TOP holiday shopping tips.

"The Money Classroom" is back in session led by Royce Sutton Vice President and Community Development Manager of Fifth Third Bank with some seasonal tips for the crazy shopping season!

In this episode we hear some valuable tips to keep it real this Christmas.

In this episode we learn –

•How to ensure January and the New Year don’t bring pain and stress after overspending in November and December.

•How to set a plan for Holiday spending and how to stick to it.

•Itemizing expenditure on gifts, food necessities, entertainment, travel, charitable donations and even decorations on a holiday budget is a great starting point.

•Why it is important to track this budget on a weekly basis to keep everything real and in perspective.

•How to be realistic and honest enough to set budgets on what you intend to spend on each family member, and stick to it.

•How using cash instead of flexing plastic at every opportunity is a tangible way to keep spending under control – when you’re out, you’re out!

•Why does purchasing local when possible supports our community?

•How shopping earlier and shopping when crowds are smaller will cause you to spend less when there’s no pressure on.

•What are the advantages of doing a research run instead of spending on impulse?

•How buying stock instead of irrational presents can be a valuable present –even for children and other gifts on the same level.

•The importance of ensuring the site you are shopping is a secure site, and how you can recognize this when shopping online.

•How to shop safely – ensuring you’re secure and your car is secure.

•The importance of ensuring your safety at ATM’s when withdrawing money for shopping.

•How to recognize what is truly important about the holiday season…Not necessarily the value and quantity of gifts.

Happy Holidays