The key to budgeting irregular income is to identify your bare-bones spending needs, then make a plan for any income you earn above that. It’s important to account for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending on top of your basic living expenses. Set yourself up for financial success with clear priorities on how to handle both busy and slow months. The longer you earn money from your side hustle, the more data you have to predict future income trends.

A holiday sinking fund is a mini-savings goal where you set aside extra cash to cover your anticipated extra spending in December. Even if it feels like it’s too late to make any real progress, there are actually several ways to cut back, earn more, and save plenty of money before Santa comes down the chimney. Start with a clear holiday budget, then create a plan for the next three months. Temporarily cut back recurring expenses, implement a no-spend challenge or two, lower your grocery bill, and declutter your home to earn some extra cash. In just three months, your holiday sinking fund will look merry and bright!