s about bridging that gap between “We’re doing okay now” and “We’re set up for life.”
Building a Foundation for Your Family’s Future
This big-picture approach is about making sure the financial decisions you make today help secure a future where your children aren’t having to worry about supporting you down the line.
Instead, they get to benefit from the legacy you’ve built. It’s the difference between having peace of mind in every season of life versus being blindsided by unexpected expenses or changes.
Aligning your strategy with your true goals means you don’t have to constantly ask, “Can we afford this?” Whether it’s buying gifts for Christmas or making decisions about your long-term investments, a solid plan allows you to feel confident at every step.
Going From Reactive to Proactive
If you find yourself in a constant cycle of reacting to financial surprises, it might be time to shift the way you approach your money. Moving to a proactive mindset allows you to prepare for life’s small joys and bigger ambitions. If you’re ready to bring your finances in line with both your immediate needs and the future you want, let’s talk.
A smarter, proactive approach can let you focus on what matters: celebrating the moments with family, building a secure future, and knowing that you’ve got things covered. Send me a message, and let’s chat about how to make this approach work for you.
Want to know more?
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The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional. We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.