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Holiday Spending Hangover? How to Protect Your Mortgage From January Debt Stress
December 29, 2025 | Posted by: Erin Finlayson
Holiday Spending Hangover? How to Protect Your Mortgage From January Debt Stress
The holidays are a wonderful time — but let’s be honest: they can be expensive. Between gifts, travel, hosting, and seasonal activities, many Canadians feel the financial pinch in January.
Here’s how to keep holiday spending from turning into long-term mortgage stress.
1. Take Inventory of Your Spending (Without Judgement!)
Before the credit card statements hit, look at what you’ve spent and what’s still expected to come through.
Seeing the number early helps you plan instead of panic.
2. Prioritize High-Interest Debt First
If your holiday spending ends up on credit cards, paying those balances down quickly will save you the most interest — and improve your debt ratios for any future mortgage needs.
3. Avoid Skipping or Deferring Mortgage Payments
It can be tempting, but skipping payments increases your total interest and can lengthen your amortization.
If you’re feeling stretched, reach out — there may be better options.
4. Consider a January Cash-Flow Review
Sometimes a small adjustment, like increasing your mortgage payment frequency or restructuring debt, can make all the difference going into a new year.
5. If You’re Planning to Buy in 2026, Protect Your Credit Now
Holiday balances can temporarily drag down your score.
Try to pay down holiday spending before lenders pull your credit for a pre-approval.
Final Thoughts
A little financial reset in late December can prevent a January debt hangover — and keep your mortgage goals on track.
If you’d like help planning for the new year or figuring out the best way to structure your debt, I’m here anytime.
