October 2015

Make a Plan Now for Saving
this Holiday Season

We may still be enjoying bonfires and football games, but the holiday season is quickly approaching. Keep things merry into January with a little pre-planning that will lessen the impact the celebrations and gift giving have on your pocketbook.

Ask and answer the following questions to keep your holiday spending in check:

1. How much did you spend last year? Take a look at the tally for gifts, meals and decorations and challenge yourself to set a lower goal this year. Even a 5 to 10 percent savings will make a difference in your bottom line.

2. Does everyone on your list need a purchased gift? Review who you are buying for and consider some creative alternatives. Could you buy a group gift like a movie outing or museum membership for your sister and her family? Could you bake holiday treats for your neighbors? Could you initiate a "name draw" or gift exchange in your office? Thinking creatively can not only save money, but also create some new memories for everyone involved.

3. What gifts can you buy now? By spacing our your spending and purchasing several gifts a few months in advance, you can better control the overall impact. Watch for sales and buy items you find on clearance. Just be sure to keep records of what items you purchased (and where you stored them!) so you don't have to re-buy in December.

4. Can you give gift cards to the people on your list? When you give a gift card to a favorite coffee shop or retail store, you know exactly how much you are spending, helping ensure that you stick to your budget by not overspending. Many establishments that offer gift cards also offer creative ways to present them around the holiday season, making them fun to give and receive.

5. What's on your holiday meal plan? Stock up on items for baking and watch for early sales on holiday favorites like ham or turkey. Then store them in the pantry or freezer until you're ready to use them.

6. What expenses could you suspend or eliminate between now and the holidays? Skipping just one latte a week between now and Christmas puts an extra $50 in your holiday budget.

With just a little forethought, you can create a holiday spending plan that will keep the stress - and the Scrooge - out of the season.

It's not too early to save for the 2016 holidays!

Saving just $10 a week between now and next Christmas creates a holiday budget of over $500. And that amount can be even more when you save the money in an interest-bearing account!

PSB's Christmas Savings Account helps you put away money for the holiday spending season. With no service charges and no minimum opening deposit, the account is a great option for holiday savings.

Deposit as much or as little as you want, or have money automatically moved to your Christmas Savings Account from another account on the date that you specify. Then, on or around November 1st you'll be sent a check for the amount you deposited PLUS any interest earned!

Stop in at our Princeville or Peoria location for more details and to set up your account today!

Banking technologies that save time and money

Over the past several years, the banking industry has introduced many technologies that provide significant benefits for small to mid-sized business owners. These technologies include Remote Deposit Capture, merchant processing and online banking/cash management services. Incorporating just one of these options into your business can streamline routine tasks and allow you more time to focus on the strategic aspects of your business.

Read the full article in the October issue of InterBusiness Issues

Come see Ricki and the PSB staff on Halloween!

Ricki and other members of the PSB staff will be serving "chili & the fixins" during the PCA's "Hotdogs at the Firehouse" event on Saturday, October 31 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Princeville.

Stop by for a quick bite and a special surprise from Ricki before heading out for Trick or Treating!

Gift card winners!

Congratulations to our two gift card winners from the subscriber contest we held last month:

CHRISTINE QUINN

WINSTON DUNBAR

Christine and Winston, please send an email to Melissa at mhucal@p-s-b.com to claim your prize. Include your mailing address and let us know if you'd like a gift card for Casey's, The Shoppes at Grand Prairie or Do It Best in Princeville and we'll get your prize delivered to you.

Watch future newsletters for more subscriber contests and giveaways!