Evolve Bank & Trust has published guidance on budgeting for holiday travel, hosting and gift purchases. Its October 27, 2023 article recommends planning those expenses before seasonal commitments accumulate.

The first suggestion is to arrange purchases and travel early enough to compare options. Evolve notes that last-minute tickets and expedited delivery can add expense, while planning ahead allows a larger purchase to be saved for over several months.

The bank also recommends shopping lists and a separate holiday spending budget. Its examples cover both groceries for gatherings and gifts, with the aim of making intended purchases visible before entering a store or checking out online.

Card rewards are the third element. Evolve suggests checking for cashback promotions or retailers offering double points through an existing card program, including grocery offers that may change where a shopper chooses to buy. It also recommends enrolling in applicable reward offers.

The article directs readers to Evolve's savings account and Simple Steps to Save resource center. It concerns seasonal budgeting and use of existing card rewards; it does not announce a prepaid or gift card issuing product.