Showing posts with label Christmas Club Savings Accounts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Club Savings Accounts. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Three Things to Do in April to Prepare for Next Christmas

Time really flies when you're having fun. Here we are with less than 10 days left in April, but I knew we still needed to share this list with three things you can do this month to prepare for next Christmas. 

Photo credit: Freepik

Start Saving Money 

Since you set your budget last month, now is a good time to start putting away a bit of money each week or once a month to pay for Christmas gifts. Do you remember our post about Christmas Club Savings Accounts? These accounts were set up at local banks for people to put money away strictly for the holidays. Each November, account members would cash in their current accounts and start a new one for the following Christmas. Any type of savings account could work to help you put money aside so that you can reduce or eliminate credit card spending.



Photo credit: Freepik

Check out After-Easter Sales

While I am personally a big fan of discounted candy, stores and online retailers often run sales after Easter to get rid of seasonal inventory. This could include toys, craft items, and clothes. The Krazy Coupon Lady has put together a list with links to Easter clearance sales to help make it easier for you to get started.



Photo credit: Freepik


Plan Elf on the Shelf Ideas or New Party Games

This one might seem a bit early, but the year often gets away from us. If you think about what new mischief your Elf on the Shelf can concoct in December or what new party games you want to try, this gives you time to execute your ideas for seasonal fun. 

These tips can make Christmas easier once the season is in full swing. 

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Do You Remember Christmas Club Savings Accounts?

 


Do you remember Christmas Club Savings Accounts? They were popular in the late 80s and early 90s when I was in banking. 

Each December, a patron would receive a new Christmas Club Savings Account passbook. The patron would agree to contribute the same amount of money each week, usually in $5 increments. Then when November rolled around, they could cash out their Christmas Club so they had money saved up to buy gifts. 

If you saved $5 a week for 52 weeks, you would end up with $260. In 1987, Toys "R" Us listed these as some of the hottest toys:
  • Nintendo Entertainment Center priced at $139.97
  • Teddy Ruxpin listed at $39.99
  • Barbie's Glamour Home priced at $69.97
  • Playskool Alphie listed at $24.97
If you bought all four items, you would only be shy $14.90 plus tax because your Christmas Club money would cover the rest. 

Did you ever have a Christmas Club Savings Account? 


Journey Through Christmases Past - Christmas in America by Penne L. Restad & Christmas Carols

  Welcome to our newest feature, Journey through Christmases Past . This series is a nostalgic celebration of the holidays we all remember.....