First National Bank of Suffield Offers Holiday Spending Success Tips

From the First National Bank of Suffield

The is kicking off the 2012 holiday shopping season with tips to manage holiday spending and avoid a post-holiday credit hangover.

“Consumers spreading holiday cheer should keep in mind that January bills are only a couple of months away,” said George Hermann, bank president. “If consumers are not budgeting for their holiday purchases, they will find themselves ringing in the New Year with last year’s debt.”

The First National Bank of Suffield recommends that customers manage their finances this holiday season with the following spending tips:

• Create a budget and stick to it. Set a dollar amount based on what you can afford this holiday season considering your current savings, income and other expenses. Be sure to include a $20 to $100 cushion for unexpected expenses.
• Make a list. Write down the names of the people you plan to buy gifts for and how much you can afford to spend on each person. Don’t forget to save some of your budget for expenses other than gifts, such as wrapping paper, cards and postage.
• Bake some cookies. That’s right, if you can’t afford to buy gifts for everyone on your list, bake some holiday goodies and wrap them in cellophane with a holiday bow. Handmade gifts are a special way to say “happy holidays” without overspending. Be sure to include these costs in your budget.
• Use credit wisely. Your credit card balance shouldn’t be a complete surprise when you open your statement in January. Take only the credit cards you need when holiday shopping and try to use the card with the lowest interest rate.
• Save your receipts. Keep track of your expenses and add them up weekly to be sure you’re sticking to your budget. If you’re getting close to your spending limit, reevaluate your list and bake more cookies!
• Shop around. Start your holiday shopping early to give yourself time to comparison shop. Take time to do some research before you hit the stores by going online or looking at your local newspaper circulars.

“Holding true to one’s budget during the busy holiday season is an excellent jumpstart to healthy year-long budgeting habits,” Hermann said.

If you do fall deep in debt and are late on payments, you should inform creditors so they can work on a resolution plan with you. Banks and other lenders are often willing to help extend payment periods, consolidate debts or assist in refinancing.

A pattern of late payments in a credit report could make attaining future loans or credit difficult. Consumers in need of help with debt problems should contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at www.nfcc.org or (800) 388-2227.

About The First National Bank of Suffield

Established in 1864, The First National Bank of Suffield is a thriving community bank with $210 million in assets. The bank has offices in Suffield, West Suffield, East Granby and Windsor Locks.