Val’s Holiday Shopping Secret: Planning and Budgeting

Figuring out budgets can be overwhelming, but the worst thing you can do is go blind into your holiday shopping season. Not setting limits and failing to plan ahead is a plan to fail.

I like to set individual gift budgets for everyone on my list — it makes it so much easier to think about what to spend per person than look at one big number. You have to plan for other holiday expenses, too, such as traveling to visit relatives, sending Christmas cards and that endless parade of holiday parties and potlucks.

I was excited to learn that Good Neighbors Credit Union has several tools to help members stay organized and plan ahead — all year long. If you're already feeling stressed about shopping this holiday season, plan ahead for next year.

Did you know you can set up a holiday savings account and use direct deposit to build up the account, little by little, each paycheck? The account is separate, so you won't misjudge how much you have available to spend on gifts.

If you're feeling a little lost and disorganized when it comes to budgeting in general, start working now to set a budget for next year. Visit any of Good Neighbors' offices and they'll help you develop a budget that works for you — and that includes a long-term savings plan. No need to wait until the New Year to think about financial goals; lessening your financial stress is truly a gift to yourself.

End your year with peace of mind that you have a holiday savings account set up for next year with the help of Good Neighbors Credit Union.