USALLIANCE Blog

The decorations are down, the gifts are unwrapped, and your credit card statement just arrived. If you're feeling that familiar pit in your stomach when you see the damage from holiday spending, you're not alone. The average American overspends during the holidays, and January often brings a financial reckoning. On the bright side, the post-holiday spending hangover doesn't have to derail your entire year. Here are four ways to get your finances back on track.

We all know the feeling. Your phone buzzes with plans for dinner, drinks, a concert, or a weekend getaway. Your heart says yes, but your bank account says, "absolutely not." That's what we call the friendship tax: The often-unspoken cost of maintaining an active social life that's quietly draining bank accounts and creating financial stress for many young adults.

This holiday season, consider giving the young people in your life something that helps them build lifelong money skills. Whether they’re just starting to understand the value of a dollar or ready to learn about budgeting and saving, there are plenty of fun, age-appropriate ways to make financial literacy part of your holiday giving. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Between your turkey, ingredients for the holiday meal, and decor to set the ambiance, hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is not cheap. If you’re looking for ways to cut back without compromising on quality, here are seven easy ways to save on Thanksgiving costs this year.

Life’s biggest moments deserve to be celebrated, but that doesn’t mean you need to throw a lavish party or spend beyond your means. With a little creativity, you can mark milestones in ways that feel just as special while keeping your budget intact. Here are some ideas to get you started.

For many families, paying for college can feel overwhelming. The good news is that financial aid exists to make higher education more affordable, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking it.

Your coffee order might seem like just a daily ritual, but it can also offer clues about your approach to spending and saving. Whether you opt for a simple drip or a fancy seasonal special, your coffee order can reflect your values, priorities, and even how you handle your budget. Curious what your go-to drink says about your financial personality? Keep reading!

Friendcation (noun): A vacation taken with friends that's equal parts adventure, memory-making, and coordination challenge. Traveling with friends can create some of your best memories, but it can also put your budget (and patience) to the test. From splitting hotel rooms and group meals to excursions and shared expenses, costs can add up quickly —and so can the stress.

We all have financial goals we’re working toward—whether it’s a well-earned vacation, a home project, or simply building a stronger safety net. And when it comes to saving, how you save matters just as much as how much you put aside. Different goals call for different strategies.

Taking a vacation is a great way to recharge, but it can also strain your budget if you’re not careful. Fortunately, travel costs aren’t set in stone. With the right timing and approach, you can enjoy a well-deserved break without overspending. Here are the best times of year to vacation and when to plan them.