WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- 'Tis the season of spending as retailers actively promote deals to consumers who may shop well in advance of the traditional shopping season. The National Retail Federation predicts spending to reach $989 billion during November and December. Flu season over-the-counter: How to save money on prevention, treatment Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate said "a lot of the best deals are already out there," and suggests tackling holiday purchases early. Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy just wrapped October deal events. But the holiday hype could also bring winter worries--a September survey by Bankrate found 43% of people surveyed said they expect to spend the same as last year, while 33% said they will likely spend less. "People are spending, but they're spending thoughtfully," Rossman said. Thoughtful ways to avoid holiday headaches include setting a budget, putting a small portion of the remaining 2024 paychecks aside and getting crafty. "I'm a big fan of stacking discounts too," Rossman said. "That's going to involve multiple saving streams on the same purchase. Maybe you add in a rewards credit card that you pay in full, you avoid interest, you get the rewards." REPORT: Car insurance rates up in past year, how to save on policies Rossman also recommended stacking savings using online shopping portals like Rakuten and Chase's shopping outlet, using digital coupons and special offers by banks. Though it may be uncomfortable, consider talking with loved ones about sharing a plan for gifting this year and having a conversation about setting expectations. Part-time holiday jobs can also bring in more money; Amazon, Target and Macy's are among retailers planning to hire tens of thousands of seasonal employees.