Money-Smart Monday

with John Lanza

Hello, friends,

I love the holiday season: the songs, the parties, the energy. But the financial noise gets loud. No surprise that impulse buys spike this time of year. (Some studies say up to 80%!) And this year, the ads started so early I saw Christmas spots in OCTOBER.

Here are some ideas to help us enjoy the season amidst the noise—simple ways to reinforce those money-smart habits we've been helping our kids develop throughout the year.

The December Allowance Reset

Juggle The Money Mammals' mantra, "We'll Share & Save & Spend Smart Too," with this one-month warm-up for 2026:

• Week 1: Spend Smart — As your kids make their holiday lists, have them try the DIMS SCORE® Calculator from Gifting Sense to ask "Does this make sense?" or "Will I use it?" Wondering what the DIMS SCORE® is? Watch this​.
• Week 2: Save — Try a short "savings sprint" toward a gift for a family member. You could even match what your kids save (if that approach works for your family).
• Week 3: Share — One small act of generosity can underscore the spirit of the season, whether it's a donation of time or money. Feel free to move this activity to whatever week your family is celebrating.
• Week 4: Reflect — After the holidays, ask "What did we use, enjoy or not need after all?" You can even revisit these questions in early January when the dust settles.

Try an "Experience Swap" This Year

Instead of more stuff, invite your children to choose one experience they'd love to receive in place of a physical gift: a museum day, ice skating, a cooking class or something else creative.

This offer is a simple way to help kids practice:

• Choosing value over volume
• Planning ahead
• Making memories that last longer than wrapping paper

Plus it pairs nicely with our Spend Smart week above by helping kids learn that experiences often pay what Die with Zero author Bill Perkins calls "experience dividends," the wonderful emotional replays we get from moments that become stories.

Money Thought for the Season

More Ideas You Might Find Interesting

➡️ My notes on Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life​
➡️ The Habit Tracker app I use daily​
➡️ What's it like to run like the marathon GOAT, Eliud Kipchoge?

Before I go, here's a little bonus. A "try it tonight" micro challenge: Ask your kids what experience they'd trade for one gift. And don't be surprised if their answers reveal what they value most!

Happy holidays! And until next week, enjoy the journey!

John,
Your Chief Mammal

If you want to dig deeper ...

📗 Get The Art of Allowance (for parents)​
📚 Get the "Share & Save & Spend Smart" series (for kids)​
🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Become a partner or book me to speak (for businesses)

P.S. Please consult with a financial or investment professional before making any decisions that might affect your financial well-being.

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