‘Tis the season to shop until you drop, but you don’t have to overspend. Enjoy a stress-free season by keeping your spending in check with these six tips:

 
1. Create a detailed list of all your expenses
Draw up a list of every holiday expense you anticipate. Include all gifts, décor, travel expenses and donations. Try to keep it as trim as possible by cutting out non-essentials and using stuff you may have in storage from previous years.

2. Determine how much money you can spend
Work on finding a magic number that will cover everything on your list and that you can realistically afford. Ideally, this money should come from funds you’ve set aside just for this purpose.

3. Divide and conquer
Next, assign specific amounts of money in your budget for each expense category and for every person on your gift list. Again, make sure your numbers will work from both a financial and practical perspective.

4. Track as you shop
As you shop, keep careful account of exactly how much money you’ve spent for each person and in each expense category. Review your budget often to make sure you’re staying on track.
 
5. Shop smartly
Keep your spending to a minimum with these hacks:
  • Use shopping apps, like the Coupons App and Shopular, to get your favorite retailers’ best deals and coupons delivered right to your phone.
  • Shop online on Tuesday morning. Research shows this time of week is when you’ll find the hottest online deals.
  • Shop with a friend. Take advantage of BOGO sales by splitting the cost of a single item with a friend and each of you taking one item home.
  • Shop late. Prices actually fall in the weeks leading up to Christmas as retailers get ready to clear out their holiday inventory.

6. Let Scenic Community Credit Union help

If you’re having trouble covering your holiday expenses, or you want to get a head start on next year’s costs, let Scenic Community Credit Union help! Here are three ways we can take the financial stress out of the holiday season:

  • Skip-a-Payment. We get it. The holidays are crazy expensive. That’s why we allow qualifying members to skip one payment on a consumer loan this time of year without hurting their credit or defaulting on their loan. It’s extra breathing room, just when you need it most!*
  • Personal Loan. If you need some extra funds for the holidays, consider taking out a Scenic Community Credit Union Personal Loan. Our fantastic terms and affordable rates make it a no-brainer!
  • Christmas Club Account. Spread the cost of the holidays across the year with an account created just for that purpose. You’ll set aside a little bit of money each month into your Christmas Club Account, and next year, when the holiday season rolls around, you’ll have all the funds you need on hand.

 

Don’t let financial stress ruin your holiday cheer this year. Follow our tips to keep your spending down, and stop by Scenic Community Credit Union to see how we can help!

*Restrictions apply. Not all loans are eligible for Skip Pay. Mailing in a Skip Pay form does not guarantee approval. Download a Skip Pay form or ask a loan officer for more details.

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