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We have had a nice week of weather. 

But if you have not done so already, it may be a good time to plan ahead and winterize your home, auto and wallet.  

If you have lived in wisconsin for awhile, you know all about the importance of winterizing your auto and home. 

This is also a good time to think about winterizing your budget. 

Rising heating costs, unemployment, and holiday shopping can take a toll on your wallet. 

As you hunker down and get ready for winter, here are a few things that you might want to keep in mind.

Whether its hiring a contractor for last minute repairs, taking your car in for a tune up, or making a decision of where to invest your money, it is crucial that you:

• Check the reputation of the businesses

• Ask questions and get all information in writing

• Most importantly, do not pay in full until you are satisfied with the final product.

If you are expecting to have less cash to work with this winter season, take some time now to:
 
• Set a budget for dealing with your expenses and stick to it.

• If you plan to borrow money or use a credit card, shop around for the best rate and payment options, and make sure to pay on time every month.

Paying late, even by one day, can cause you to be hit with severe penalties and outrageous interest rates, perhaps as high as 30 percent.

 This can also wreak havoc with your credit score and prevent you from being able to re-negotiate or get a loan at a favorable interest rate.

• Check into programs that you may qualify for such as energy assistance, home weatherization, and financial aid for school.
 
• Do everything that you can to stay healthy. Getting sick can take a major toll on your finances.

Staying warm throughout the winter season is hard enough, let alone having to deal with unplanned expenses.

Take some time to winterize your wallet, and protect yourself as much as you can.