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savings guide

Y O U R R E S O U R C E F O R S A V I N G S F R O M

f i r s t k e n t u c k y . c o m

t’s the season of giving, and of sharing love and cheer with all those around you. But at times, it can become a little too much to handle. You may begin to feel like there

are too many gifts to buy. And it’s easy to feel like you’re forfeiting a useful gift for something cheap just so you can check something off your list.

This can be a stressful time for everyone in the family, but with a little extra planning throughout the year, you may find that you CAN enjoy the holiday season!

First Kentucky partners with you for life, including through every Christmas and holiday event. We want to help you make your next Christmas memorable, all while maintaining your financial health.

No matter what time of year it is, it’s never too early or too late to begin saving. Sign up for your Christmas Club Savings Account at any First Kentucky branch.

In this packet you’ll find:

Savings Tips! Holiday Budget (Printable)

Gift Tracker (Printable)

Letter from Santa! (Perfect for Kids’ Stockings)

PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

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Start Saving Now

First Kentucky’s Christmas Club Savings Account makes saving for the holidays easy every year! You can begin contributing to your Christmas Club Account each October. Set up automatic payments to be deducted from each pay-check. Then, the NEXT October, you can access this account again. You’ll barely notice the money you’re saving and you’ll know exactly what your budget is when it’s time to begin planning for holiday gifts and parties. You can sign up for your account at your favorite First Kentucky branch.

Stock Up Early

When you find great deals on canned goods, peanut butter, flour, sugar or other holiday recipe necessities, stock up. For perishable items like cream cheese or cheeses, check the expiration dates to make sure it will last you through the end of the holidays. If you do find an extremely good deal, think about buying double so you can help out the local shelter or food bank.

Host a Christmas Exchange

Invite friends over to exchange decorations, clothes, even toys to make Christmas a little more affordable for all of you. Ask them to bring decorations and toys they aren’t using any-more to your indoor, private yard sale/trade party. This way you’ll have fresh, new-to-you holiday decor without paying full price. You may even be able to exchange for gently used toys that your kids will love!

HOLIDAY SAVINGS TIPS

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Boost Christmas Spirit with Affordable Experiences

There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays without spending money, and your kids will love every minute they’re spending with you.

• Take them to Christmas plays at local churches and schools. These are usually free and open to the public.

• Drive around town and look for Christmas lights. There are even free Christmas Lights Bingo Cards you can print. Check out Pinterest for a variety of choices.

• Host a Christmas movie get-together. Simply serve hot chocolate and popcorn, while watching one of the classics everyone loves!

• Volunteer as a family. This is a great way to teach your kids about the meaning of the season. Sign up to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army, help stock goods at a local food bank or have your children make Christmas cards and deliver them to the local nursing home.

Enlist the Help of Friends

If you’re looking for those big ticket items, let your friends know! You can save time and gas as you and your friends scout out the best prices for each other.

Our Best, Most Practical Advice:

Don’t budge on your budget. You’ve been saving all year, now don’t let the deals and flashy lights distract you from staying within your budget.

Is it on your list? Just because you find a good deal on some-thing, that doesn’t mean you have to buy it. If it’s not on your list or you don’t genuinely believe someone will love the gift, then it’s not a good deal for you.

Before you swipe, determine if you should PASS:• Plan to Repay // How and when can you repay this?• Assess // Is this a want or need? Is it on your list “to-buy”?• Swipe or Skip? // If it’s a need, then swipe. But, if you can’t form a payment plan and it’s a want, then be wise and skip the purchase.

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With a Christmas Club Savings Account, you can easily save all year and then access your savings in October. Remember to stick with your budget so you aren’t left with credit card bills in the new year.

Total Budget

Immediate Family Gifts

Extended Family Gifts

Coworker/Friend Gifts

Hostess/Party Gifts

Extra Gifts

Charitable Giving

Travel Expenses (Airplane tickets, gas, hotels, etc.)

Christmas Cards (Photography, Prints, Postage)

New Clothes (Christmas PJs, Christmas party outfits, etc.)

Party Food (Add to your monthly grocery budget)

Decorations

HOLIDAY SEASON BUDGET

Before you swipe, determine if you should PASS

Plan to Repay // How and when can you repay this?Assess // Is this a want or need? Is it on your list “to-buy”?Swipe or Skip? // If it’s a need, then swipe. But, if you can’t form a payment plan and it’s a want, then be wise and skip the purchase.

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Don’t forget! You may have extra people you want to get a little something for, so remember to add those gifts to your Christmas budget. Even buying small things for coworkers, church groups or friends can add up quickly.

**Bonus tip: If you expect to attend parties this holiday season, buy multiples of one thing when you find it on sale to bring as hostess gifts or last-minute gift exchanges.

HOLIDAY GIFT TRACKERS

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DATE TASK

Dec. 25 Christmas Day!

Jan. 1 New Years Day!

HOLIDAY TO-DO LIST

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This is a simple printable to help teach your children about the giving side of Christmas. It’s the perfect letter for you to stick in their stocking! Hopefully they’ll take it to heart and help make someone’s day special.

A Letter from Santa!

Hello from the North Pole!

Y ou have been so good this year! I thought long and hard over which gifts to bring you. I hope you love them and take good care of them.

Remember, the true joy in Christmas is giving to others. That’s why I f ly around the world each year - because I love bringing smiles and laughter to children’s faces!

Can you help me spread Christmas cheer ? Here are some ideas:

- Help someone with their chores today (Mom, Dad, sister, brother)

- Pack up toys you don’t use anymore to give to a charity!

Simply f ind a way to make someone else smile this Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Santa