It is hard to think about Christmas when it's over 90 degrees outside.  Let me give you a reason to start thinking about snow, get togethers, Christmas cookies and the holiday season...

Christmas is 21 weeks away. You might not think that is very soon, but for those of us who buy gifts, make candies and cookies, host get togethers and travel, 21 weeks is right around the corner! 

As each holiday season approaches, I realize I always forget to budget for Christmas gifts. Before I know it, it's Thanksgiving and I'm trying to figure out how much money I can spare so I can buy that special framed artwork that would look perfect in my sister's new home. This year is going to be different.  I'm planning ahead. I've come up with a few ideas to help me save specifically for Christmas. I thought maybe these ideas could help you too.  Also, I have a few ideas to help plan for the future holiday seasons! Take a look:

• Open a savings account. 
  The first step in saving is having a place to put the money. (No, under the mattress doesn't count.)  MutualBank offers a variety of saving avenues from accounts to CDs.  
• Set aside $25.00 per week.  
  Did you know: If you set aside $25.00 a week from now until Christmas, you will have saved $500 by Christmas? 
  You can save $25.00 or more per week by setting up TMS (Transfer Management System) with MutualBank. Money can be automatically transferred to another checking or savings account so you don't have to do a thing!! 

There are other ways you can save for future holidays. Did you know we have a cd that requires a deposit weekly, biweekly or monthly? It's called the Clockwork CD. This helps keep you accountable to your commitment and can be automatic!

The hardest step is the first step. Make a commitment to save and talk to your MutualBanker to get set up for plan that works for you. Saving doesn't have to happen overnight; it can happen $25.00 at a time! 

Merry Summer to you!