The holidays are right around the corner. Whether your approach is lively and quick or tinged with the blues, your Hanscom FCU accounts can help you keep stress levels in check.
- Think it through. What do you remember fondly from the past few years? What are you most looking forward to? List each one along with the cost. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to the things that will most help you enjoy the season.
You might be tempted to borrow funds or use a high-rate credit card, but there are other ways to give your budget some breathing room. Some lenders will let you skip a payment, but only if you ask. The extra funds can ease a cash crunch without adding debt. Learn more at www.hfcu.org/skip.
- Plan your spending. Once you have a total budget, decide if the money will come from savings, cash on hand, a loan, or a combination. Commit to a date when all holiday debt will be paid off. If you plan to borrow, check out our low-rate holiday loan and credit cards.
- Give wisely. Gifts are the largest budget item for many of us. List everyone you will buy for, including tips for service people, secret Santa, and hostess gifts. Assign an amount to each person and write in gift ideas. Once you buy the gift, check that person off.
Track your spending on the go with mobile access and text banking. Get a list of recent transactions and balances or transfer funds in seconds.
- Be kind to yourself. Holidays can be difficult for people who have suffered a loss, feel stressed by increased demands on their time and money, or simply don’t take the time to eat properly, rest and exercise during these weeks. Pay attention to your moods and take time each day for yourself.
Open a Your Way savings account to save a little each month so you won’t be overwhelmed with holiday debt.