Part 1
 

• Shopping online this holiday season? Keep a list of items you order. Then cross that item off your list once it is delivered. With many packages shipping, you may miss an item that doesn’t arrive.
• Avoid attracting unwanted attention to yourself by limiting how much cash you carry when out shopping. Use your Debit Card instead of cash when possible.
• When shopping online, ALWAYS make sure the address bar starts with HTTPS:// (not HTTP://) before you purchase items. This means the website is SECURE.
• Before shopping online, ALWAYS make sure your virus protection software is up-to-date and turned ON. Most virus protection software will warn you if you visit a known malicious website.
• Refinancing your auto loan is a quick and easy way to free up more cash for the holidays. When you switch your auto loan to the credit union, we’ll help you lower your payments and save more each month.
• Start saving for the holidays now. Putting aside $50 or $100 each month throughout the year will help you avoid high-interest debt and credit cards when the holidays arrive. Set up your special savings account today.
• Plan your holiday shopping EARLY and make a LIST. It’s easy to get carried away during the holidays. This will help prevent impulse purchases that can wreak havoc on your budget.
• Want to boost your holiday budget? Sell items and clothes you no longer need. Ask your children to pick out toys they no longer play with so that they can make room for new toys that Santa will bring.
• Research items you plan to buy BEFORE you shop. Stores use a variety of pricing gimmicks during the holidays to make you think you got a great price. A little research could greatly help your budget.
• Holiday Shopping Stressing You Out? Gift cards are a great way to relieve stress and prevent overspending your budget. Plus, the recipient may benefit by shopping during the after-holiday sales!
• Gift giving is one area where it’s easy to get carried away – especially over the holidays. Set a limit for each person you plan to buy a gift for and do not exceed this amount. Buy gift cards if you feel you may overspend.
• Always save receipts when shopping. Double check these receipts with your account statements to make sure you were charged the correct amount.
• When making your holiday budget, put aside extra money for unexpected expenses. Parties, events & other surprises always pop up during the holidays. It’s better to be prepared than use high-interest credit cards.
• If you’re worried about overspending this holiday season, get a shopping buddy. Finding someone who is thrifty will help you stick to a budget & hold you accountable for your spending.
• Consider a Holiday Loan this year instead of credit cards. With set repayment terms, you’ll know exactly when the debt will be paid off, unlike credit cards. Plus, a Holiday Loan makes it easier to stick to a budget.
• Trying to stick to a holiday budget? Estimate the costs of the gifts you plan to buy. Then withdraw that amount as cash. When the cash is gone, it’s gone. You’ll make smarter buying decisions and avoid credit card debt.
• Do you have unused credit card reward points? The holidays are a great time to cash in your rewards. Depending on your credit card program, you may be able to receive gift cards, travel vouchers, or an account credit.
• Use a Personal Loan instead of high-interest credit cards. With a set dollar amount & repayment terms, it will help you stick to a budget, pay off debt quicker & pay less interest vs. bank or store credit cards.
• Don’t feel obligated to buy expensive tech-toys, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. With their high price tags, avoid long-term debt by giving gift cards toward the item instead.
• Set limits before you begin shopping. List everyone you will buy a present for and the maximum amount you will spend. Then stick to it. Overspending is too easy during the holidays without setting limits first.
• Getting together with friends and family is great during the holidays. Avoid expensive restaurants by hosting a potluck style party at your house instead. Your holiday budget will thank you.
• If you receive a year-end bonus, try to put a good portion towards the principal on your outstanding loans. Doing so will help you pay off the loan quicker and pay less interest over the life of the loan.
• Traveling during the holidays? Let us know before you travel to ensure your debit and credit card purchases are not flagged as fraud and declined. Simply give us a quick call prior to leaving town.
• If you plan to make purchases from a specific store during the holidays, sign up on their website to receive promotional emails early in advance. You’ll most likely gain access to coupons and special sales.
• Before making a purchase, review the store’s return policy. This is especially important with online retailers where you may be responsible for return shipping. And always be sure to ask for gift receipts.
• Save money this holiday season by setting up a gift exchange with your friends or family. Instead of purchasing gifts for everyone, draw names. This way you will only have to buy one gift instead of several.
• If you receive a check during the holidays, instantly deposit it into your account with our Mobile Banking app. Remember, do not endorse a check until you are ready to deposit it to avoid any possible fraud.
• Traveling over the holidays? Weigh your luggage before you leave for the airport. Most airlines will charge extra fees if any of your checked bags weigh over 50 lbs.
• Spending time with grandparents this holiday season? Take a few minutes to provide tips on how they can stay safe when shopping online and avoid possible scams and fraud.
• Giving to charity this holiday season? Be sure to keep receipts for all your donations. Taxes are typically your largest annual expense and charity deductions could provide savings come tax time.
• Looking to pay off debt in the New Year? Organize your debts by their interest rate. Make a plan to pay off the higher interest rate credit cards or loans first since those are costing you the most.
• Start the New Year off right by cleaning out your house and hosting a garage sale. You can even team up with your neighbors. Get organized, remove old items, and put some money in your pocket this New Year.
• Stock up & save! Taking advantage of sales after the holidays is a great way to get items you need for next year. This can include cards, decorations, or even gifts for upcoming birthdays and other holidays.
• With the current travel restrictions and event cancellations, a staycation may be the perfect solution this spring break. Pick a country to explore. Decorate your home and choose a new dish to cook each night as a family.
• Turn your spring cleaning into cash! Social media groups and swap & shop websites make it easy to turn your old clothes, furniture, toys, and other items into quick cash.
• Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations can be a drain on your wallet. Setting gift-giving limits with your family and friends will help everyone save money and reduce financial stress.
• Always save receipts when shopping. Double check these receipts with your account statements to make sure you were charged the correct amount.
• Shopping online this holiday season? Keep a list of items you order. Then cross that item off your list once it is delivered. With many packages shipping, you may miss an item that doesn’t arrive.
• Avoid attracting unwanted attention to yourself by limiting how much cash you carry when out shopping. Use your Debit Card instead of cash when possible.
• When shopping online, ALWAYS make sure the address bar starts with HTTPS:// (not HTTP://) before you purchase items. This means the website is SECURE.
• As the holiday season approaches, now is a great time to make sure your electronic devices are secure. Check that all devices have up-to-date virus protection and update login passwords on your financial accounts.
• Make the most of your holiday budget by planning early and researching deals. Due to the pandemic, many retailers are changing their Black Friday sales by offering month-long online sales versus in-store bargains.
• Looking to decorate on a budget this holiday season? Stop by your local thrift stores and dollar stores and find holiday pieces that can easily be paired together to make fun DIY décor.
• Holiday loans are a great alternative to credit cards. With set repayment terms and lower interest rates than most traditional credit cards, a holiday loan will help you pay less interest and be debt-free sooner.
• Fraud unfortunately increases during the holiday season. Now is the ideal time to update your passwords on all financial accounts and those websites where you have credit card information saved.