PRESS RELEASE: Save for Christmas in July, Suggests Informa Research Services

16th Jul 2010 15:22

CALABASAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 16, 2010-- July may mean barbeques and swimming pools for most, but for the savviest savers, July signals that it's time to start saving for the holidays! Instead of feeling the pain of holiday gift-giving all at once these savers set up savings accounts dedicated to collecting funds to spend on loved ones during the holidays. Informa Research Services, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LSE: INF), offers a few tips to help consumers get their holiday savings started (http://www.erate.com/certificates_of_deposit_cds_options.htm): Set a savings goal A good way to start your Christmas savings plan is to set a goal. Make a list and figure out how much you would like to spend on gifts for each loved one. Setting a savings goal can help you figure out how much you need to save each month and monitor your progress. Look for a high yield savings account The account you use for your savings could be a traditional savings account, money market account, or short term certificate of deposit. In any case, the higher the APY, the better. The fastest way to find the best local rates is to search online. Use online rate tables, such as those provided by ERATE.com, to quickly sort and locate the best rate offered in their area. Schedule automatic deposits Life gets busy, and simple tasks, such as transferring money into your savings account can get easily pushed aside. However, scheduling automatic transfers can save you the stress and hassle of trying to remember to do it manually. Another perk of using auto-transfers is that it is one way to get the monthly maintenance fee on your checking account waived at some financial institutions. Combined with a high yield savings account, consistently making regular contributions will help your holiday savings fund grow! Using these simple tips, you should amass a fairly sizeable fund from which to finance your Christmas gifts and other holiday costs. Lessen your holiday stress so you can enjoy the time with your loved ones and remember what the season is really meant to be about. Follow Informa Research Services on Twitter (@InformaResearch). Become a fan of Informa Research Services on Facebook Permission is granted to reprint this release in part or in its entirety as long as source credit is properly listed. About Informa Research Services, Inc. (www.informars.com) Since 1983, Informa Research Services, Inc., has provided the financial industry's most extensive array of market research, mystery shop, and decision-support information. CONTACT: Informa Research Services, Inc. James Royal Phone: 818-880-8877 Fax: 818-880-2069 SOURCE: Informa Research Services, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2010 (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 16, 2010 10:22 ET (14:22 GMT)