Fall is time to prepare for the holidays

We hope you’re savoring every last minute of fall. It’s hard to believe that we’ll soon be trading in hayrack rides for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Taking a little time now to prepare can help you enjoy special times with loved ones even more. We hope these holiday tips will help you look forward to the upcoming season: 

• Do you know a kid who has been rewriting their Christmas list since last year? Maybe they have the right idea. Making your holiday list early can really pay off. Whether it’s your turn to host holiday dinner or you need to check off your list of holiday gifts, knowing what you’ll need can help you catch the sales that will save you money and keep you out of long last-minute lines.
• Once you have your list, it’s important to find a reasonable budget to stick to. Decide what your spending limits are and track what you spend. When you make your budget ahead of time you can set aside money a little at a time and take advantage of sales, so you might be able to spend even less than you expected. 
• If you are a rewards collector, those credit card and store rewards can come in handy when buying holiday gifts or booking holiday travel. Many rewards have expiration dates, so make sure to take advantage of those offers now.  
• Remember the reason for the upcoming season. Sticking to your list and budget is important, but don’t let your preparation get in the way of making meaningful memories with family and friends. Be sure to take time out to enjoy holiday traditions, attend winter festivities or even just relax with a nice cup of cocoa. 

Planning now can make a big difference when the holidays get here. Keep these tips in mind to help you enjoy the holiday season and maybe even save some money along the way.