The back-to-school sale on Macs is happening now. During yesterday’s trip to the mall, I had to wade through fleece-lined boots to find the flip-flops (on sale!) When I got home, I discovered that a Hallmark flyer promoting holiday ornaments has hit the streets.
It is 92 degrees outside. Do I really have to think about going back-to-school, what I’ll wear in the fall, and how I will adorn my holiday tree?!
I am going to pick on the holidays, since they are more than six months away. I know that early holiday planning can make good financial sense. For starters, shopping early can be convenient. You’re less likely to run into crowds and you can spread your holiday budget out over several months. However, for many people, the more time they have to shop, the more time they have to spend. And the results of MMI’s recent survey found that the majority of consumers can’t afford to spend money on luxury items right now.
Perhaps we can view early-bird promotions as harbingers of what is to come. Like any periodic expense, the holidays are something we can prepare for. Begin saving a small amount each month into a separate account. You can start today by calling your bank or credit union and arranging for the money to be automatically deducted.
While it may be hard to think of snowflakes and candy canes in the sweltering summer heat, early holiday planning can make good financial sense.