Simple Plan: Put $1,000 in Your Pocket By Thanksgiving

In a time when many people are keeping a close eye on their pocketbooks, a local counseling agency says it's the right time to start saving up for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service says this year, people really need to start planning early for the holidays.

They've compiled a set of eight tips, that could help you to save up to $1,000 by Thanksgiving.

The agency says the only way to stay out of debt this holiday season, is to start planning now.

"Whole idea of saving money is a discipline commit to to it savings are there don't come in with january credit card bills," said Dean Fotmiller, Director of Education and Marketing at Consumer Credit Counseling.

Fortmiller says make a Christmas shopping list, and once you've checked the items off, stop buying.

Here are eight ways to save money for a holiday fund:

1. Every night, empty out your spare change into a jar. That can add up to about $80.
2. Cut $5 each day out of your incidental spending. Think twice before buying that magazine at the checkout stand. That can amount to $300.
3. Examine all your spending categories. Try to carve out $10 per month from each. Maybe set your thermostat a few degrees lower or plan your meals in advance. You could save $100.
4. Kick your bad habits. Buying a pack of cigarettes or a lottery ticket each day can add up quickly. A few dollars a day can add up to $100.
5. Eliminate bank fees. Don't get hit by hefty ATM fees from banks you don't do business with and don't overdraw your account. Those fees can add up to $50.
6. Have an insurance check up. See if you can adjust your insurance plan by raising your deductible, you could save some money each month. That could add up to $50.
7. Don't have too much of a good thing. Take a look at your cell phone or cable package. Are you paying for more minutes than you use? Or channels you never watch? That could add up to about $50.
8. Stop charging and pay with cash. Studies show that people who pay for their purchases with cash, typically save about 20 percent. You could save $400.

For many shoppers, this year could be different.

"My guess is people will watch their spending and maybe have a little less christmas than they did in previous," Fortmiller said.

Even if retailers bring out some good deals.

"I think retailers will be very competitive this year so shop around," he said.

Fortmiller says this plan won't work for everyone. Each person needs to look at what their expenditures are and see what kind of committment they want to make.

You may save $1,000 or you might just save $100. Either way, he says, it's a start.

December is traditionally the agency's slowest month for credit counseling. Their busiest times are January and February when people's credit card bills start coming in.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service will hold several classes in the next few months related to budgeting.

Budgeting Made Easy classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 13 and December 11. Stretching Your Dollar classes will be held November 25 and December 2. To RSVP call 541-779-2273.