Core Insights - The holiday season is causing financial stress for many American adults, leading to overspending and debt anxiety [1] Spending Behavior - 79% of surveyed adults plan to use credit cards for holiday expenses, with 52% not expecting to pay off their balances in full [2] - 39% of respondents regret their overspending during the holidays, and a quarter usually create a budget but struggle to adhere to it [3][4] Age-Related Trends - Younger adults (ages 18-34) are more likely to overspend and not stick to their budgets, with one-third admitting they probably won't follow their spending plans [5][6] - Limited life experience and increased social media usage contribute to younger adults' financial management struggles [7] Financial Management Strategies - Experts recommend creating a spending plan to avoid emotional and impulsive spending, which can lead to financial strain [8][9] - Key strategies include setting a budget, tracking spending, minimizing travel costs, and managing credit card debt effectively [11]