Though it is currently probably 80+ degrees outside, the truth is that the holiday season will be here before we know it! I know, I know, we don’t want to think about that yet! But the truth is, preparing for it now could potentially be very helpful when November rolls around. At SAFCU we’re here to help you get ahead of the game, and stay financially healthy all year long!
Why Start Now?
There is so much to spend our money at the holidays. It’s not just gifts alone of course–there’s holiday meals, decorations, travel, and more besides! Spreading all that spending out a bit could give you more flexibility, help prevent debt, and keep you in control. By starting early you could avoid measures like adding to credit cards. You also give yourself more time to shop sales and find deals, and leave yourself more room in your budget for unexpected expenses.
Some Tips to Help Prepare for Holiday Spending:
- Start Out With Your Budget: Go through what your expenses will likely be at the holidays and estimate how much you will need to spend this year. Set a realistic cap for yourself as well so that you don’t overdo it. You can then figure out from your budget how much you need to save each week, bi-week, or month in order to meet your goal before the holidays.
- Start Shopping Early: Be on the lookout now for summer sales, clearance deals, or other specials that might not be available during a busier shopping season. Spacing out purchases over time can reduce the burden at the end of the year.
- Plan Ahead for Travel: Airfare and hotel rates typically rise the closer you get to the holidays. Booking sooner rather than later often means better prices and more choices.
How Your Credit Union Can Help
Straits Area FCU is here for you in many different ways if you are looking for some help with planning ahead for the holiday season. Need some guidance on budgeting? Financial counseling is available completely free to all SAFCU members. Set up an appointment with one of the many financial counselors we have on staff to get some assistance. We are also offering a few different specials deals at the moment which could help out. Want to get a head start on saving? Skip payments are only $10 through the month of July. Take advantage of a skip payment to put a little extra cash toward saving. Personal loans are also being offered at a discounted rate through the end of the month. If you were already planning on a Christmas loan this winter getting one now instead could help you capitalize on lower prices in the summer months!
Little More Planning, Lot More Cheer
By taking a few steps now you could potentially save yourself a lot of trouble (and money!) at the holiday season. Whether you’re saving smart or borrowing wisely, we’re here to help make this the best holiday season yet.
