How to shop smarter this holiday season, plus tips for year-end financial planning

Holiday Spending Trends - AAA estimates nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles away from home over the Thanksgiving week [4] - The average consumer is looking at just over $700 for their holiday expenses [18] - The National Retail Federation forecasts US holiday sales will surpass $1 trillion for the first time ever this year [29] - KPMG estimates consumer holiday shopping will rise 46% this year compared to a year ago, or that's about $847 per shopper [34] Credit Card Strategies - Opening a travel rewards credit card can help save on holiday trips due to extra spending [2][5] - Consumers should look for points and miles cards for travel or cashback cards for everyday expenses [11] - Travel cards offer benefits like trip delay, cancellation insurance, and rental car insurance [13][14] Saving and Budgeting Tips - Consumers are advised to start holiday expense planning early to get budgets in order and comparison shop [19][20] - Consider a seasonal side gig to pad the budget and avoid relying on credit cards [23][24] - Whittling down the gift recipient list or doing a gift exchange can save money [25][26] - Consumers should check credit card rewards for unused points to offset holiday costs [27] Impact of Tariffs and Inflation - Tariffs have disrupted supply chains and led to higher prices for some products, especially electronics [29][30] - There is still a 50% tariff on most Indian goods [31] - Tariffs can drive prices sharply higher: over 30% for smartphones, 34% for laptops and tablets, and 69% for video game consoles [31] Retail Strategies and AI - Retailers are giving consumers more options and availability to shop early [36] - 41% of consumers are already using AI for research, searching products, and comparison shopping [42] - AI can be a personal shopping agent to narrow down shopping results and find the best prices [45][46] Labor Market - Retailers are hiring fewer seasonal workers this year compared to 2024 [48] - Searches for seasonal holiday work were up 27% at the end of September compared to a year earlier [54]