Summer Savings Part 3: How to Make December Easier, Start Saving Now

Look, I know it’s summer. We’re all thinking about BBQs, the beach and what we’re going to do for the next long weekend. But what if I told you a little bit of planning now could make the holiday season in December much easier on you?

That snapped you out of your summer coma.

Whatever December brings your way, it’s usually an expensive month. We all know it, but somehow it always manages to sneak up on me. Travel expenses, presents, winter tires for the car or the hottest new toy for the kids – it really adds up.

Do your part now to ensure December is a little easier on your wallet so you can sit a little softer when the season finally comes. Spend your time with family instead of worrying about money or taking a second job hauling Santa’s sleigh.

Automate:

This is the best and easiest way to do it. Automate a few payments to make December as easy as possible on yourself.

Once per month, I automatically deduct $65 from my checking account. It gets put into a bank account marked “December”. After 12 months ($65 x 12), I’m left with $780 for December. That’s a lot of money, with only a relatively small amount leaving my account each month.

Take a minute this week to set up something similar – you can have as much or as little as you can afford, it’s just good to get into this type of financial habit. Saving this kind of money is addictive – especially after having an easy holiday season because of it.

Save now, spend later and have a good summer.