12 Days of Savings

Posted On 12/12/2017

Ah, the holidays. That season we look forward to all year.

As exciting as the season is, it can be just as expensive. The last few months of the year tend to become a blur of travel, parties, food, and frantic shopping. With all the go, go, go comes a lot of spend, spend, spend.

As you enter the home stretch of the holiday season, follow our 12 Days of Savings to refocus your energy while saving money…because giving yourself financial peace of mind might be the best gift this year.

Day 12: Remember the meaning of the season.

Regardless of how you celebrate the season, remember to keep the meaning front and center. The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends. You don’t have to deplete your savings or spend the season running from place to place to show you care, and chances are your loved ones wouldn’t want you to. Simplify the season by focusing on the meaning and being the best gift you could give.

Day 11: Set up savings for next year.

With only a few days left before the big day, are you reeling from all the spending and activities? Make a resolution to get a head start on next year’s spending by opening a St. Mary’s Bank Club Account. Our Club Accounts make it easy to set money aside throughout the year so that it will be available in time for Christmas. Learn more about Club Accounts.

Day 10: Choose meaning over merchandise.

Let’s face it: Some people are hard to shop for. Instead of running all over town looking for that elusive perfect gift, turn to gifts that offer a deeper meaning. For the sweet tooth on your list, a jar of their favorite candy says that life with them is sweet. For the green thumb, a flowering plant serves as a reminder to stop and smell the roses. Simplify your gift-giving by focusing on thoughtful gifts that mean far more than merchandise.

Day 9: Get outside and enjoy the season.

New England offers a winter wonderland, but it can be easy to overlook the wonder when you’re shoveling your driveway. Take a break from the work and indulge in a snowball fight, a snowman-building contest, a sledding session, or even snow football. Don’t forget to get outside and enjoy the season that draws so many visitors to our state each year.

Day 8: Give a collection of your favorite recipes.

Do you have recipes that are your go-to favorites? Is there a dish everyone asks you to bring to pot-lucks? A handwritten or printed collection of your tried-and-true recipes makes a unique and budget-friendly gift. Plus, your loved ones will think of you every time they enjoy one of your dishes.

Day 7: Use natural elements in your holiday décor.

If you’re planning a holiday gathering, leave the decorations to nature. The season offers a bounty of pinecones, berries, and greenery to spruce up your home. Add some fresh fruit or cinnamon sticks, and your décor is complete and on trend for a fraction of the cost of store-bought decorations.

Day 6: Focus on being present rather than buying presents.

Save some green when you give a different type of gift this year. Being present in loved ones’ lives means far more than any present you can by. Give the gift of “you” by printing or writing out coupons that can be redeemed throughout the year. Here are some ideas:

Dinner and a movie at home
Babysitting, housesitting, pet sitting sessions
Free car washes
Assistance with house cleaning or errands

Day 5: Shop smartly.

Holiday shopping brings plenty of opportunities for using your debit or credit card for purchases. Shop smartly by using your mobile device to protect against fraud in real-time. Our CardNav app allows you to set terms for when, where, and how your card is used—anywhere, anytime! Learn more about CardNav.

Day 4: Go hunting for Christmas lights.

As simple as it is to drive around and enjoy Christmas light displays, it can get lost in the shuffle of the season. Use this budget- and family-friendly activity to take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and to enjoy the displays your neighbors put together.

Day 3: Plan a holiday movie night.

Sometimes nothing beats curling up on the couch with popcorn and holiday movies to get you in the spirit of the season. Movie channels and streaming services make this a low-cost way to enjoy or establish a holiday tradition.

Day 2: Make your gifts this year.

Who doesn’t love a homemade gift? Wow your friends and family with thoughtful items that are sure to mean more than store-bought gifts. Consider these simple—and useful—gifts that don’t require a lot of expensive ingredients or packaging. Tip: The Internet offers plenty of recipes to get you started.

Bath fizzies
Shave cream
Sugar or salt scrubs
Decorative candles

Day 1: Play photojournalist.

Make a list of photos you would like to capture during the season and start snapping. With camera phones, no special equipment is needed to grab some great shots to treasure for years to come. Here are some fun ideas: