Can you believe it’s November already!  If you’re anything like me, you haven’t even started to think about Christmas shopping.  But, it will be here before we know it.  You better start making your list and checking it twice.

Seriously, make a list.  Write down all the people you are planning to buy for and start buying things a little at a time. 

Also, set a budget.  I love buying gifts for my friends and family during the holidays, but I need to be reasonable.  A recent blog post from RetailMeNot suggests spending no more than 1.5 percent of your annual take home pay.  Stressing over money takes the joy out of gift giving.

Do your research!  According to Jane Boyd Thomas, some of the best deals come in the second week of December.  Shop online to find and compare the best deals.   

Plan ahead.  If you’re not already a Christmas Club member consider opening an account.  With a CCCU Christmas Club account you can start saving for Christmas at anytime during the year.  The account requires a $1 minimum balance to open and maintain, and there are no withdrawals permitted.  Your Christmas Club funds then are automatically transferred into your regular savings account at the beginning of November each year.

Do you have holiday spending tips and tricks?  Share them in the comments below!

Taylor Y.
eMarketing Specialist