Women Today

JoAnn Burgett, branch manager for Citizens Bank in Darboy, brings us this week’s financial tip:

For many, it takes months to pay off holiday debt incurred over the holiday season. Avoid this happening to you and make your holiday season merrier by budgeting and saving today for the holiday season. By planning and budgeting ahead of time, you can avoid the temptation to overspend during the holiday season and the last minute Christmas rush. Here are some tips to help you get a head start on Christmas this year.

• Start saving now. If you haven’t started already, it’s never too late to save. Determine how much money you will likely need to cover your holiday expenses and then start putting aside a predetermined amount of money each week or each month in order to reach your holiday savings goal. This way you will have a savings to use for all of your holiday expenses.

• Start shopping now. Put a list together of everyone you need to purchase a present for and what you would like to get them. Then if you come across a good sale on something you have on your list, purchase it. By preparing and shopping early, you have a better chance of spending less and finding those hard to come across items because you are allowing yourself more time.

• Make a homemade present. If you are a creative and crafty person, preparing for the holidays early gives you the time and flexibility to make a present with a personal touch. For instance, you might consider making personalized calendars, jewelry, photo albums, etc.

• Personalize your presents. By planning early, you are able to think about the people you have on your list and truly think about a present they will appreciate. Doing so will help you avoid last minute impulse buying and not putting much thought into the present or the amount of money spent.