10 Christmas Savings Accounts Australia: A Festive Guide
Ever wondered how to make your Christmas merrier without the financial hangover in January? Christmas savings accounts might just be the festive solution you're looking for. These specialized accounts are designed to help you stash away money throughout the year, ensuring you have a dedicated fund for all your holiday expenses. But what exactly are they, and how can they benefit you?
Christmas savings accounts are essentially savings accounts with a festive twist. They are specifically designed to help you save for Christmas expenses. By making regular deposits, you can accumulate funds over time, making it easier to manage your holiday budget. One of the biggest advantages of using these accounts is the ability to plan and budget effectively. Knowing you have a dedicated fund for Christmas can alleviate the stress of last-minute shopping and prevent you from dipping into your regular savings or, worse, accumulating debt.
This festive guide will walk you through 10 different Christmas savings accounts available in Australia, each with its own unique features and benefits. You'll find detailed information on accounts from institutions like Australian Unity, Bank Australia, BCU, Beyond Bank, Greater Bank, Heritage Bank, IMB Bank, Newcastle Permanent, People's Choice Credit Union, and P&N Bank. Each section will cover the account's overview, interest rates, bonus conditions, withdrawal restrictions, and contact information. Following these individual reviews, you'll find a comprehensive comparison table that summarizes the key features of each account, making it easy for you to compare and choose the best option for your needs. Additionally, you'll get insights into key factors to consider when selecting an account and practical tips for maximizing your Christmas savings. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to choose the right Christmas savings account and start saving for a stress-free holiday season.
What are Christmas Savings Accounts?
Christmas savings accounts are specialized savings accounts designed to help you squirrel away money specifically for your holiday expenses. Unlike your everyday savings account, these accounts are tailored to help you build a fund dedicated to Christmas costs. Think of it as a festive piggy bank that helps you prepare for the most wonderful time of the year without the financial stress.
So, how do they work? Typically, you'll make regular deposits throughout the year. This could be a set amount each week, fortnight, or month, depending on your budget and the terms of the account. Many banks and credit unions across Australia offer these accounts, and they often come with features designed to encourage consistent saving. For instance, you might find accounts that offer bonus interest rates if you meet certain deposit conditions, such as making regular deposits without any withdrawals.
One key feature of Christmas savings accounts is that they often have withdrawal restrictions. These restrictions are put in place to help you stay on track and avoid dipping into your Christmas fund before the holiday season. For example, some accounts might only allow withdrawals during November and December, while others might charge a fee or reduce your interest rate if you make an early withdrawal.
Here are a few examples of how withdrawal restrictions might work:
- Limited Withdrawal Period: You can only access your funds during a specific period, such as between November 1st and December 31st.
- Penalty Fees: You might be charged a fee for each withdrawal made outside the designated withdrawal period.
- Interest Rate Reduction: Your interest rate could be reduced if you make withdrawals before a certain date.
Compared to regular savings accounts, Christmas savings accounts are geared towards a specific goal: accumulating enough funds to cover holiday-related costs. This includes everything from gifts and decorations to travel and festive feasts. By using a Christmas savings account, you can ensure you have the funds you need to enjoy a stress-free holiday season, without relying on credit or depleting your regular savings.
Australian Unity - Christmas Club Account
Australian Unity offers a Christmas Club Account designed to help you save for the festive season. This account is a great way to build up your Christmas fund throughout the year, and it comes with a bonus interest feature that rewards your saving efforts. If you make regular deposits and meet the account's conditions, you can earn bonus interest on top of the standard interest rate. This means your savings can grow faster, giving you more to spend on gifts, decorations, and all the other things that make Christmas special.
To earn the bonus interest, you typically need to make regular deposits throughout the year without making any withdrawals before a certain date. For example, you might need to deposit a minimum amount each month and avoid any withdrawals before November 1st. These conditions are in place to encourage you to save consistently and resist the temptation to dip into your Christmas fund early. It's important to note that if you do make a withdrawal before the specified date, you might forfeit your bonus interest. So, it's crucial to plan your finances accordingly and ensure you can meet the deposit requirements without needing to access the funds prematurely.
The Australian Unity Christmas Club Account also has withdrawal restrictions to help you stay on track with your savings goals. Usually, you can only access your funds during a specific period, such as between November and December. This restriction helps ensure that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses. For more detailed information about the Australian Unity Christmas Club Account, including the current interest rates and specific terms and conditions, you can visit their website or contact their customer service team. You can find more details on the Australian Unity website or by contacting them directly.
Bank Australia - Christmas Saver Account
Bank Australia also offers a Christmas Saver Account designed to help you reach your holiday savings goals. This account is another excellent option for those looking to build a dedicated fund for Christmas expenses. One of the standout features of the Bank Australia Christmas Saver Account is its competitive interest rates. By offering attractive rates, Bank Australia helps your savings grow faster, giving you more to spend when the festive season arrives. The more you save, the more interest you earn, making it a rewarding way to prepare for Christmas.
The account is structured to encourage consistent saving throughout the year. You can set up regular deposits, such as weekly, fortnightly, or monthly transfers, to steadily build your Christmas fund. This regular saving habit ensures that you have a substantial amount set aside by the time the holidays roll around. Additionally, the account may offer bonus interest if you meet certain conditions, such as making regular deposits without any withdrawals. This incentivizes you to stay committed to your savings plan and avoid dipping into your funds prematurely.
Bank Australia's Christmas Saver Account is designed with features to help you maximize your savings. For instance, there might be restrictions on withdrawals to discourage spending before the holiday season. These restrictions help you stay on track and ensure that the money you save is used for its intended purpose. By limiting access to your funds until a specific period, such as November and December, the account helps you avoid the temptation of early spending. For more detailed information about the Bank Australia Christmas Saver Account, including current interest rates and specific terms and conditions, you can visit their website or contact their customer service team. You can find more details on the Bank Australia website or by contacting them directly.
BCU - Christmas Club Account
BCU also provides a Christmas Club Account tailored to help you save for the festive season. This account is designed with a unique feature that allows you to lock in your savings until the holidays, promoting disciplined saving. By opting to lock your funds, you commit to setting aside money specifically for Christmas expenses, ensuring you don't dip into your savings for other purposes. This feature is particularly useful if you find it challenging to resist the temptation of spending your saved money before the holiday season arrives.
The option to lock your savings until a specific date, typically in November or December, helps you stay focused on your goal. This restriction ensures that the funds you accumulate are used solely for Christmas-related expenses, such as gifts, decorations, travel, and festive meals. By committing to this disciplined approach, you can build a substantial Christmas fund without the risk of depleting it prematurely. BCU's Christmas Club Account may also offer competitive interest rates or bonuses to further enhance your savings. These incentives can help your savings grow faster, providing you with even more funds to enjoy a stress-free and joyous holiday season.
While specific details on interest rates and bonus conditions can vary, the primary benefit of the BCU Christmas Club Account lies in its savings lock feature. This feature encourages consistent saving and helps you avoid the temptation to spend your Christmas fund before the appropriate time. For more detailed information about the BCU Christmas Club Account, including current interest rates, bonus conditions, and specific terms, you can visit their website or contact their customer service team. You can find more details on the BCU website or by contacting them directly.
Beyond Bank - Christmas Saver
Beyond Bank also offers a Christmas Saver account tailored to help you reach your holiday savings goals. This account is designed to make saving for Christmas both simple and rewarding. One of the standout features of the Beyond Bank Christmas Saver is its bonus interest rate. This means that if you meet certain deposit conditions, you can earn a higher interest rate on your savings, helping your Christmas fund grow faster. The bonus interest is a great incentive to encourage consistent saving throughout the year, ensuring you have a substantial amount set aside by the time the festive season arrives.
To earn the bonus interest, you typically need to meet specific deposit requirements. For example, you might need to make regular deposits each month and avoid making any withdrawals before December. These conditions are put in place to help you stay committed to your savings plan and resist the temptation to dip into your Christmas fund early. By adhering to these requirements, you can maximize your earnings and build a larger fund for your holiday expenses. It's important to note that if you do make a withdrawal before the specified date, you might forfeit your bonus interest. Therefore, it's crucial to plan your finances accordingly and ensure you can meet the deposit requirements without needing to access the funds prematurely.
The Beyond Bank Christmas Saver account also has withdrawal restrictions to help you stay on track with your savings goals. Usually, you can only access your funds during a specific period, such as December. This restriction ensures that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses. By limiting access to your funds until the holiday season, the account helps you avoid the temptation of early spending and ensures you have the funds you need when it's time to start shopping for gifts, decorations, and other festive essentials. For more detailed information about the Beyond Bank Christmas Saver account, including the current interest rates and specific terms and conditions, you can visit their website. You can find more details on the Beyond Bank website.
Greater Bank - Bonus Saver Account
Greater Bank offers a Bonus Saver Account that, while not specifically designated as a Christmas savings account, can be effectively used to save for the festive season. This account provides a flexible way to grow your savings, and with its bonus interest feature, it can be a smart choice for building your Christmas fund. The Bonus Saver Account rewards you for making regular deposits, which aligns perfectly with the goal of saving consistently for Christmas expenses.
One of the key advantages of the Bonus Saver Account is the opportunity to earn bonus interest. This means that if you meet certain conditions, you can earn a higher interest rate on your savings. Typically, to qualify for the bonus interest, you need to make a minimum monthly deposit and avoid making any withdrawals during that month. For example, you might need to deposit at least $200 each month and not make any withdrawals to earn the bonus interest. These conditions encourage you to save regularly and resist the temptation to dip into your funds before the holiday season.
While the Bonus Saver Account doesn't have the same withdrawal restrictions as dedicated Christmas accounts, the bonus interest conditions serve as an incentive to keep your savings untouched. By consistently meeting the deposit requirements, you can maximize your interest earnings and build a substantial Christmas fund. This approach helps you stay disciplined with your savings, ensuring you have enough money set aside for gifts, decorations, and other holiday expenses.
To make the most of the Greater Bank Bonus Saver Account for Christmas savings, it's essential to plan your finances and commit to regular deposits. Setting up automatic transfers from your everyday account to the Bonus Saver Account can help you stay on track. Additionally, regularly reviewing your budget and adjusting your savings plan as needed can ensure you meet your Christmas savings goals. For more detailed information about the Greater Bank Bonus Saver Account, including the current interest rates and specific terms and conditions, you can visit the Greater Bank website.
Heritage Bank - Christmas Club Account
Heritage Bank also offers a Christmas Club Account designed to make your holiday season more joyful and less stressful financially. This account helps you save consistently throughout the year, ensuring you have a dedicated fund for all your Christmas expenses. One of the standout features of the Heritage Bank Christmas Club Account is its bonus interest. By making regular deposits and meeting the account's conditions, you can earn bonus interest on top of the standard rate, helping your savings grow faster. This added incentive can make a significant difference in the amount you have available to spend on gifts, decorations, and festive celebrations.
The account is specifically tailored for Christmas savings, with features designed to encourage disciplined saving. For instance, to earn the bonus interest, you might need to make consistent deposits each month without any withdrawals before a certain date, typically in November. These conditions are put in place to help you stay committed to your savings plan and avoid the temptation to dip into your Christmas fund early. By adhering to these requirements, you can maximize your interest earnings and build a substantial fund for your holiday needs. Heritage Bank's Christmas Club Account typically has withdrawal restrictions to further support your savings goals. You might only be able to access your funds during a specific period, such as November and December. This restriction ensures that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses.
By limiting access to your funds until the holiday season, the account helps you avoid the temptation of early spending and ensures you have the funds you need when it's time to start shopping. For more detailed information about the Heritage Bank Christmas Club Account, including current interest rates, specific terms, and conditions, you can visit the Heritage Bank website or contact their customer service team.
IMB Bank - Christmas Saver Account
IMB Bank offers a Christmas Saver Account designed to help you put money aside for the festive season. This account is a practical way to build your Christmas fund, and it comes with a bonus interest incentive that rewards your saving efforts. By making regular deposits and meeting the account's conditions, you can earn bonus interest on top of the standard rate. This means your savings can grow faster, giving you more to spend on gifts, decorations, and all the other things that make Christmas special.
The bonus interest feature is a key aspect of the IMB Bank Christmas Saver Account. To earn the bonus interest, you typically need to make consistent deposits throughout the year without making any withdrawals before a certain date. For example, you might need to deposit a minimum amount each month and avoid any withdrawals before November 1st. These conditions encourage you to save regularly and resist the temptation to dip into your Christmas fund early. By adhering to these requirements, you can maximize your interest earnings and build a substantial fund for your holiday needs. IMB Bank's Christmas Saver Account is designed to help you stay disciplined with your savings. The account may have withdrawal restrictions, such as limiting access to your funds until a specific period, like November and December.
This restriction ensures that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses. By limiting access to your funds until the holiday season, the account helps you avoid the temptation of early spending and ensures you have the funds you need when it's time to start shopping. For more detailed information about the IMB Bank Christmas Saver Account, including current interest rates, specific terms, and conditions, you can visit the IMB Bank website or contact their customer service team.
Newcastle Permanent - Christmas Club Account
Newcastle Permanent also offers a Christmas Club Account designed to help you save for the festive season. This account is a great way to build up your Christmas fund throughout the year, and it comes with a bonus interest feature that rewards your saving efforts. The bonus interest is a significant incentive, as it allows your savings to grow faster, providing you with more funds to spend on gifts, decorations, and other holiday essentials. To qualify for the bonus interest, you typically need to make regular deposits and avoid making any withdrawals before December. This condition encourages disciplined saving, ensuring that you stay committed to your savings plan.
The conditions for earning the bonus interest are straightforward. You need to make consistent deposits into your account, usually on a monthly basis. Additionally, you must refrain from making any withdrawals before the specified date, typically in December. By adhering to these requirements, you demonstrate a commitment to saving regularly, which is rewarded with a higher interest rate on your accumulated funds. This approach helps you maximize your savings and build a substantial Christmas fund. The account's structure promotes disciplined saving by restricting access to your funds until the holiday season. This restriction ensures that the money you set aside is used specifically for Christmas expenses.
By limiting withdrawals until December, the account helps you resist the temptation to spend your savings prematurely. This feature is particularly beneficial if you find it challenging to save money without a specific goal and deadline. For more detailed information about the Newcastle Permanent Christmas Club Account, including the current interest rates and specific terms and conditions, you can visit the Newcastle Permanent website or contact their customer service team.
People's Choice Credit Union - Christmas Saver Account
People's Choice Credit Union also offers a Christmas Saver Account designed to help you prepare for the festive season. This account is a great option for building your Christmas fund, and it comes with a bonus interest feature that rewards your saving efforts. By making regular deposits and meeting the account's conditions, you can earn bonus interest on top of the standard rate. This means your savings can grow faster, giving you more to spend on gifts, decorations, and all the other things that make Christmas special.
The bonus interest feature is a key aspect of the People's Choice Credit Union Christmas Saver Account. To earn the bonus interest, you typically need to make consistent deposits throughout the year without making any withdrawals before a certain date. These conditions encourage you to save regularly and resist the temptation to dip into your Christmas fund early. By adhering to these requirements, you can maximize your interest earnings and build a substantial fund for your holiday needs. The account is designed to help you stay disciplined with your savings, ensuring that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses.
People's Choice Credit Union's Christmas Saver Account may have withdrawal restrictions, such as limiting access to your funds until a specific period, like November and December. This restriction ensures that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses. By limiting access to your funds until the holiday season, the account helps you avoid the temptation of early spending and ensures you have the funds you need when it's time to start shopping. For more detailed information about the People's Choice Credit Union Christmas Saver Account, including current interest rates, specific terms, and conditions, you can visit the People's Choice Credit Union website or contact their customer service team.
P&N Bank - Christmas Saver Account
P&N Bank also offers a Christmas Saver Account designed to help you reach your festive savings goals. This account is a great option for building your Christmas fund, and it comes with a bonus interest feature that rewards your saving efforts. By making regular deposits and meeting the account's conditions, you can earn bonus interest on top of the standard rate. This means your savings can grow faster, giving you more to spend on gifts, decorations, and all the other things that make Christmas special.
The bonus interest feature is a key aspect of the P&N Bank Christmas Saver Account. To earn the bonus interest, you typically need to make consistent deposits throughout the year without making any withdrawals before a certain date. These conditions encourage you to save regularly and resist the temptation to dip into your Christmas fund early. By adhering to these requirements, you can maximize your interest earnings and build a substantial fund for your holiday needs. The account is designed to help you stay disciplined with your savings, ensuring that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses.
P&N Bank's Christmas Saver Account may have withdrawal restrictions, such as limiting access to your funds until a specific period, like November and December. This restriction ensures that the money you save is used for its intended purpose: covering your Christmas expenses. By limiting access to your funds until the holiday season, the account helps you avoid the temptation of early spending and ensures you have the funds you need when it's time to start shopping. For more detailed information about the P&N Bank Christmas Saver Account, including current interest rates, specific terms, and conditions, you can visit the P&N Bank website or contact their customer service team.
Comparison Table of Christmas Savings Accounts
Choosing the right Christmas savings account can be overwhelming with so many options available. To make it easier, here's a comparison table that summarizes the key features of each account we've discussed. This table will help you visually compare the accounts and choose the best one for your needs. You'll find columns for the bank name, account name, interest rate, bonus interest conditions, withdrawal restrictions, and any unique features.
Promotes disciplined saving by locking funds
| Bank Name | Account Name | Interest Rate | Bonus Interest Conditions | Withdrawal Restrictions | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Unity | Christmas Club Account | Competitive | Regular deposits, no withdrawals before November | Withdrawals allowed in November and December | Bonus interest for consistent saving |
| Bank Australia | Christmas Saver Account | Competitive | Regular deposits, may have bonus for no withdrawals | Limited until November/December | Attractive interest rates |
| BCU | Christmas Club Account | Competitive | May offer bonus interest | Locked until festive season | |
| Beyond Bank | Christmas Saver | Competitive | Regular deposits, no withdrawals before December | Withdrawals allowed in December | Bonus interest for meeting deposit conditions |
| Greater Bank | Bonus Saver Account | Competitive | Minimum monthly deposit, no withdrawals in the same month | No specific restrictions, but bonus conditions encourage no withdrawals | Suitable for Christmas savings despite not being a dedicated account |
| Heritage Bank | Christmas Club Account | Competitive | Consistent deposits, no withdrawals before November | Withdrawals allowed in November and December | Bonus interest for consistent saving |
| IMB Bank | Christmas Saver Account | Competitive | Consistent deposits, no withdrawals before November | Limited until November/December | Bonus interest incentive |
| Newcastle Permanent | Christmas Club Account | Competitive | Regular deposits, no withdrawals before December | Withdrawals allowed in December | Bonus interest for regular deposits and no withdrawals before December |
| People's Choice Credit Union | Christmas Saver Account | Competitive | Consistent deposits, no withdrawals before a certain date | Limited until November/December | Bonus interest feature |
| P&N Bank | Christmas Saver Account | Competitive | Consistent deposits, no withdrawals before a certain date | Limited until November/December | Bonus interest for reaching savings goals |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
With a variety of Christmas savings accounts available, it's essential to consider several key factors to choose the one that best suits your needs. Here's a breakdown of what you should look at:
Interest Rates: One of the first things to compare is the interest rates offered by different accounts. Look for accounts with competitive base interest rates, as this will determine how much your savings grow over time. Additionally, pay attention to bonus interest rates. Many Christmas savings accounts offer bonus interest if you meet certain conditions, such as making regular deposits without withdrawals. Higher interest rates mean your savings will grow faster, giving you more to spend during the festive season.
Bonus Conditions: To earn bonus interest, you usually need to meet specific requirements. These conditions often involve making regular deposits and avoiding withdrawals before a certain date. For example, an account might require you to deposit a minimum amount each month and not make any withdrawals before December. Understanding these conditions is crucial because failing to meet them could mean missing out on the bonus interest. Make sure you choose an account with bonus conditions that you can realistically meet.
Withdrawal Restrictions: Most Christmas savings accounts have restrictions on when you can access your funds. Typically, withdrawals are only allowed during a specific period, such as November and December. These restrictions are designed to help you stay disciplined with your savings and ensure the money is used for its intended purpose. Before committing to an account, check the withdrawal restrictions to ensure they align with your needs. If you anticipate needing access to your funds earlier, you might need to consider a different type of savings account.
Fees: Some savings accounts come with fees, such as account-keeping or transaction fees. These fees can eat into your savings, so it's important to be aware of them. Look for accounts with low or no fees to maximize your savings. Always read the fine print and understand the fee structure before opening an account.
Minimum Deposit: Some accounts require a minimum amount to open or maintain the account. This could be a one-time initial deposit or a regular minimum balance. Ensure that the minimum deposit requirements are manageable for you. If an account requires a large initial deposit that you can't afford, it's not the right choice for you. Similarly, if you struggle to maintain a minimum balance, you might incur fees or lose out on interest.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a Christmas savings account that helps you reach your holiday savings goals and enjoy a stress-free festive season. Each of these elements plays a role in determining how effectively the account will work for you, so take your time to compare and make an informed decision.
Tips for Maximizing Your Christmas Savings
Saving for Christmas can be a breeze if you have a plan in place. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your Christmas savings account and ensure you have a well-funded festive season. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your savings and enjoy a stress-free holiday.
First, set a clear savings goal. Determine how much you need to save for all your Christmas expenses. Consider the costs of gifts, decorations, food, travel, and any other holiday-related spending. Having a specific target amount will give you a clear objective and help you stay focused. For instance, if you aim to save $1,000, break it down into smaller, manageable amounts. You could aim to save $20 per week for 50 weeks or approximately $84 per month for 12 months. This approach makes your goal seem less daunting and more achievable.
Automating your savings is another effective strategy. Set up automatic transfers from your everyday account to your Christmas savings account. This ensures that you save consistently without having to remember to transfer the money manually. Most banks allow you to schedule regular transfers, such as weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. For example, you can set up an automatic transfer of $50 every fortnight. By automating your savings, you're more likely to stick to your plan and avoid the temptation to spend the money on other things.
Maximizing bonus interest is crucial for growing your savings faster. Understand the conditions required to earn bonus interest on your Christmas savings account. Typically, this involves making regular deposits and avoiding withdrawals before a certain date. For instance, your account might require a minimum monthly deposit of $100 and no withdrawals before December 1st to qualify for the bonus interest. Ensure you meet these conditions to take full advantage of the higher interest rate. By doing so, your savings will accumulate more quickly, giving you a larger fund for your Christmas expenses.
Avoiding early withdrawals is essential for maximizing your savings and earning bonus interest. Resist the temptation to dip into your Christmas fund before the designated time. Most Christmas savings accounts have withdrawal restrictions to help you stay on track. For example, some accounts only allow withdrawals during November and December. Making early withdrawals can not only reduce your savings but also cause you to forfeit any bonus interest you would have earned. Keep your goal in mind and remind yourself that the money is earmarked for Christmas expenses.
Finally, track your progress regularly. Monitor your savings balance and adjust your contributions if needed. Regularly checking your account will help you stay aware of how much you've saved and how much more you need to reach your goal. If you find you're falling short, consider increasing your regular deposits or finding ways to cut back on other expenses. For example, if you've saved $500 by June and your goal is $1,000, you know you're on track. If not, you might need to adjust your savings plan. Tracking your progress helps you stay motivated and ensures you meet your Christmas savings target.
The Bottom Line
Christmas savings accounts offer a fantastic way to prepare for the festive season without the financial stress that often follows. By setting aside money throughout the year, you can enjoy a more relaxed and joyful holiday, knowing that your expenses are covered. These accounts not only help you budget effectively but also reward your saving efforts with bonus interest, making your money grow faster. Starting early is key. The sooner you begin, the more manageable your savings contributions will be, and the more substantial your Christmas fund will become. With the variety of Christmas savings accounts available from institutions like Australian Unity, Bank Australia, BCU, Beyond Bank, Greater Bank, Heritage Bank, IMB Bank, Newcastle Permanent, People's Choice Credit Union, and P&N Bank, you have plenty of options to choose from.
Ultimately, the best Christmas savings account for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like interest rates, bonus conditions, withdrawal restrictions, fees, and minimum deposit requirements to make an informed decision. By choosing the right account and committing to regular savings, you can look forward to a stress-free holiday season filled with joy and celebration. So, take the first step today and start planning for a financially secure Christmas.