The sandals are still out, the pumpkin spice lattes have arrived and stores are already sneaking in holiday displays. That “holiday creep” is not your imagination, it’s the retail calendar in action. And for women juggling families, careers, and life’s never-ending to-do list, September is the most underrated month to get ahead of the holiday season.

Nearly half of consumers start shopping before October*, and those who do often report spending less, stressing less, and enjoying the holidays more. Interested in joining them? Here are some smart and creative ways women are using September to reclaim their time, money, and peace of mind.

1. Create a Holiday Spending Blueprint

Think of September as your holiday financial reset button. Before swiping a card, pause and sketch out a framework: gifts, travel, food, décor, and all the “little extras” that add up quickly.

Pro tip women use:

• Open a separate “holiday wallet” in your banking app. Seeing that money grow (or shrink) keeps spending visible and intentional.
• Track loyalty rewards or credit card points now so you can use them for gifts or flights instead of scrambling in December.
• Set a spending limit for each person on your gift list

By setting boundaries now, you are buying yourself freedom later.

2. Shop Smart: Think Strategic, Not Spontaneous

Prices on everything from toys to turkeys spike as demand peaks. September is when shelves are stocked, deals are quiet, and choices are wide.

Smart strategies women use:

• Buy travel tickets six to eight weeks in advance for the best fares. If you fly often, you may even want to consider buying an Unlimited Frontier Airlines Fall & Winter 2025 pass for only $299!

• Sign up for retailer deal alerts now, not on Black Friday, when your inbox is already overflowing. That way you can catch sales and promotions as early as possible.

• Order personalized gifts early (i.e., photo books, custom jewelry, engraved gifts.) to avoid costly rush fees.

A little planning now keeps you from paying the “holiday convenience tax” later.

3. Take Inventory Before You Add More

Holiday bins often hide surprises. Pull them out now and see what you already own.

Helpful ways to rethink September decluttering:

• Snap photos of décor or tableware and keep them in your phone. That way, you avoid buying duplicates while shopping.

• Move leftover wrapping supplies into a “wrapping station” so everything is in one place come December.

• Donate gently used decorations and home items now, giving charities enough time to redistribute before the holidays.

Decluttering isn’t just about space; it is about clarity and possibly rediscovering treasures you forgot you had.

4. Block Your Calendar Like a CFO

Financial stress often gets all the attention, but time-stress is just as costly. Women often carry the invisible weight of making the season “magical.” September is when you can take back the calendar.

Ideas to consider:

• Mark key gift shipping deadlines now so you don’t pay for expedited delivery.

• Add reminders for charitable giving or year-end financial tasks like RMDs*.

• Protect personal time by blocking “holiday buffer days” so you have guilt-free time to recharge.

When you protect your time, you are protecting your energy and that might be the most valuable budget of all.

5. Build a Holiday Buffer Fund

Even small amounts make a difference. Saving $25 each week between September and November gives you a $300 cushion by December.

Other creative buffers women use:

• Cashing in unused gift cards lingering in wallets or apps (have you checked your credit card rewards program lately?).

• Selling unused or unwanted items online before the holiday rush.

• Using “cashback apps” on early purchases so savings accumulate quietly in the background.

Think of it as future-you funding your own stress relief.

6. Make a Gift List That Goes Beyond “Stuff”

Early planning opens the door for more thoughtful ideas. Many women report shifting toward gifts that create memories rather than clutter.

Consider:

• Family experiences like cooking classes, concert tickets, or weekend getaways.

• Group gifts where siblings or friends pool resources for one meaningful purchase.

• “Presence over presents” days: scheduling family service projects or memory-making outings.

When you start in September, you have the time to choose what feels authentic instead of what is simply convenient.

7. Build in Small Joys for Yourself

Here is a tip many women overlook: add yourself to the holiday plan. Not with a big purchase, but with a small act of self-care to counterbalance the seasonal demands.

Examples:

• Schedule a coffee date with a friend before the holiday rush begins.

• Budget a little for something that sparks joy; a festive candle, a new journal, or a cozy throw blanket.

• Block one evening in December as a “do nothing night” and guard it like a financial investment.

Joy multiplies when you give it to yourself, too.

Finally, Remember…

Starting holiday prep in September is not about hanging stockings while the air-conditioner is still running on full blast. It is about creating space for intention. With a little foresight, you can design a season that feels meaningful, not manic. September planning transforms the holidays from something you endure into something you savor; a season filled with less stress, more purpose, and maybe even the rarest of luxuries: free time.

So while the leaves are just starting to turn, take this month as your invitation. Your future self, with hot cocoa in hand and your credit card bill under control, will thank you.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Every individual’s financial situation is unique, and decisions should be made based on your specific goals, needs, and circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed financial expert.

Sources:

• The Bazaar Voice, How American shoppers are rethinking holiday spending
• RMD’s: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are minimum amounts that IRA and retirement plan account owners generally must withdraw annually starting with the year they reach a certain age . IRS: What are required minimum distributions?
• Frontier Airlines: https://www.flyfrontier.com/deals/gowild-pass/