Time to Save for Holiday Shopping

aTime to Save for Holiday Shopping: From GovGab: "I read a interesting blog post from the Baltimore Sun recently about a holiday savings program Toys R Us is starting. The idea of the program is to encourage people to start saving for their holiday shopping now, so that buying presents won't be as much of a burden later in the year.

While it's great that a store is encouraging people save money for big purchases, the author of the blog post points out that you may get a better return on your investment from a bank or other type of savings plan.

Here are some things to consider when trying to figure out which savings option is best for you:

• Are there hidden fees? Is there a fee to join the store's program or are there fees associated with different bank option savings plans?
• What's the interest rate? Check to see whether you'll make more in interest with a savings account at a bank or through the store program.
• What's easier for you? Which program makes it easiest for you to contribute to your savings? You don't want to jump through hoops to set aside money.

If you're wondering where you can pinch pennies to start setting aside money for your big purchases, read 66 Ways to Save Money. You'll find ideas on how to cut back and trim costs in your everyday life, without making saving a burden.

How early do you start saving for the holidays? Are you more inclined to try a store savings program or look at options through your bank?"