Wireless Wednesday: Expert from Bank of America on holiday spending

Rick is joined by: Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer and Small Business Products and Analytics at Bank of America

This holiday season, a new reality is taking shape as Americans embrace more thoughtful spending habits. Not only are consumers focusing on value, shopping at discount stores, and turning to credit card rewards to combat potential financial strain, they are also leaning into “dupe” culture, buying gifts directly from social media and leveraging AI tools for price comparisons and gift inspiration.

Have a watch:

According to a recent Bank of America survey, some consumers are re-evaluating gift-giving this year, with 38% limiting gifts to immediate family and closest friends. Interestingly, this shift in behavior doesn't extend to furry family members: 79% of pet owners plan to spoil their pets, with Gen Z and Millennials planning to spend more on their furry companions than some human recipients.

What we talk about:

Smart strategies to manage a smaller holiday budget

Maximizing credit card rewards to offset holiday costs

Building strong financial resolutions to kick off 2026

Topics:

What holiday spending trends have you seen this season, and how are they impacting consumer shopping behavior?

Can you elaborate more on these trends and are there certain generations more likely to embrace them?

What are some smart ways to manage spending this holiday season?

How can consumers make the most of credit card rewards during these last few weeks of December?

What can consumers do now to get ahead of 2026 financial resolutions?