💸 Check it twice

Financial plans are stepping into the holiday spotlight as nearly a quarter of Americans (21%) use December as a financial checkpoint, and the same share say the choices made now help shape the year ahead. One in five people are lining up a pre-New Year’s chat with a financial pro, and 30% are jotting down 2026 goals amid end-of-year gatherings and seasonal cheer.

This month is an ideal time to review this list of 10 money moves — and check it twice before December ends.

And as we wrap up 2025, we wish you a happy, prosperous new year — see you in 2026. 

🗓️ Year in money: Electronics led spending gains this year, jumping nearly 26%, with hobbies, entertainment, and pet costs also on the rise. Grocery spending saw only a modest increase, while travel and dining remained notably strong — even as Americans pulled back in other areas. For a deeper look at how households spent and saved in 2025 — including trends across subscriptions, rideshare, gym memberships, and more — check out the full breakdown on The Currency^TM.

🍪 Cookie costs: Holiday baking season is here, and this year pulling out the mixing bowl could be cheaper than heading to the store. Ready-made cookie prices rose 1.7%, while the cost of making them from scratch is only 1.2% higher year-over-year, per September’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

🎁 Gift of giving: Empower research reveals a third of Americans say they’d give away a windfall of $10,000 to friends, family, or charity — and 22% are already planning to make a donation before year-end. Charitable contributions must be completed by December 31 to count toward a 2025 tax deduction. See how to choose a charity (and find out where your money goes).

📋 On the nice list: Macy’s recorded sales growth of around 3%* for the three months through November 1 — its strongest growth in more than three years — an indication that the company’s turnaround strategy is gaining momentum. The retailer expects consumers to be more focused on value this holiday season; the National Retail Federation reported a record 203 million* consumers shopped during the five-day holiday weekend from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.

Second skillset

More companies are tapping* employees as in-house creators, turning social-media fluency into a workplace asset. Brands like Starbucks, Delta, and Ulta are collaborating with staff to share behind-the-scenes content to support hiring and culture. At the same time, workers are thinking about bigger moves: 37% are exploring new job opportunities, and 31% are updating their résumé or LinkedIn profile. 

Trend check

Pinterest Predicts 2026* is a home glow-up checklist, with cool blue accents, sculptural furniture, and Neo Deco curves turning living rooms into mini galleries. Gen Z is driving 67%* of the trends for next year, and Pinterest reports its predictions have been 88% accurate over the past six years, giving businesses an early look at what consumers are craving. 

Household furnishings and supplies are up 3%* in the 12-month period ending September 2025 — the same pace as overall inflation — so every new side table, lamp, or wavy mirror has to pass the vibe check and the budget check.

That’s a wrap

Spotify Wrapped dropped this month, filling feeds with top artists, most-played genres, and the now-classic “audio identity” breakdowns that turn everyone’s listening habits into shareable badges.

The release comes as Spotify posts over $5 billion* in quarterly revenue, underscoring how streaming accounts for most of the money generated by the music industry — 84%* in the United States. This is also the time of year when familiar tracks spike in plays, including Mariah Carey’s holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The seasonal song pulls in an estimated $2.5-$3 million* in royalties annually and more than $60 million since its release.

In case you missed it — read on:
 

• New year, new rules: 8 IRS changes that could impact your taxes in 2026

• U.S. economic and market outlook: How will AI shape 2026? 

• New net worth numbers are in — See how you compare

• The thought that counts: 49% turn to experience-based gifts this year