He is part of a Christmas Club, a special savings account that customers set up at their bank or credit union.  

"I found this to be a lot easier since I retired 9 years ago, with one less income," Winter said. 

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During the Depression, Americans learned the importance of saving and that was when the clubs started, Consumer 10's Chuck Strickler reported.

"You can start a Christmas Club with a dollar, two dollars, five dollars, which is a lot easier to come up with for most people," said Erika Vance of the Richwood Banking Co.

Participants pay every week.  Then they get back their money and more.

"It's not interest-bearing, but if you do pay off the full coupon book, you could receive a cash bonus, which is equal to one of the coupons," Vance said.

A new national survey said that more people are now saving than before the recession hit.
One simple way to save is taking spare change and putting it in a jug or container, Strickler reported.

The old concept of layaway at K-mart and Sears stores is also thriving, helping people to pay for goods.

In August, both businesses started pushing their Christmas Club card, earning 3 percent of what a customer puts into it, up to $100 of extra cash per card.

With a bank's Christmas Club, the money can be spent anywhere.

Financial experts said for consumers to also consider an interest-bearing savings or money market account for a holiday shopping fund - even a certificate of deposit.  They advise to make sure you know the rules and restrictions before signing up.

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