Finance News

We now hear “Go Green!” and “Conserve Energy!” on a daily basis. It is the rally cry of mother earth. The awareness of a need for increased energy savings is in the spotlight thanks to pollution, energy shortages, obvious waste and abuse, as well as because of politics and human greed. But why it has come to the forefront of so many conversations is not as important as the fact that it has. Television ads, newspaper editorials, magazine articles, and informational internet sites have educated people around the world more in the last five years than in the previous one hundred years in regard to the conservation and saving of energy and gasoline in particular. Reasons for saving fuel and energy are many, but the two most predominant ideas that stand out are the destruction of our only home; the earth… through pollution and greenhouse gases, and secondly for financial savings and the cost of harnessing, producing, and using fuel and energy . Someone has to pay for energy and for gasoline, it has never been free and it never will. We will focus on the latter of the two. Can we raise the bar on energy savings by pushing the fact that less energy used equals smaller energy costs on a personal level? Is an individual’s personal wealth an easier sell when it comes to saving gas and energy?

Let’s look at the costs of daily life in an industrialized nation. The most obvious example is lighting which is powered by electricity. The invention of the light bulb has extended the usefulness of daily life well into the night and even through the nighttime hours until sunrise. There’s heat in the fall and winter seasons powered by various fossil fuels including oil, natural gas, coal, wood, and electricity (generated by fossil fuels). We need to cool ourselves in the summer months through air conditioning. It’s invention and widespread use has increased summer electricity use exponentially. Water flows freely from your faucet as well. However, water is far from free. To pump it from an underground well you need electricity. If you have access to public water, it is delivered through a system of public pipes and water lines. This water is pumped from strategically located pumping stations through the use of high capacity electric pumps but only after being thoroughly filtered and treated at a local water treatment facility, which of course requires a large amount of electricity to operate. Then there is the automobile… a staple of life in developed nations. Motorized vehicles require fuel like gasoline and diesel fuel to operate. Fuel is produced by refining oil which is pumped from well beneath mother earth. The process to develop gasoline is a process that requires energy and then that finished product is consumed as energy for our vehicles after we’ve purchased it from a filling station of course.

Some of us may conserve resources because we care about the future of our planet but unfortunately many do not. It is inconvenient for some to take a bus to work or to turn down the thermostat in your living room. However when we look at energy savings as a means of putting cash back into our pockets every month the idea of energy saving becomes much more appealing. A ride on the bus to work each day is not everyone’s cup of tea, but turning down a thermostat shouldn’t be an issue for anyone. As a rule of thumb, every degree above 68 that you set your home heating thermostat costs you an additional 3 to 5% on your heating bill. With today’s utility rates this could mean $200 to $400 dollars annually if you kept your house at 72 degrees. And in summertime, does your home air conditioner really need to run all day? In most cases no… In warmer regions where air conditioning is a part of daily life it could be just a matter of raising the thermostat a few degrees to realize hundreds of dollars of savings on your electric bill annually. How about the family car? Do the kids really need it to drive to school when the bus rolls past the house every day? Can you combine errands and eliminate some miles rom your driving? With gas prices fluctuating in relation to weather, natural disasters, oil prices, and the stock market, it is difficult to estimate the savings at the fuel pump for any individual. But there are plenty of online gas calculators available free of charge that can help you see your specific fuel spending as well as some idea of how much you can save yourself.

These are merely three of the many examples of how saving energy and fuel can directly affect your personal life and that of your family immediately. In tough economic times, the media should place more emphasis on saving your hard-earned money for other things beside utilities and handing over your hard-earned cash at the gas pump. The thought of rewarding ourselves in cash may be just what we need to spark even more energy savings worldwide.

Saving in general has many benefits, like peace of mind.  The benefits motivate us to save.  But did you know there are specific benefits when you open an online savings account with an online bank? An online bank has three features; lower costs, no cash on hand, and completely online which create three benefits to you.  Let’s discuss these in more depth.

Lower Costs Means You Earn More on Your Money
A bank simply connects people who have money with people who need money.  The bank makes a profit by skimming a little off the top for providing this service.  How much the bank profits depends in part on how costly it is to run the bank.  Banks with high rent, well-paid staff, and large advertising budgets have more costs.

Online banks keep their costs lower because they don’t have the rent, the staff, and the ad campaign.  They pass these lower costs on to the depositor in the form of higher interest rates.  You benefit because you earn more on your savings.

No Cash Helps You Save
This is a savings account, not checking. You can’t just get cash out with an ATM card.  In fact, they don’t even send you one.  If you want cash out of the account you need to either wire funds into an account where you can get cash or request a check.  This takes about 3 days.

Now this may not seem like a benefit but having to wait a few days to withdraw funds helps you keep from spending on a whim.  Because you have to wait, it allows you time to cool off and consider if you really want to spend that money. You benefit because having to wait helps you save.

Out of Sight, Out Of Mind, Keeps Money in the Bank
Online banks don’t have physical buildings in our neighborhoods.  They also tend to have a lower profile because they advertise less.  This means that we are less likely to see the bank in our day-to-day lives.  

This helps us because it keeps the bank and the money we have with them out of our minds.  The less we see and think about the money the less likely we are to be tempted to spend it.  You benefit because you keep the money in the bank.

Conclusion
So as you can see when you open an online savings account it comes with its own specific features.  Lower costs, the inability to get cash, and lower profile means you earn more on your savings, keeps you from spending, and keeps your money in the bank.  This overall gives you a better ability to reach your savings goals.

One Tip: Once you open an online savings account get direct deposit.  Then you save money without even knowing it.

DATELINE: TAUNTON, MA…
At Bristol County Savings Bank’s recent Annual Meeting Bank President E. Dennis Kelly, Jr. noted that fiscal year 2008 was another challenging, but successful year. Beacon Bancorp and it’s subsidiary, Bristol County Savings Bank closed the year with $10.5 million in operating income before security transactions and taxes. This was a 26% increase over the previous year, ending the year with the Bank’s total assets at $1.1 billion, an increase of 2.0%. One of the highlights of the past year was the acquisition of a substantial interest in the Farrell Backlund Insurance Agency, LLC, one of the region’s largest property and casualty insurance agencies.

Kelly stated, “Despite the fact that negative issues seemed to dominate the banking news, 2008 was another good year for Bristol County Savings Bank, with increased operating earnings, after additional investments in people and infrastructure.” Bristol County Savings Bank’s retained earnings closed the year at $158.3 million or 13.7% of assets, a key measurement of the Bank’s continued success. The Bank’s strong capital position ranks Bristol County Savings in the top 10% for banks with $1 billion or more in assets on the state and federal level.

Bristol County Savings Bank Board of Directors
Dennis Cody, Chairman of the Board, noted changes to the Bank’s Corporators with the retirement of Clifford Bodge and Paul Scanlon. “We thank them for their contributions to the Bank over the years,” said Cody.

The following new Corporators were elected:
In the Bank’s Dartmouth, MA market three new Corporators were elected: Jean M. MacCormack, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; Kirk Franklin, President, Frank Corporation Environmental Services of New Bedford; and Kara Johnston, Vice President of Fall River Electrical Associates Co., Inc., Fall River. In the Bank’s Taunton/Raynham market two new Corporators were elected: Russel F. Martorana, President, Farrell Backlund Insurance Agency LLC, Raynham; and Attorney Jeanne Quinn, Partner of Silvia & Quinn, PC, Raynham. David A. Strauss, President of Key Container Corporation in Pawtucket was elected a Corporator. in the Bank’s Pawtucket, Rhode Island market.

Anawon Trust
Paul Tucker, President of Anawon Trust, a division of Bristol County Savings Bank, reported that 2008 was a challenging year. Despite the erosion in the value of equity and fixed income securities, assets under management closed at the end of the year at $173.7 million.

Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation
2008 marked the 12th year of operation for the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, which was established as part of the Bank’s 150th anniversary celebrations back in 1996. During 2008 the number of requests for assistance continued to increase and the Foundation was able to respond with a record $767,834 in total funding, assisting 115 different local organizations located throughout the Bank’s service area.

Bristol County Savings Bank
Bristol County Savings Bank is a full service financial institution offering commercial lending, personal and business banking, and mortgage services. The key words at Bristol County Savings Bank are: “Commitment, Stability, and Community,” values that are combined with state-of-the-art technology to meet the needs of its customers. A dedicated local community bank for over
162 years, Bristol County Savings Bank is actively involved in giving back to all the communities it serves both through financial support and the volunteerism of its people.

Founded in 1846, Bristol County Savings has $1.1 billion in assets. With the addition of Farrell Backlund Insurance, the Bank now has over 300 employees in Southeastern MA and RI. The Bank’s 10 full service banking offices are located in: Taunton, MA (2); Raynham, MA (2); Rehoboth, MA; Attleboro, MA; North Attleborough, MA; Franklin, MA; Dartmouth, MA; and Pawtucket, RI as well as a loan production office in Fall River, MA; and two Educational Branch Offices at Taunton High School and Attleboro High School.

The Main Office and Corporate headquarters of Bristol County Savings Bank are located on Broadway in Taunton, MA. For additional information please call 508-824-6626, or visit www.bristolcountysavings.com.

You might think it’s a shame that you can’t take a class called Save A Relationship 101 in college. You can take math classes, physics classes, literature classes – you can take a class on virtually everything under the sun! A class on how to save a relationship or relationships in general, however, is something that could help everyone and is available to no one. Fortunately, you already have the skills needed to save your relationship and make it better without needing a class. All you DO need is a willingness to work at it.

Most relationships, no matter what happens, can be saved. Now, there ARE a few relationships that just shouldn’t be saved, like those that are abusive or one in which both partners are really miserable. But most relationships have the potential to be saved. That should be lesson number one in any Save A Relationship 101 class.

The main problem is that people give up too soon. They’re angry, hurt, upset and it just seems easier to get out of the situation that made them that way. It’s all too easy to focus only on what’s happening now, and not the past. It’s all too easy to focus on what was bad in a relationship – instead of what was good.

If the relationship was good at one point, and lets face it – most were good in the beginning or they never would have happened, then it can be that way again. But people have to look past the anger and the problems that are happening now, and remember those good times. People have to ask themselves what has changed to turn the relationship from good to bad. Have THEY changed? Has their partner changed? Is their more stress that is putting a strain on the relationship? Has their been a loss of trust? There are so many “things” that can make a relationship go from good to bad and it’s very important to find out what it is. Once you can do that – you can find a way to save a relationship.

To cause further problems, often one person is ready to work hard to save a relationship. But the other person won’t look past the bad to remember the good. That person is ready to chuck it all away. Maybe they were cheated on or maybe they lost all trust in their partner and feel that they’ve had enough? For whatever reason, one person is ready to throw in the towel – and the other isn’t. And can only person save a relationship?

Sometimes one person can do it, but it’s not easy. It’s hard to stay positive and hopeful when your boyfriend of girlfriend doesn’t act or feel the same. It can start to feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. You need to keep fighting that battle, however, because even if the relationship doesn’t heal, it will make you a better person. That’s because the things you’ll do to try to save a relationship are simply good for you, and good for the other person, too.

It’s very important to remember the way you behaved when the relationship was new and going strong. Compare that to how you behave with that person now. How do you react to the things that they say and do NOW, to how you reacted to those same things when the relationship was young and good. Turn things around by acting the way you used to, and doing the things you used to.

Strive to be polite again just as you were in the beginning. Be thoughtful and be a good friend to the person whenever you can, even if you’re not going to get anything out of it. Don’t beg them or threaten them with what will happen if they don’t come back. Use POSITIVE reinforcement – not negative. Follow the Golden Rule! (It DOES work ya know!)

Do your very best to show them the person that they want to be with again. Bring out the best “you” no matter what. Show them that you care enough to give them your very best. It’s a win-win situation all around.

Does your partner spend long hours working and you felt that he or she is not there for you? Do you feel your partner has spent most of the time meeting the children’ needs and tend to neglect your needs? Are you thinking whether this kind of relationship can be saved?

Step 1: Decide Whether Your Relationship Is Worth Saving?
Almost all relationship can be saved but it is a matter of hard work put in to make it work. Normally, both parties must decide whether they want to get back together because if one side opt out and doesn’t want to opt back in, there is not much stuff can be done.  

Most people stay in a relationship or remain in a marriage due to the children or because it is convenient.  This is not enough as how to save a relationship starts with a commitment by both parties that the relationship is worth saving.

Step 2: Pinpoint the Exact Problems in a Relationship
You must find out the real problems in a relationship in order to save a relationship. One of the major problems among most undesired relationship is that people believe the symptoms of the problem are the problem itself.

For instance, most people think that an affair is a main problem that causes break ups. However, the affair is just a symptom of a real problem.  A lack of true intimacy can lead to a straying spouse.  While most people look at the affair as the problem, they did not realize the main cause of the affair was actually the lack of intimacy in the primary relationship. In order to save your relationship, make sure you start to handle with the core issues rather than symptoms.

Step 3: Share Your Thoughts with Your Partner
Make sure you identified the core problems behind the broken relationship and once this is done, you can begin to share your thoughts with your partner. This includes both verbalizing your own feelings and listening to your partner’s concerns.

Step 4: Hold Your Partner’s Hand While Talking About Your Problems
Try to hold your partner’s hand when you are talking about your problems. This tends to signal to your partner that you want to reconnect even when your emotions are swirling. When your partner talks about things that may hurt you, remind yourself that he or she is not doing it purposely to hurt you. Instead, they just want to improve the relationship.

Step 5: Create an Action Plan to Solve the Problems
Once you have identified the real problems in your relationship, create an action plan to solve them together with your partner. Then, take concrete steps on your action plan. If you don’t spend time together like you used to, plan a date night at least once a week. Make sure the two of you take turns to come up with creative ways to spend an evening together on your favourite day of the week, e.g. Each Friday.  

Step 6: Spend 20 Minutes Each Day to Talk to Each Other
If the main problem is not communicating, commit 20 minutes each day to talk to one another before going to bed. This will tend to help couples to understand one another better and at the same time relief some stress.

Step 7: Ongoing Process to Save a Relationship
Lastly, you should have realized that saving a relationship is an ongoing process. You are going to take two steps forward and to take one step back only. Remember to be quick at apologizing and slow to blaming. You will feel both laughter and tears while going forward and that is life. Feel it with the one you love and treasure it as memories.

Is your relationship worth saving? Find out more on how to get back together with your ex love.

Watch the video testimonial of people who managed to get your ex back at http://www.howtogetback.com/testimonials.htm and hope you will be the next one to get back together with your ex.

These days the amount of money needed to lead a comfortable life is increasing drastically and many of us are worried about how to make ends meet. In this article I have listed several ways in which one can save money in your household.

Telephone A Big Killer

The Telephone is not at all a new face in our homes. Interestingly this is one of the main areas where most people drain their money like an open tap. I know I did. I had a phone company that was costing me double now for what I am paying for Phone, Internet, and Cable. Another way can save with your phone is to try not to make telephone calls, such as long distance, and excessive 411 calls. Also find out the best service provider who can offer you the same service as the competitor but at a reduced cost. If you have Comcast in your area, check with them. They probably will have a package deal that will save you a lot of money, and all on one bill. Remember, by saving a few dollars every month you can add up to a bigger amount in a year’s time. Just think if you are saving $50 bucks a month that is $600 for the year, that you can take, and indulge yourself to a personal treat!

Use Home Appliances That Uses Less Electricity

Generally we do not check how much energy our refrigerator or old washer is consuming. If you check how much these appliances are consuming energy, you will find out one of the main reason why you are receiving huge electric bills. So what will you do? Stop using these things? Why should you stop using your washer or refrigerator if you can get one new which only takes less power? Shop around and find a new model which is much energy efficient than the older ones. Remember to check the energy consumption of the new model you are going to buy one. If there is only a slight difference, there is no use in paying hundreds of dollars for another one. Make sure that in the long run you are selecting a right model, which can save you the highest possible energy savings.

Clip Store Coupons

Do you have the habit of clipping coupons? Clipping coupons is a good way to save money. Nowadays, most stores provide double or triple manufacturers’ coupons on a certain amount so as to attract more and more customers to their shops. This is really a benefit for the customers as they can purchase products at a discounted rate. Some stores even have a discount card for shopping with them. Check with your favorite stores to see if they have, and have it with you at all times.

Before we go on to the next tip I have this story I want to share with you. I remember one day I was in the local grocery store, and I was very impatient with the customer in front of me because she had so many groceries, and then to top it off she had about 1 million coupons to go with it. ( Ok not so much, but a lot.) After the cashier cashed her order, she was over $200.00 in groceries. After all the coupons the lady only had to pay $42.00. My mouth dropped open! I was shocked, and amazed! I am still not that good, but I have learned the values of using coupons; after all they are there for consumers to use! The secret is that companies know that we will not use them that is why they always offer hem! So prove them wrong, and use them! On to the next tip!

Get Free Product Samples

Getting free samples is a good way to save money. Today, most of the manufacturers offer free samples of their products. In such cases, all you have to do is to just send an email or a letter to the respective department. The manufacturers will send you the freebie as a product or a coupon. If you receive a coupon you can purchase the product from any of their shop near your city. You might wonder why ask for a free sample, well, not only getting the coupon that comes with it, but what if you do not like the product, and you go out, and buy it? You have just wasted your money. If you are a too proud personality, better avoid using this step.

Shop At Wholesale Clubs

Shopping from the wholesale clubs can save money. Generally, most of the wholesale clubs provide 10 to 30% discounts than supermarkets. These shops also take coupons also. Wholesales clubs are like BJ’s , Costco’s, and Sam’s Club just to name a few. I save tons of money when I shop in a bulk, yes you might spend more money upfront, but the consumables will last longer in your household.

Shop and Compare

Today, with the advent of Internet, customers are getting the opportunity to compare any product they are about to purchase. So before you make any purchase, compare the price and other details of the product you wish to buy. This helps you to choose the same product or service at a less rate. If you are one of those shoppers that must go to the store to buy, then you will have already know where to go to get the product that you want. Saving you money on gas for your car! Now if you want to find the best person that can shop, and compare, talk to my mother!

Reuse and Recycle

There are several items which you throw away thinking of no use from it. However, some of these products can be recycled and reused in numerous ways. So make sure that the objects you discard are definitely of no use. Also, certain products you think of no use can be sold at a garage so that you can earn some money than just throwing it away. Also check with your city to see if they have a recycle system in place.

Shopping Is Deadly

Another main area where most of us spent lots of money is for clothes and costumes. Over the past few years, it is seen that the price of clothes are continuously increasing. Hence it is better to purchase quality clothes which lasts for a longer run. This helps you to save money by purchasing only good clothes rather than the ‘throw away’ types. Most of us only buy clothes because it is the new fad, or it is the “season”. Well to keep up with the fads, or season can cost you big. Static’s show that consumers purchase more than they need.

These are some easy ways to save money. There are many such countless ways to save money. After all, saving money is not just putting all your income in your saving account. Saving money is about how efficiently you are spending your income by keeping an eye on all the unnecessary expenses. I hope that you will use these tips to start saving more money for your household.

If you have a current account and you are starting to earn more than you spend each month, then maybe it is time to get a savings account. Even if you cannot save a lot of money, putting some money aside each month into a savings account can be a good idea. If you are unsure whether to open a savings account then here are some tips to help you decide:

Money is safer

If you are keeping money that you have saved in your house or room, then your money is not totally safe. If you lose the money, or if it gets stolen or damaged, then you have lost the money for good. If you keep your money in a savings account then your money is protected until you want to use it. If you want your money to be safe from loss or damage then open a savings account.

You will make money

Keeping money in your current account will make sure it is safe, but the money you have will remain the same. Putting that money in a savings account will help you to make money on that amount of cash. That is because the interest rates on savings accounts are much better than the rates for current accounts. Even a small amount of money will increase slowly to something a little larger. It makes sense to open a savings account in order to make money from your cash.

Avoiding temptation

Another good reason to get a savings account is to avoid the temptation of spending your money. If you try and keep a little bit of money each month in your current account, it is likely you will go and spend it on something because it is easily accessible to you. Savings accounts are not as easy to access, and therefore you are much less likely to spend the money. This will help you be more disciplined and save some money that could help you in the future.

Savings for emergency

Although opening a savings account might seem like you are locking away some of your money, you will be happy about this if an emergency arises. No one can know what will happen from day to day, and something may come up that requires some extra cash. If you have been using a savings account then you know that should such an emergency arise you have some money to use. Using a savings account for those unexpected emergencies can really help you out when times are tough.

When not to save

Although opening a savings account makes real sense, there are times when savings is not such a good idea. When interest rates are low the amount you make on your savings is low, so buying items at this type is a better way of using your money. Also, if you are in debt it is better to pay off your debts first than use the money for savings. However, even if you can only afford to save a little bit each month after all your bills are paid, it is worth putting aside that money. You never know when you might need it in the future, and putting it in a savings account will mean it is there for you as insurance.

If you think your bank is costing you too much money, then now is the time to look at ways your bank can help you save money rather than spend it. Although there will always be bank charges and fees, there are ways to save money using banks and make the most of their services. Here are some tips about how to cut down on bank costs and save yourself money.

Savings

One way to save yourself money through your bank is to open a savings account. If you have a fair amount of money in your current account, then transferring it to a savings account with a high interest rate is a good idea. Having a savings account does more than just save you money; it earns you money. The interest generated from a savings account means that you are making money from the money that you store. However, you should remember that many banks charge a fee unless if you go below a minimum amount in the account, so keep track of this in order to save yourself money.

ATM charges

Another way that you can save money when banking is to use free ATM machines. Some ATM’s charge you a fee to take money out, either for the convenience of because the ATM does not belong to your bank. If at all possible you should stick to ATM’s that don’t charge you money. If you do this regularly then you could save yourself £100 a year or more.

Overdrafts

Perhaps the most expensive fees that you can get charged by your bank are for using an unauthorised overdraft. Even if you never go into the red, it is advisable to agree an overdraft amount with your bank. This will save you a lot of money in case you do ever go into the red, and it costs you nothing if you don’t use it.

Online banking

Online banking can save you money by helping you to pay bills on time and avoiding late payment fees. It can also help you to manage your money better and so budget more effectively thus reducing your spending. However, some banks will charge you for the privilege of using online banking. You should definitely look for a bank or account that does not charge you for using online banking, as there is no need to pay for basic online banking these days. Although the fees might be minimal, any money saved is good.

Borrowing money

Perhaps the area you can save the most money on is when you borrow money. Make sure that you get the best deal possible on any credit cards or loans you take out, and remove any unnecessary features that are costing you money.

Change banks if you have to

If your bank is still costing you more money than you would like, then don’t be afraid to look elsewhere. There is no reason why you should be loyal to a bank if they don’t serve your needs, and other banks may offer you better rates because you are a new customer. Even if you are currently happy you should look at the competition every few months to make you that sure terms are the best you can get.

Opening up a savings account can be a great idea for some consumers but it may not be the right choice for all consumers. This articles examines what a savings account is and for whom it might be advantageous to have one.

For those new to banking, a savings account is not the same as a checking account. They share some similarities, but at the core they are different.

In general terms, a savings account is a type of account that you can open at a bank or credit union. With this type of account, you deposit money into the account and leave it there in order for it to earn interest. You can, of course, take the money out of the account, but that defeats the purpose.

A savings account is a great way for some people to save money and to earn some interest off of that money. It is especially useful for those individuals who have limited amounts of cash to put away. Young people, especially younger married couples, often find that opening a savings account is the best way for them to save money. The reason for this is simple. Unlike some other types of investments which demand a certain amount of money be deposited or maintained at all times, a simple savings account allows you to deposit whatever you like, whenever you like.

Another reason a savings account is handy for those with limited funds is that the money you deposit into the account can be withdrawn immediately if you need to get it. Again, some other types of savings or investments instruments are not this fluid. Most savings accounts allow you to use the ATM as well, which offers even greater access to your money should an emergency arise. This is simply not the case with other types of accounts such as certificates of deposit or money market accounts.

Savings accounts are also safe for your money in two ways. No one should keep large amounts of cash at home; that is simply dangerous to do. The money could be stolen or if there were a fire, the cash could be destroyed. In both cases, you would completely lose your money with (probably) no way of getting it back.

The second safety feature that savings accounts have is that money that is deposited into a bank is protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $100,000. If the bank is robbed or the bank burns down, you will still have your money. Even if the bank files bankruptcy, your money is safe.

When you are ready to open a savings account do some homework first. You want to find out which banks are offering the best interest rates and deal with those banks. If you belong to a credit union, you may want to ask them what their rates are. Credit unions are more competitive today with their savings account rates than they were some years ago, so it is worth asking as they may offer a higher rate than the bank. You should also look into the minimum amount of deposit required to open a saving accounts. Some banks and credit unions require a certain amount be deposited the first time in order to set up the account.

Saving money at any time of the year is great, but it’s especially welcome during the holiday season.

Let’s face it. The holiday season is a mixed blessing.

On the one hand, it brings closer connections with loves ones, holiday parties, celebrations, wonderful feelings, and a renewed sense of peace and purpose.

On the other hand, it brings last minute hassles, stress-filled gift decisions, “holiday shoppers syndrome”, and the worst of all: money worries.

Sad but true, millions of people get maxed out on their credit cards and empty their bank accounts in the spirit of giving. And this casts a big shadow on what really should be the best time of the year.

So what to do?

Here are 5 tips to insure that your holiday season is merry and bright:

1. Plan Ahead.

You can do 90% of holiday preparations well in advance. Buy your decorations, choose your recipes, book your travel tickets, clean your guest room, etc. now, rather than waiting until the night before.

When you do anything in advance, it remains fun and enjoyable. If you have to rush at the last minute, you’ll be harried and stressful.

2. Save Money.

Look for ways to save money on all your holiday purchases.

One simple way is to buy your gifts now at a lower price. Once the holiday season starts, prices can begin to skyrocket.

Another way to save money is to join a discount membership website. These are websites where you can save money on all the things you normally buy every day.

You can save money on things like groceries, household items, clothes, auto, electronics, travel, sports, etc. Basically anything you want to buy, there is a way to save money on it.

Look particularly for gifts, travel, restaurants, hotels, and anything that would relate to the things you will be buying over the holidays. Make sure they are of the quality you want at the price you want.

If not, look for another discount membership site.

Be wary, though, as not all the discount membership sites are created equal. Make sure the one you choose has multiple ways to save money both online and offline, is very low cost to join, and has no hidden fees.

Make sure you can start saving money right away, as that is the whole point. That way, you can get a head start on your holiday shopping by creating some extra cash up front.

3. Save Time.

Look for ways to save time when you are shopping, decorating, and planning.

Include family members in holiday preparations and enjoy the time spent together with them.

Try and find stores or websites that have multiple products you need all in one place. Discount stores or membership sites are great for this and save a lot of time and trouble.

Nothing is so frustrating as having to hop around from one store or web site to another just to find the things you want.

During the holiday season, time is at a premium, and anything that saves you time is well worth it.

4. Think Out-Of-The-Box.

When you’re choosing gifts for your loved ones, think of giving them something different, something unique.

How about a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant?

Or a weekend at their favorite hotel?

Or a ticket to their favorite sports event?

Give them something that shows them you really thought about them and what they would like.

For a unique gift that would show them you really care, why not get them a membership to the same discount membership site you are part of?

This is a gift that would keep on giving, for they would be saving money all year long.

5. Stay Rested.

Hard to do, but well worth it. Try to do most of the activities during the day, and keep the evening for relaxation. Going to bed earlier will also make all the activities during the day go much more smoothly.

If you plan ahead using the above steps, then come holiday time, you’ll be able to feel happy, relaxed, and enjoy all the good times and wonderful company you have in store.

Stay well, stay happy and enjoy the holiday fun!