The holiday season tests minds and bodies. Placed under family, work or just financial stress, this is a time that is meant to be happily enjoyed and remembered. Life though, usually has other plans and that’s where some advanced planning might be helpful.

1. Smart Saving

The holiday sale season and in particular, Black Friday and Christmas have some of the best sales of the year. Whether shopping for a new car, new TV or that hot new video game, saving money in October or November means having the cash to get those items meant for enjoying November through February. Keep an eye out for price drops and other discounts as the season progresses. Money saved now is money well spent later.

2. Smart Spending and Price Watching

Hate the rush of the holiday season to buy gifts? Back-to-school sales as well as other very quiet price drops leading up to Thanksgiving are an easy way avoid the hassle and stress of the holiday shopping season around Christmas and New Year’s. Decide what’s best while saving as much money as possible and reducing stress. Many websites such as Amazon or eBay have methods to price watch and compare so being savvy about these options pays off in the end.

3. Brush Up on Your Culinary Skills

Not everyone is a social butterfly, but even the most reclusive hermit is required to attend a party or two. Both men and women should at least scan a few cookbooks or learn something new for the season to contribute. Don’t be the sad sack that has nothing to do while everyone else is cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Practice safety first while learning anything new. A good skill to pick up is to learn how to make dessert or at least carve the turkey.

4. Check that Car

Winter hazards aren’t just related to the human body but to our transportation vehicles as well. Checking all vehicles in the fall as the temperature dips will save a lot of costly fees and emotional turmoil should the car not start in the dead of winter. Check the engine, batteries and tires and fix any existing problems. Optional purchases may include an air pump and car battery starter.

5. Stocking up the home

Make sure there’s enough food, water and emergency supplies are there. Additionally, make sure that the house can handle the stress of a brutal winter. Cleaning the gutters or the air ducts may be a good idea. Last-minute suggestions for supplies include duct tape, snow salt and heat packs. A few days worth of food and water would also be among the list of items to get.

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