Community bankers encourage gift givers to save for 2007 holiday season now         

Regular contributions help avoid holiday debt hangover

[DEC. 13, 2006]  WASHINGTON -- With the average shopper expected to spend $800 on holiday gifts in 2006*, the Independent Community Bankers of America urges consumers to set up a holiday savings account now and contribute to it regularly throughout the year.

"A holiday savings account is a great way to purchase the gifts you want for your friends and family and not go into debt to do it," said Terry J. Jorde, chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America and president and chief executive officer of CountryBank USA in Cando, N.D. "A holiday fund can be very important psychologically because it allows savers to have one goal in mind: saving to ensure they have the holiday they want, without going into debt to do so. If you didn't build a holiday savings account for this year, start one right away or early in the new year and contribute to it regularly."

In addition to saving for holiday gifts, a holiday fund can be used to set aside money for other holiday spending as well, such as for donations to charity and holiday entertaining. "It's also human nature to buy something you need while you are shopping for others," said Jorde. "It's a good idea to take your own needs into account as well."

Holiday funds allow bank customers to set their own savings goal and deposit schedule. Generally, money in holiday savings accounts cannot be withdrawn except during a particular window of time, usually between October and January, depending on the rules of the fund. An added benefit is that by using a holiday fund, your savings also builds interest that can be used to start a new fund for the next holiday season or withdrawn for shopping in the current season. Some community banks may even offer higher interest rates if customers use direct deposit, either from a paycheck or from a checking account.

To learn more about holiday savings funds, visit your local community bank.

* The National Retail Federation's 2006 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America, the nation's voice for community banks, represents the largest constituency of community banks of all sizes and charter types in the nation and is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry.

[News release from the Independent Community Bankers of America]