This is the time of year where it is easy to spend a little more than we expected, as we all try to find the perfect give for everyone on our Christmas lists.

Most of us then spend the next few months trying to catch up, as we maneuver every last dollar to make our bank account work.

Gallup’s October spending Christmas forecast expects Americans to spend an average up around $781 on gifts this year. Last year the average was $704.

That’s a lot of money, especially for those in one of the poorest counties in Alabama.

We could all lighten the load on ourselves a little bit this year by attending the “Bank on It” financial class that will introduce many different kinds of banking services to attendees.

The classes, which start Nov. 6 and run through April, are sponsored by the Dallas County Family Resource Center and local banks. The classes will go over borrowing, identity theft, credit scores, credit cards, mortgages, financial recovery and other banking topics.

Even those of us that are financially savvy, could use a refresher course on all of the different services offered by financial institutions. The class will surely include tips we could all use, including how to save a little money here and there, something we all could use this Christmas season.

The first class is Nov. 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 at the Family Resource Center, which is located at 10096 Alabama Highway 14 West in Selma.