Four Ways to Save Your Wallet This Holiday Season by - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ JUNE ►
S M T W T F S
31 01 02 03 04 05 06
07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Four Ways to Save Your Wallet This Holiday Season

By ,
November 18, 2015 at 01:53pm. Views: 160

The holiday season is often dubbed "the most wonderful time of the year," but for many Americans, it can be an incredibly stressful time financially. The National Retail Federation predicts a 4.1 percent increase in sales this year, with the average American set to spend an estimated $786 in the following categories: * $459.87 on gifts for family * $80.00 on gifts for friends * $26.03 on colleagues * $30.43 on the other people in their lives Whether shopping online or in-store, there's often a temptation to spend too much on gifts, leading to a case of buyer's remorse come January. Regions Bank, one of the largest U.S. banks with 1,630 branches across 16 states, has advice for consumers on how to prepare financially for the holiday shopping season. 1. Begin with the golden rule. Spending on gifts shouldn't exceed more than 1.5 percent of your annual income. Use this rule as a guide to determine how much you should set aside to spend on gifts for your friends and family - and stick to it. 2. Separate and delegate. Consider creating a separate account to fund gift purchases and make regular contributions from your primary checking account in a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. 3. Only buy what you can truly afford. To prevent overspending, never leave home without a list of what you intend to buy, and be sure you have the money needed to cover your purchases once you arrive in-store. 4. Use timing to your advantage. While things like airline tickets should be booked far in advance, other items - toys in particular - often drop in price during the first two weeks in December. Sometimes it pays to wait, other times it does not, so be sure to check for deals before you head out shopping. As December nears, now is the time to start mapping out your shopping strategy. Establish a benchmark based on your income; create a holiday savings account, and fund it regularly; be sure you're purchasing within the parameters of what you can truly afford; and know when to buy and when to wait. And remember, the holidays are meant to warm the heart - not burn the wallet!

Related Articles

Highland GLO MedSpa Celebrates Grand Opening, Bringing Advanced Medical Aesthetics to the Highland Community
Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 283

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Proves Its Relevance in a Changing America
Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 266

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Turning Grades into Goals: San Bernardino Students Honored for Academic Triumphs
Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 241

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Colton Chamber of Commerce New president

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 195

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

Pet of the Week: Goose
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 168

Goose. He is a one-year-old, male brown Shepherd mix. He's full of personality and even knows how to stand on two legs and shake hands, which is sure to impress everyone he meets!

Celebrate 250 Years of Freedom
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 201

Celebrate the Fourth of July Celebration at the City of Moreno Valley’s Civic Center Amphitheater on Saturday, July 4, 2026!

First 5 Riverside County and Supervisor Gutierrez Celebrate New Child Care Classrooms in Moreno Valley
Photo Courtesy of: County of Riverside

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 208

Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez joins Jan Peterson and First 5 Riverside County leadership for the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony

SPARK Youth Employment Program

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 229

Representatives from San Bernardino County's SPARK Youth Employment Program engage with students and community members during an outreach event designed to connect young adults with job training, career exploration, and workforce development opportunities.

Traffic Delays For Mt Vernon Avenue Improvements
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 229

Cars and busses stuck in a massive traffic jam.

3 Tips for Surviving Pothole Season
Photo Courtesy of: BPT

By Graham Holt, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 168

Road damage can take a toll on tires and suspension, especially after heavy rain and winter wear.

Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center and Community Hospital of San Bernardino Names New Hospital President
Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Wiliam Cortez, Community Writer

June 22, 2026 at 03:14pm. Views: 646

Anthony Coleman, DHA, has been named the new Hospital President for Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center and Community Hospital of San Bernardino, effective Monday, June 29th.

New Robot Dog Joins County Fire Department to Assist in Rescue Operations
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 17, 2026 at 12:44pm. Views: 766

A new robotic dog introduced by the San Bernardino County Fire Department is designed to assist firefighters and rescue personnel by entering hazardous areas and providing real-time information during emergencies.

--> -->