Smart Savings, First National Bank

Although it may be hard to believe now, the holidays are right around the corner, which means busy shopping centers, cheerful times with friends and family and, often times, a large shopping and gift list. By planning ahead and saving now, you can lessen the impact the holidays will have on your checking account. Well according to First National Bank, here are some great ideas to help you stay on track with holiday spending. 

• 1.Review Last Year’s Spending: By auditing your spend from the previous year, you can challenge yourself and set a lower budget goal. Open a First National savings account to use only for the holidays, start setting money aside now and continually monitor your savings’ progress towards your goal.
• 2.Start Shopping Now: Make your gift list and start the search. Shopping a few months ahead will help you avoid seasonal price increases and will give you more time to shop sale and clearance items in order to find that perfect gift. Additionally, if you are doing your shopping online, ordering early will help you avoid expensive rush shipping charges.
• 3.Buy Groceries Gradually: By planning your menu and buying food items that won’t spoil in advance, you can save later. Stock up on flour and sugar now for your baked goods, and watch for sales on ham or turkey that can be frozen now and then used for your holiday dinner.
• 4.Stock Up on Gift Wrap: You don’t need to use holiday-specific wrapping paper for your gifts. Watch for wrapping paper or gift bags with plain colors or simple patterns to go on clearance. Save tissue paper throughout the year and use last year’s holiday cards to make your own gift tags.
• 5.Book Your Travel Early: If you are planning a holiday vacation or visiting loved ones in another city, book your travel early, as prices will typically increase the closer it gets to the peak season. Comparison shop using travel sites to find the best deal.
• 6.Volunteer: As the holidays draw closer, save on entertainment expenses and spend time with your family volunteering for a local charity. This will help you celebrate the season of giving, without spending any money, by giving back to others and enjoying each other’s company.

The holidays are right around the corner, which means busy shopping centers, cheerful times with friends and family and, often times, a large shopping and gift list. By planning ahead and saving now, you can lessen the impact the holidays will have on your checking account.

• 1.Review Last Year’s Spending: By auditing your spend from the previous year, you can challenge yourself and set a lower budget goal. Open a First National savings account to use only for the holidays, start setting money aside now and continually monitor your savings’ progress towards your goal.
• 2.Start Shopping Now: Make your gift list and start the search. Shopping a few months ahead will help you avoid seasonal price increases and will give you more time to shop sale and clearance items in order to find that perfect gift. Additionally, if you are doing your shopping online, ordering early will help you avoid expensive rush shipping charges.
• 3.Buy Groceries Gradually: By planning your menu and buying food items that won’t spoil in advance, you can save later. Stock up on flour and sugar now for your baked goods, and watch for sales on ham or turkey that can be frozen now and then used for your holiday dinner.
• 4.Stock Up on Gift Wrap: You don’t need to use holiday-specific wrapping paper for your gifts. Watch for wrapping paper or gift bags with plain colors or simple patterns to go on clearance. Save tissue paper throughout the year and use last year’s holiday cards to make your own gift tags.
• 5.Book Your Travel Early: If you are planning a holiday vacation or visiting loved ones in another city, book your travel early, as prices will typically increase the closer it gets to the peak season. Comparison shop using travel sites to find the best deal.
• 6.Volunteer: As the holidays draw closer, save on entertainment expenses and spend time with your family volunteering for a local charity. This will help you celebrate the season of giving, without spending any money, by giving back to others and enjoying each other’s company.