Holiday Spending Blues: Your Financial Comeback Starts Now
The holidays are a magical time—until January hits, and you’re left with memories of festive cheer, questionable online purchases, and a bank account in dire need of CPR. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Post-holiday financial hangovers are practically a rite of passage, especially when you’re a student juggling gifts, social events, and splurging on yourself because self-care.
But don’t stress! January is the month of fresh starts and smarter decisions. With SPC’s unbeatable partner deals, you can recover like a pro, save big, and even treat yourself along the way. Let’s break it down and turn your budgeting goals into reality.
Step 1: Face Your Finances Head-On
Before you start saving, you’ve got to assess the damage. Open your banking app and check where your money went. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, you might cringe. But it’s the first step to taking control of your finances.
Was it the endless takeout orders? Last-minute gifts for everyone (including your dog)? Or maybe you just went all out on holiday fun. No judgment here. Once you know what you spent, it’s time to set some recovery goals. Think of it like a new semester for your wallet.
Pro Tip: Break it down into categories like food, entertainment, and shopping. Identify areas where you can cut back and plan to shift those savings into more essential expenses—or fun purchases backed by SPC deals.
Step 2: Eat Smarter, Not Pricier
Food is one of the biggest budget-busters for students, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by cutting down on expensive takeout and replacing it with affordable, delicious options from Tim Hortons.
- Link Your SPC and Tims Rewards: This one’s a no-brainer. By linking the two, you’ll unlock curated student deals every day after 2pm. Need lunch on the go? Think about deals like a sandwich and medium coffee for just $6.99. It’s quick, satisfying, and way cheaper than fancy food courts or overpriced café lunches.
If you’re feeling fancy at home, try cooking a meal and pairing it with some Kernels popcorn. With SPC, you get a free size upgrade, so your Netflix snack game is on point without the guilt.
Step 3: Shop Smarter, Not Harder
Who says budgeting has to mean giving up shopping? The key is to shop strategically and take advantage of SPC’s partner discounts to stretch your dollars further.
- Mastermind Toys: Okay, hear me out—Mastermind isn’t just for kids. Their 10% off in-store and online deal is perfect for finding brainy games, puzzles, or quirky gifts for something fun or cute for yourself, or even gifts for siblings, friends or cousins. Because what’s more relaxing than a 1,000-piece puzzle after a stressful week?
- Bath & Body Works: Post-holiday blues are real, and self-care is the cure. With 15% off, you can stock up on scented candles, lotions, and bath essentials to create your own spa vibes at home. Bonus points if you light a candle during your budgeting session—it makes the whole thing feel way more luxurious.
Step 4: Add Affordable Fun to Your Life
Budgeting doesn’t have to mean sitting at home staring at your bank app (although, relatable). You can still have fun without blowing your savings.
- Tim Hortons for Social Hangouts: Meeting up with friends doesn’t have to involve a pricey night out. Grab Tims drinks and snacks at student-friendly prices. Their deals mean you can still enjoy your favourite double-double without doubling your spending.
- Movie Nights with Kernels: Host a budget-friendly movie marathon with friends. Hit up Kernels for that free size upgrade on popcorn, and stream some classics (use your student streaming discounts, of course). Movie night vibes, zero financial regrets.
Pro Tip: Create a Budget-Friendly Social Calendar
Plan free or low-cost hangouts like board game nights (Mastermind Toys puzzles, anyone?) or tea-tasting evenings with affordable brews from your stash. Your wallet will thank you.
Step 5: Make Room for Small Luxuries
Sometimes it’s the little things that make budgeting feel less restrictive. Think of small, intentional splurges that keep you motivated to save elsewhere.
- Bath & Body Works Treats: Save big with 10% off and grab yourself a candle that smells like happiness (or at least like vanilla sugar).
- Tim Hortons Coffee: Let’s be honest—coffee is practically a love language for students. Stick to affordable Tims deals after 2pm to treat yourself without the guilt.
Step 6: Save Big on Everyday Essentials (and Look Like You’ve Got Your Life Together)
Alright, let’s talk about turning the mundane stuff—clothes, tea, snacks—into a savings goldmine. SPC has deals that will have you looking, feeling, and smelling fabulous (shoutout to Bath & Body Works). No one has to know you’re doing it on a budget.
Bluenotes: If you’re still rocking the same hoodie from high school, it’s time. Bluenotes has 10% off regular and sale items, so you can snag cozy fits that say, “I’m thriving,” even if you’re running on three hours of sleep.
Rexall: Who needs a $200 spa day when you can glow up with cruelty-free, sustainable skincare for 10% off? Treat yourself to a new face mask, because nothing screams “self-care” like scrolling TikTok while looking like a green monster.
RW & CO.: Got a job interview, an internship, or just want to look like the main character of your life? RW & CO. has 20% off (25% if your SPC+!) regular-priced items so you can pick up sleek blazers, power pants, or just a really good scarf. Trust us, scarves = instant sophistication.
Pro Tip: Layer Up
A good hoodie or jacket can be the MVP of your wardrobe. Add a scarf, throw on a jacket, and boom—you’re dressed for a LinkedIn headshot and a coffee run.
Step 7: Splurge Smartly—Yes, It’s Possible
Look, we get it. Budgeting feels like you’re saying no to everything fun. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With SPC, you can say yes to the things you actually want, minus the financial guilt trip.
Uber Eats: Treat yourself to $30 off your first order or 30% off if you’re a returning user. It’s like hitting the “cheat day” button on your budget. Pro tip: split an order with your roommates to save even more. Friendship + food = peak happiness.
David’s Tea: Winter vibes aren’t complete without a mug of something warm. David’s Tea is offering up to 12% off, so you can stock up on fancy brews like Earl Grey, Sleepytime, or that one with dried fruit that feels like a hug in a cup.
Adidas: Activewear isn’t just for the gym; it’s for running errands, lounging, and pretending you worked out. Save up to 30% on Adidas gear and get yourself some sneakers that are as comfy as they are Insta-worthy.
Gymshark: Ready to hit the gym (or at least dress like you are)? With 10% off Gymshark, you can grab leggings, tanks, and hoodies that scream “fitspiration.” Whether you’re pumping iron or pumping up your Netflix queue, Gymshark’s got you covered.
Decathlon: For all your fitness and sports gear needs, Decathlon’s 10% off SPC offer is a game-changer. From yoga mats to running shoes, they’ve got the goods to keep you moving—and within budget.
Life Hack: Make Savings a Game
Challenge yourself to find the best deal every week. Winner gets bragging rights, or, if you’re feeling generous, a round of Tim Hortons coffee (but only if it’s on sale—stick to the rules).
Step 8: The Side Hustle Hustle
If you’re serious about bouncing back, a side hustle might be the move. It doesn’t have to take over your life, but a little extra cash never hurt anyone. And SPC deals can help you get started.
Uber: Thinking about delivering for Uber Eats? It’s flexible, pays decently, and gives you a reason to get out of the house (even if it’s just to drop off someone else’s chicken nuggets). Bonus: You can test drive food spots you didn’t know existed.
RW & CO. Professional Wear: Start your tutoring or freelancing gig in style. Trust us, people are more likely to Venmo you for your work when you’re dressed like someone who knows what Excel is.
Step 9: Add Some Budget-Friendly Fun to Your Winter Blues
We know January isn’t exactly the life of the party. It’s dark, it’s cold, and everyone is too broke to go out. But fun doesn’t have to be expensive. With SPC deals, you can fight off those January blues and still keep your wallet happy.
Kernels Popcorn: Gather your friends for a cozy movie night. Thanks to SPC’s free size upgrade, you can go big on popcorn while going small on costs. Pro tip: mix caramel and cheese popcorn for a combo that feels way fancier than it is.
Tim Hortons Meet-Ups: Skip the $15 café meet-ups and take your hangouts to Tims. With SPC-linked deals, you can bond over double-doubles and Timbits without breaking the bank. Because let’s be real, Timbits are friendship snacks.
Fun Challenge: Plan a “No-Spend” Day
See how much fun you can have without spending a dime. Go for a walk, binge a free streaming service trial, or host a tea-tasting party with your David’s Tea haul. Budgeting doesn’t mean boring.
The January Blues Are Real, But You’ve Got This
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room— this month of January. It’s that weird month where the holidays are over, your bank account is on life support, and your serotonin levels are… questionable. But instead of wallowing, let’s turn this into a comeback story.
Here’s the thing: budgeting isn’t about saying no to everything. It’s about saying yes to the things that matter. With SPC’s partner deals, you can make smarter choices without giving up the good stuff. You’ll get to treat yourself, save money, and even have fun while you’re at it.
Ready to Beat the Blues?
Here’s your January checklist:
- Light a Bath & Body Works candle and romanticize your life.
- Grab a Tims coffee (curated deals = fewer regrets).
- Plan a popcorn-fueled Netflix night with Kernels.
- Shop smarter with SPC offers and turn your savings into a flex.
Final Thoughts: You’re the CEO of Your Wallet
This is your year, and no empty wallet is going to stop you. With SPC’s deals, a little planning, and a lot of confidence, you’ll go from financially stressed to budget-savvy in no time. So go ahead, set those goals, smash them, and treat yourself while you’re at it.
And if you’re not already an SPC member, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and unlock deals that make January feel a little brighter. Need further financial help with budgeting and managing your money? Look no further than CIBC, plus get a free student account, and get SPC+ for FREE!
Spend. Save. Repeat. With SPC, it’s that simple.