Budget First, Shop Smart: Ohio Department of Commerce Unveils New Holiday Budgeting Guide to Help Ohioans Plan for a Budget-Friendly Season

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As the holiday shopping and spending season fast approaches, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions has launched its annual Holiday Budgeting Guide to equip Ohioans with information, tools, and resources they can use to help ensure celebrations are merry and their budgets stay bright.

Available at com.ohio.gov/BudgetGuide, this free resource empowers Ohioans of all ages to be mindful of their holiday spending - from the very first purchase to the final bill. This year's Guide features a range of new-and-improved resources, including:

• Practical holiday tips that highlight what Ohioans should keep in mind before, during and after their holiday spending, including the safest ways to spend, which bills to pay off first, and how to stay safe from potential scams.
• A dynamic budgeting template that walks Ohioans through the budgeting process from start to finish - and helps them understand whether they're still within budget.
• A one-minute interactive readiness quiz to help Ohioans understand their overall holiday financial preparedness heading into the season.
• Links to assistance programs to help support the financial well-being of all Ohioans, whether that's related to food insecurity, utility bills, or other financial challenges.

Nationwide, Deloitte expects holiday retail sales to climb to at least $1.7 trillion from November 2026 to January 2027, a roughly 4% increase from last year. Last holiday season, the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants estimated Ohioans to spend $32 billion, which is an increase of 3.1% from 2024. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's December 2025 Monthly State Retail Sales report, total U.S. retail sales were up 2.7% year-over-year compared with December 2024.

"Ohioans work hard to create joyful holiday memories for their loved ones, and we want that generosity to go even further," Division Interim Superintendent Ingrid White said. "This guide is a comprehensive, yet simple and practical tool that can help every household stay financially confident throughout every part of the budgeting process this season. Making conscious decisions about spending now can make the new year feel a whole lot brighter."

As Ohioans prepare for the upcoming season, consumers are encouraged to use this guide and featured resources to better manage spending, stay safe from potential holiday-related scams, and address financial challenges head-on. The following steps highlighted below represent a portion of the tips Ohioans will find in this year's Guide, which covers several key stages of the budgeting process:

Before You Spend

• Take a short quiz to assess holiday spending readiness.
• Review income, monthly bills, and any outstanding debt to understand what can be reasonably afforded.
• Set a spending limit that fits within your budget, including upcoming expenses early next year.

As You Spend

• Consider paying with credit cards since they offer added protections against fraud.
• If worried about overspending, use cash or a debit card to help keep spending in check.
• Watch for common spending traps such as buy-now-pay-later plans, high-interest store cards, and guilt-driven purchases.

After You Spend

• Act promptly if orders arrive late or damaged. Contact the seller first, followed by your credit card company if needed.
• Pay credit card balances in full whenever possible and apply additional funds toward high-interest debt first.
• Stick with trusted retailers and review shipping times carefully.
• Keep receipts and tracking numbers organized for easy reference.

Each of these stages offers practical, easy-to-follow steps that Ohio families can use throughout the holiday season. Meanwhile, the tools and resources provided support Ohioans in making thoughtful financial decisions while still enjoying meaningful celebrations and starting the New Year on solid financial footing.

"Smart spending is a gift the extends beyond the holiday season," White said. "When Ohioans take time to plan and make thoughtful choices, they're not just protecting their budgets today-they're building healthier financial habits that benefit them well into the new year."

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About the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions
The Division of Financial Institutions is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.com.ohio.gov.