With Christmas declared by Mariah Carey, many Kenyans are facing financial strain due to soaring inflation and rising living costs, leading to increased reliance on digital credit. This article offers five key strategies to avoid borrowing without a realistic repayment plan during the festive season.

• The article advises setting a price limit for each gift recipient, with top gift categories including clothing, electronics, and gift vouchers.
• It recommends avoiding last-minute shopping by starting early, ideally in November, to take advantage of discounts and stretch one's shilling further.
• Shoppers should utilize Christmas rewards coupons offered by financial services providers, such as those on debit and credit cards, ensuring a realistic repayment plan for any loans.
• A crucial tip is to budget for small, miscellaneous costs like fare to Ushago, Mbuzi for choma, M-Pesa transaction fees, and shipping for gifts, which can quickly accumulate.
• Finally, regularly checking account statements (bank or M-Pesa) is emphasized to stay within financial limits and build a strong foundation for 2026, despite the temptation to avoid this during heavy spending.