SPOKANE, Wash. — If you feel like you're pinching pennies this time of year, you're in good company.

The National Retail Federation says the holiday season is the most expensive time for most Americans. Between Christmas cards, holiday events, presents and family feasts, this time of year gets expensive fast.

But financial experts say don't let holiday financial stress ruin your fun.

"We often feel this pressure to say yes to everything that the holiday season has to offer, and we don't have to do that," said Jon Maroni with Numerica Credit Union.

Maroni recommends starting with a written gift budget and following the "something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read" model.

"It is totally transformed how our what our holiday season looks like," he said

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