3 On Your Side: Experts Say It's Not Too Early To Think About The Holidays In Terms Of Financial Planning
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The swimming pool is still open, the temperatures still warm, and the kids are barely back in school. So isn't it way too early to think about the holidays?
3 On Your Side consumer reporter Jim Donovan finds that in terms of financial planning, experts say no. Shoppers might consider starting their lists right now.
Shoppers may roll their eyes when they see holiday items on store shelves in September and October, but it may be financially beneficial for some consumers.
We still have months to go. But it's still not too early to actually make those holiday lists!
"The first part comes with just making a budget, making a list, and kind of planning some commitments with yourself around what's going to be feasible for you to spend this holiday. And then once you have that list, you can really be looking out for deals and taking advantage of sales in advance," said Beverly Ladley with SunTrust.
Ladley says an early spending plan can also help put more money in a holiday budget, if consumers wisely use their credit cards with rewards attached.
"If you think about many of the benefits that different providers offer, and you're very thoughtful about your gas and your groceries, if you do use a credit card, you can then redeem that for cash in December and you can have a little extra money in your picket for those last-minute gifts," said Ladley.
And after trimming extra expenses over these next three months, like the morning latte or weekend evenings out, consider adopting those habits permanently.
Those who really need money to be out of sight in order not to spend it, may want to have a portion of their paycheck directly deposited into a savings account.
