It’s easy to go overboard when shopping for holiday gifts, but the fallout from seasonal overspending can last all year. Follow this helpful advice for getting a grip on holiday spending – BEFORE it gets out of control!

• Create a budget and stick to it. Make a list of all the people you intend to buy gifts for and how much you’d like to spend on each person. Tuck your list into your purse or wallet so you’ll have it with you if you come across that perfect gift.
• Shop online. Everyone knows that shopping online is convenient – but it can also save you money! The Internet makes it easy to compare prices, and many online retailers offer free or discounted shipping during the holiday season. Shopping online also makes it easier to resist the impulse purchases that distract so many holiday shoppers at malls and traditional retail stores. (Don’t forget you can earn more Rewards points when you shop through our Perk Points Mall or Superstore.)
• Use credit wisely. If you plan to use your credit card for holiday purchases, only charge as much as you can pay off when the bill arrives. By paying your credit card balance in full each month, you won’t have to regret holiday overspending all year long! Pinnacle FCU offers a number of low-rate credit cards to meet your needs – call today to learn more or to apply! We also have a special holiday loan right now. Learn More.

Bonus tip for next year:

• Open a Pinnacle FCU holiday club account. Holiday club accounts are a great way to save money for the holidays! You choose how much you want to save each pay period and the money is automatically diverted to your holiday club account. If you save as little as $25 each pay period for a whole year, you’ll have over $600 by the time December rolls around. To establish your holiday club account, call or visit us today!

Don’t spend the holidays stressed about overspending! Plan ahead, spend smart and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this special time of year.