Plan for a debt-free Christmas 2012

The mince pies and turkey may be long gone and the decorations packed away but it is not too soon to start planning for Christmas 2012.

Anyone who made a New Year resolution to start saving regularly or be better organised for Christmas this year still has time to open a Yorkshire Building Society Christmas Saver account.

Offering a competitive fixed rate of 3.50%, savers can invest up to £1,200 in the account, either in a lump sum, by making regular deposits or by paying in cash as and when they have some spare.

The current Christmas Saver was launched on 1st December last year and is available for a limited time only.

It will mature on 1st December 2012, giving savers access to their money in time for next Christmas.

"Christmas Saver aims to encourage our members to save regularly for what can be the biggest bill they face each year, and help them to avoid getting into short-term debt, which fits with our mutual values," said Yorkshire Building Society Savings Product Manager Lynne Pepper.

"We know household budgets are being squeezed more and more but spreading the cost of Christmas by putting a little money away each week or each month can relieve some of the pressure come December.

"Since we launched our first Christmas Saver account three years ago, each year's product has attracted a rising number of savers so we know there is a demand.

"As it's such a competitive interest rate, and to make sure savers receive the benefit of that return for as long as possible, the product is only available for a short time so we'd encourage anyone thinking of opening a Christmas Saver account to pop into their nearest branch as soon as possible."

The Yorkshire Christmas Saver is available in all branches of Yorkshire, Barnsley and Chelsea Building Society.

To find your nearest Yorkshire branch, or for more information on Christmas Saver, visit ybs.co.uk/Christmas.