The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring financial stress. There’s pressure to buy gifts, to host gatherings, and to travel, and the costs quickly add up.  We’ve all been there, feeling overwhelmed instead of enjoying the time with friends and family.

Let’s fix that.  Now that the 2024 holiday season is winding down, you might want to consider a holiday savings account for next year. A holiday savings account isn’t just a bank account—it sets money aside all year long so you can cash out a large sum for Thanksgiving and Christmas expenses. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s explore the pros and cons and help you make an informed decision.

What is a Holiday Savings Account?

First of all, let’s discuss what this account is and how it works.  A holiday savings account is a special type of savings account that helps you save money for holiday expenses. Think of it as a piggy bank that you put money in every week and then open during the holidays. You automatically deposit a few bucks every paycheck—even just a small amount you’ll barely miss— and VOILA!  When the holidays arrive you have hundreds of dollars available.

Pros of a Holiday Savings Account 

Opening a holiday savings account has several benefits that can make your holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful.

  • Avoiding Debt: One of the biggest advantages of a holiday savings account is that it helps you avoid holiday debt. Instead of relying on high-interest credit cards or loans to cover holiday expenses, you can use the money you’ve saved throughout the year. This means you can enjoy the holidays without worrying about the bills.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have money set aside for the holidays can significantly reduce financial stress. You won’t have to worry about how you’ll afford gifts or holiday travel because you’ve already planned and saved for these expenses. Focus on enjoying the season with your loved ones instead.
  • Earning Interest: The 1st Source Bank holiday savings account offers interest on your deposits, so your money grows over time. While the interest rates may not be as high as those of high-yield savings accounts, it can really add up.  Who wouldn’t want to add an extra $10, $20, or more to their holiday budget?
  • Specific Purpose Savings: A holiday savings account helps you stay focused on your savings goals. With a regular savings account you might be tempted to dip into your funds for other expenses.  But a holiday savings account is earmarked for holiday spending. This keeps you on track and ensures that you’ll have enough money for the holidays.
  • Financial Discipline: A holiday savings account encourages regular saving habits. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to consistently save a small amount each month without even thinking about it. For example, if you save $25 per paycheck, you’ll have $600 by the end of the year. And once you’ve experienced how easy and effective this approach is, you might want to apply it to other areas of your financial life, too. Put away money over time for a dream vacation, a new truck, home repairs, or whatever other long-term goal floats your boat.  Like maybe getting a boat?

Cons of a Holiday Savings Account

While holiday savings accounts offer many benefits, they also have some drawbacks that you should consider.

  • Limited Access to Funds: One potential downside of a holiday savings account is that access to your funds is limited. You can only withdraw your money in October, just before the holiday season. This helps prevent you from spending the money early, but it can also be inconvenient if you need to take out money for an emergency. For example, if you suddenly need to save for a car repair, you might find it easier to use a regular savings account that doesn’t have restrictions on withdrawals.
  • Lower Interest Rates: Holiday savings accounts offer lower interest rates compared to high-yield savings accounts, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), or stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. If your primary goal is just to grow your money, you might be better off with a different type of account. For example, a high-yield savings account might offer an interest rate two or three times higher than the 0.9% you might get with a holiday savings account.  Of if you have the cash to put in right away, a short-term CD can earn you an even higher return.
  • Temptation to Spend: When October finally rolls around you might be tempted to spend all the money you’ve saved, even if you don’t need to. We’ve all heard the saying “money burning a hole in your pocket.” Imagine you’ve saved diligently all year, taken care of holiday shopping, and have a bit left over.  You walk past a store and see a flashy gadget or a trendy outfit that catches your eye. It’s not something you planned to buy, but the money is there and the temptation is strong. I mean, you earned it, right?  And before you know it you’ve bought something that wasn’t on your list, even though it might be smarter to put the leftover money towards a summer vacation, next year’s holiday savings account, or adding to your emergency fund.

Conclusion

Opening a holiday savings account can be a smart way to prepare for the holiday season without financial stress. It’s a great way to avoid debt, gain peace of mind, earn interest, and learn good savings habits. However, it’s also important to consider the potential downsides, such as limited access to funds, lower interest rates, and the temptation to spend willy-nilly.

Ultimately, you should think about your individual financial situation and goals. Do you want a structured, disciplined approach to save specifically for the holidays? On the other hand, do you prefer more flexibility on when and how you use your money, or are looking for higher interest rates?

By weighing the pros and cons, you can make the decision that’s right for you.  Start planning and saving now to ensure you have the funds you need when the holidays arrive, without having to dip into your emergency fund or go into debt.

Follow this link for more information on 1st Source Bank’s holiday savings account.  Or we’d be happy to chat about other savings account options, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), or investments. Not sure? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help you plan for a stress-free holiday season in 2025!