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Smart Celebrations: How to Stretch Your Holiday Budget Without Sacrificing Joy

  The holiday season often brings cheer, but it can also strain wallets. With rising costs and endless temptations, keeping spending under control requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical strategies to help you celebrate without financial stress: Set a clear budget : Decide how much you can afford before shopping, and stick to it. Prioritize experiences over things : Shared activities like baking, movie nights, or volunteering can be more memorable than expensive gifts. Shop smart : Compare prices online, take advantage of seasonal sales, and avoid last-minute splurges. Give creatively : Handmade gifts, personalized notes, or “time vouchers” (like babysitting or cooking a meal) often mean more than store-bought items. Limit impulse buys : Make a list before hitting the stores—or browsing online—and resist adding extras. Plan ahead for next year : Start a small savings fund in January to ease the burden when the holidays roll around again. By focusing on tho...
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Wall Street Stumbles as December Opens with Tech Selloff and Bitcoin Slide



The first trading day of December brought a sharp reversal for markets, as U.S. stock futures fell across the board while Bitcoin extended its decline. After a strong rebound in late November, investors shifted into a risk-off mood, pulling back from equities and cryptocurrencies.

  • Dow Jones futures slipped 0.5%, erasing part of last week’s gains.
  • S&P 500 futures dropped about 0.7%, while Nasdaq 100 futures fell nearly 1%, led by weakness in technology stocks.
  • The so-called “Magnificent Seven” megacap stocks—Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla among them—each fell more than 1%, underscoring the retreat in tech leadership.
  • Meanwhile, Bitcoin plunged below $85,000, continuing a weeks-long slide before bouncing slightly above that level.

The downturn comes after equities posted their strongest week since June, with the S&P 500 surging 3.7% and the Nasdaq jumping nearly 5% in late November. Historically, December is one of the market’s friendliest months, often buoyed by the “Santa Claus rally.” However, analysts warn that seasonal optimism may not materialize this year, as volatility and shifting investor sentiment continue to weigh on risk assets.

Cryptocurrency-linked stocks also felt the pressure, with companies tied to digital assets sliding in premarket trading. Broader concerns about global growth, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty appear to be fueling the cautious tone.

In short, December has opened with a sobering reminder that markets remain fragile, and investors may need to brace for a more turbulent end to 2025 than many had hoped.


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