What’s a Reasonable Amount to Spend During the Holidays?

It’s billed as the season of giving. But let’s be honest: ‘Tis really the season of spending. Consumers are expected to spend as much as $730 billion this year during the holidays, according to the National Retail Federation.

What’s your holiday spending number? How much of your income have you earmarked for gifts and all the other expenses of the season? How much is reasonable to spend?

We asked budgeting pros how to calculate exactly what you should be spending (or not!) this holiday season, whether it’s 1% of your income or a specific dollar amount per person on your gift list.

Plus:
Love, Loss and Giving Back: Author Mitch Albom on Life’s True Riches
We welcome author, journalist and philanthropist Mitch Albom to the HerMoney podcast* studio where he tells us the incredible story about a chance meeting with a Haitian orphan that changed his life forever. (She's the subject of his new book out this month: "Finding Chika: A Little Girl, An Earthquake, and the Making of a Family." Have tissues handy.)

Mitch and Jean also discuss relationships (how he and his wife had made the financial aspect of theirs work seamlessly for three decades), his passion project (Mitch has founded eight charities, many in the Detroit area where he lives) and how we can all find that thing that will help us make a real difference in the world.

And in this week’s Mailbag, Jean and Kathryn talk 401(k) saving vs. debt paydown, what to do with company stock options and the best ways to boost contributions to your retirement fund.

Bargain Shopping Strategies for Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday and Cyber Monday
The Big Three are here! Allow us to be your seasonal shopping Sherpa to navigate the crowds, ads and hyped deals (some warranted, some not):

Black Friday: Retail experts reveal how to spot the real Black Friday deals… and when to wait for a better price.
Small Business Saturday: Our guide to the #ShopLocal experience will help you find neighborhood events, score unique gifts — and funnel money back into the local economy.
Cyber Monday: Hold back some of your holiday budget for Cyber Monday when you’ll stand to save the most on certain categories, including apparel, soft goods, beauty products and tech accessories.

Also on HerMoney.com:
Keeping financial secrets can take down a relationship. Here’s how to let yours go.
Bargain shoppers unite! This is a rundown of the 10 best discount stores (for both clothing and housewares) and a shopping game plan for each.
It’s the hardest-working accessory in your closet… and the number of choices out there is overwhelming. We’ve got you: Here are the only 10 handbag types you need to own.