I didn't think any banks did the Christmas Club Accounts any more.....thanks for the heads up. I remember doing them when I was a kid.
I have no qualms about yard sales or thrift stores. My husband discovered a Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store near where he works and has become a fixture there. Other than socks, underwear, shoes and a particular jacket that she REALLY, REALLY wanted, all of our daughter's back-to-school clothes for this year were either hand-me-downs from friends with older children, or from the DAV or Hospice Thrift Stores.
I haven't been able to get the hang of quilting, or knitting for that matter. I started crocheting when I was about 8, learned how to use a sewing machine around 13, but never really used it again until I was nearly 40, and took up cross stitch about 10 years ago.
"I didn't think any banks did the Christmas Club Accounts any more."
You are right about that. They are becoming a thing of the past. What a shame. Would use those savings, plus lay-away to do some serious shopping. Love those DAV Thrift Shops. Everytime I go there come away with some very nice things.
Check out some of the smaller banks in the area. They cater more to individuals than the big national banks. I think my credit union still has Christmas saving accounts. If not, just shop around for the bank that requires the lowest minimum balance on a savings account, and you can create your own Christmas savings account. It looks like there is an Insouth Bank in your area. They have a Custom Savings Account that only requires $25 to open without fees if you abide by their withdrawal rules. http://www.insouthbank.com/personal_savings.html#Regular