November 1, 2022How to Keep Your Holiday Shopping in Check

The holiday season is upon us. And you know what that means… Shopping!

With the decorations, music, and parties, it’s easy to get carried away during the holidays – especially when it comes to our finances. Top it off with the fact that kids today are begging Santa for smartphones, tablets, and other expensive electronics! It’s a mystery how anyone can escape that dreaded credit card bill in January.  

To help you keep your holiday shopping in check this year, we’ve created a list of tips to help you out. 

Make a Budget 

Take a moment to sit down and create a holiday budget. Make a list of everyone you plan to buy gifts for and designate a specific amount for them. Also, list all the parties you’ll attend and any travel plans. It’s always better to overestimate when it comes to your holiday budget as unexpected expenses always pop up. If you want to start saving early, so you’ll know what you’re working with when it’s time to shop, start your new year with PEFCU’s Holiday Club account.  

Make a List 

Once you have a budget for each person on your list, decide what you plan to get them. It’s much easier to shop when you know exactly what you’re looking for. Impulse buying is hard to avoid, and stores know this. Many stores pay big bucks hiring design experts during the holidays to lay out their stores specifically for impulse shoppers. Make a list and stick to it. 

Do Your Research 

Take some time and research the items you want to purchase. Whether flipping through sales papers or scouring the internet, ensure you’ve done your research. Flashy sales signs are often just that – distractions to get to you buy now – before you’ve done your homework. 

Also, when buying electronics, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. Many phones and tablets have different storage amounts and features that can be overlooked in a crowded store. 

Borrow Smart 

Sometimes we need to borrow money during the holidays. If this is the case for you, consider a Personal Line of Credit or a PEFCU Visa® Credit Card versus a high-interest store credit card. A Personal Line of Credit offers a credit line you can use as needed. And with the PEFCU Visa® Credit Card, you can earn reward points towards cash back, gift cards, cool merchandise, and other rewards.  Either way, they help you get the most out of your spending.  

We’re Here to Help! 

It’s easy to get caught up in the celebrations, but be smart this holiday season.  Make your budget and stick to it, do your research, and borrow smart, if necessary. If you have questions or need assistance getting the most out of your accounts, stop by or call us at 800-226-6673. 

 

Each individual’s financial situation is unique, and readers are encouraged to contact PEFCU when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.