Nov 20, 2023
Leveraging Hughes’ Tools for Holiday Budgeting
The holiday season is synonymous with joy, celebration, and often, big spending. While it's a time for generosity and making memories, it's also crucial to manage your finances wisely to avoid the post-holiday blues. Luckily, Hughes Federal Credit Union offers a suite of tools designed to make holiday budgeting both effective and easy.
Start Early with the Holiday Savings Club
One of the best ways to prepare for holiday expenses is by saving throughout the year. Hughes’ Holiday Savings Club is an excellent tool for this. It allows you to allocate a small portion of your income every month specifically for holiday spending. This approach not only eases the financial burden but also helps in avoiding last-minute scrambles for funds on the next holiday season.
Tip: Determine your typical holiday spending and divide it by the number of months left until the holidays. This is the amount you should aim to save each month.
Stay on Top of Your Finances with myHUB
Managing multiple accounts, especially during the busy holiday season, can be overwhelming. Hughes’ myHUB digital banking platform allows you to view all your accounts in one place, making tracking your spending effortless. You can set budgets for different categories, like gifts, decorations, and holiday meals, and monitor your spending against these categories.
Tip: Regularly check your budget status on myHUB to ensure you’re not overspending in any category.
Maintain a Healthy Credit Score with CreditSmart
Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial health. During the holidays, it’s easy to rely on credit cards, but this can impact your score if not managed properly. Hughes’ CreditSmart tool helps you monitor your credit score, understand the factors affecting it, and get personalized tips for improvement.
Tip: If you’re planning major purchases on credit, use CreditSmart to check how these could affect your credit score.
Maximize Your Money with Checking PLUS
The Checking PLUS account at Hughes offers various benefits like discounts, cashback, and savings, perfect for holiday shoppers. By using this account, you can earn rewards on your spending and enjoy discounts at various retailers. This can significantly reduce your overall holiday expenses.
Tip: Plan your shopping to take advantage of cashback and discounts available through your Checking PLUS account.
Consider a Holiday Loan for Consolidation
If you find yourself in a position where holiday expenses have piled up, a Holiday Loan can be a sensible way to consolidate your debts. This loan can help you manage your payments more efficiently and often comes with a lower interest rate than credit cards.
Tip: Before taking out a Holiday Loan, calculate the total amount you owe across different credit sources and compare this to the loan terms to ensure it’s a cost-effective decision.
Additional Budgeting Tips for the Holidays:
- Make a List, Check it Twice: Just like Santa, make a comprehensive list of all the people you plan to buy gifts for and allocate a budget for each.
- DIY Gifts: Handmade gifts are not only personal but can also be more budget-friendly. Check out TikTok or Instagram Reels for some inspiration!
- Take Advantage of Sales: Plan your shopping around sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to snag deals.
- Travel Smart: If you’re traveling, book in advance to get the best rates and consider using reward points. Remember, Checking PLUS account holders can get 3%-5% cash back on hotels, air travel, car rentals, and cruises.
With a little planning and the right tools, holiday spending doesn’t have to lead to financial stress. By leveraging Hughes Federal Credit Union’s array of budgeting tools, you can enjoy the festive season without compromising your financial well-being. The holidays are about celebrating and creating memories, and with Hughes, you can do so while keeping your finances on track.