Have a Stunning Pesach Without Stunning Your Bank Account
For many of us, Pesach is a highlight of the year. It is full of meaning, family, and tradition. It is also a time when expenses can rise significantly.
As we prepare to ask Ma Nishtana – ‘Why is this night different?’, it is also a good time to ask four financial questions to help us approach Pesach more calmly and clearly.
Pesach preparation should be done with intention so that when the last crumbs of matzah are cleared away, you are left with beautiful memories, not financial regret.
1. Why is this plan different from all other plans?
Food shopping for Pesach is not like your regular weekly shop. There are more meals, more mouths to feed, and a smaller list of ingredients to work with. Even the basics can cost significantly more. You are not the only one who gasped at the cost of ground almonds.
Before shopping begins, take a few minutes to plan. Write down your main categories, including food, clothing, kitchen items, household supplies, and chol hamoed costs. Estimate how much you can reasonably spend on each one. This helps you stay focused and avoid those surprise moments at the till when a few extras suddenly add up.
Next, plan your meals. Think through how many you are making, who you are feeding, and what you actually want to serve. Whether you are hosting or not, this step can save a lot of stress.
Double-batch meals that freeze well and use them for both the first and last days. This saves time, reduces waste, and saves you washing up twice.
Stick to what your family enjoys. You do not need to experiment with ten new recipes. Most of us get to the meals and remember that no one ever gets tired of roast chicken and potatoes. Ever.
2. Why is something new so important on this night?
Buying new clothes for Yom Tov helps build simcha, especially for our children. But it does not need to mean full new outfits for everyone.
Some families focus on a new shirt or shoes, while others add one small accessory. Children often care more about the feeling of something new than the label or price.
Set a clear clothing budget before you shop. It helps you prioritise and avoid overspending, even when things look tempting. There is no need to keep up with anyone else. The goal is to make your family feel cared for.
3. Why do we rush more the closer it gets?
The week before Pesach is intense. Lists are long, sleep is short, and it can feel like there is always one more thing to do. This is also when spending can spiral. Not because people are being careless, but because they are simply exhausted.
One way to stay in control is to keep a running list. When something comes to mind, write it down straight away. This avoids repeat trips and buying more than you need.
Leave a little flexibility in your spending plan for unexpected expenses. Something always comes up. A broken peeler, a guest you forgot to count, or that one item everyone thought someone else bought.
And remember, your guests are not expecting perfection. Most of the time, they are thrilled to eat anything they did not have to cook (or buy) themselves.
4. Why is every family different?
Some families serve three courses at every meal, while others are happy with soup and salad. Some children wear something brand new, while others are content with what they already have. Each family does it differently, and that is exactly how it should be.
What matters most is that Yom Tov feels calm and joyful. When your spending reflects your values and your reality, you give yourself the space to enjoy what counts.
Because a stunning Pesach is not about how much you spend. It is about how you feel. And with a little bit of planning and a lot of heart, you can create a Yom Tov that leaves you feeling spiritually and financially free.