Financial Planner

Checklist: Holiday planning

Things to do this weekend with your money

The holiday season is approaching, and it’s time to get your finances in shape so you are not paying for your merrymaking into 2001.

Today: Budget for gift giving, parties and decorations, and put away money now to avoid going into debt. You can find money-saving holiday ideas and organizing tips at several Web sites, including OrganizedHome at https://www.organizedhome.com.

Saturday: Not everything about the holidays should cost money. Consider scheduling free or low-cost activities like concerts, caroling or viewing holiday lights. Books like Unplug the Christmas Machine” ( Quill, 1991) offer suggestions, as do articles at https://www.cccsintl.org/edu/xmas.html.

Sunday: Some of the best deals on certain foods come up during the holidays, so plan to spend a little more at the grocery store to take advantage of the sales on baking products, turkeys, hams and other traditional holiday fare.