Family Financial Check-In This Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, we look forward to spending quality time with family, reflecting on what we're grateful for, and enjoying delicious meals together. While the holiday season is often associated with joy and togetherness, it’s also an ideal time to take a moment to check in on the financial health of your family. Financial conversations can be tough, but Thanksgiving offers a natural opportunity to review your financial goals, discuss your current situation, and plan for the future as a family.

Here’s why a family financial check-in this Thanksgiving is important and how you can make it an effective and constructive conversation:

1. Reflect on Financial Goals and Progress

The end of the year is a great time to assess where you stand financially. Reflecting on the goals you set at the start of the year helps you gauge your progress. Have you saved for a rainy day? Paid down debt? Or invested in your retirement? A Thanksgiving check-in gives everyone the chance to assess financial wins and areas where improvement is needed.

• Questions to ask:
  • Are we on track with our savings and investment goals?
  • What financial milestones have we achieved?
  • Where are we falling short, and how can we adjust?

2. Plan for Holiday Spending Together

The holidays bring added expenses, from gifts to travel to meals. A family financial check-in can help ensure that everyone is aligned on budgeting for holiday spending. By discussing spending limits and expectations, you can avoid the post-holiday stress of credit card bills and financial regret.

• Action items:
  • Set a holiday budget that includes gifts, meals, and travel.
  • Consider setting up a “holiday fund” throughout the year to avoid overspending.
  • Discuss strategies for saving on gifts, such as homemade presents, Secret Santa exchanges, or setting spending limits.

3. Address Financial Concerns Openly

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to have candid conversations about family finances. Whether it’s tackling debt, discussing retirement, or managing unexpected expenses, being open about financial matters helps you make informed decisions together. Families that talk about finances regularly tend to have less financial stress and better financial outcomes.

• Discussion points:
  • Are there any current or upcoming financial challenges we need to address?
  • Are there any financial decisions that need to be made as a family, such as refinancing a loan or saving for college tuition?
  • What is everyone’s understanding of the family budget and financial priorities?

4. Teach Kids About Financial Responsibility

Thanksgiving isn’t just about adult conversations—it’s also an opportunity to teach younger family members about money management. Involve kids in budgeting discussions, helping them understand the value of saving and making smart financial decisions. It’s never too early to introduce these lessons!

• How to teach kids about money:
  • Explain the difference between wants and needs.
  • Set a family savings goal and let kids contribute.
  • Discuss the importance of budgeting and saving for the future.

5. Set Financial Goals for the New Year

The start of a new year brings the chance to reset and refocus. Use your Thanksgiving check-in to set financial goals for the upcoming year. Whether it’s saving for a vacation, paying down student loans, or contributing to a retirement fund, setting goals together creates accountability and gives everyone something to look forward to.

• Ideas for New Year’s financial goals:
  • Build or replenish an emergency fund.
  • Pay off high-interest debt.
  • Start or increase contributions to a retirement account.
  • Plan for major expenses, like home repairs or a big family trip.

6. Celebrate Financial Successes Together

It’s easy to focus on what hasn’t gone well financially, but Thanksgiving is also a time to celebrate successes. Did you stick to your budget this year? Have you built an emergency fund? Did you save for a down payment on a house? Celebrating these wins can help keep your family motivated to continue making positive financial choices.

• Celebrate by:
  • Acknowledging milestones: paying off a credit card, saving for a down payment, or hitting your emergency fund goal.
  • Planning for your next financial milestone and supporting one another to stay on track.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. By using this time to check in on your family’s finances, you can ensure that you’re all on the same page when it comes to your financial goals. Open conversations about money can foster a sense of financial empowerment and reduce stress as you move into the new year.

If you’re looking for more ways to improve your family’s financial health, Harvard Federal Credit Union offers a variety of resources, from financial education tools to savings accounts and loans. We’re here to help you and your family build a brighter financial future.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Harvard Federal Credit Union!