Manage your holiday finances with a little thought and planning

Start by giving yourself a limit: a fair amount you’re comfortable spending that makes you feel good about giving, but not over-taxed. Remember that simple, heartfelt gifts are much more appreciated than a large quantity of high-priced trinkets. These simple tips can help you make the holiday both rewarding and less of a financial burden. 

1. Make a Plan

Suggest what or how much to exchange, and decide together on a gift limit. You could also exchange something simple, like cookies; or give to charities in each others’ honor. You might even learn that you’re not the only one looking to save.

2. Play Secret Santa

In a larger family or group of friends, everyone can save when you choose names and give to just one person instead of every member of the crew. This method also allows for setting ground rules to save even more, such as limiting the value of the gift. It might even kick off a new tradition for every gift-giving event.

3. Purchase Fewer Items in Larger Quantities

To save both money and time, find a sincere, useful gift, and buy enough for everyone in bulk. You may save on the purchase price, and can sometimes find ways to personalize each one to give them more meaning. Get creative by putting together “gift baskets” for each person full of small, thoughtful items, and personalize each with a note.

4. Enjoy Experiences Together

Suggest a family or friend outing instead of gift exchanges. Everyone can handle their own expenses, and you can keep it simple and fun. Consider an outdoor activity that includes treats, a local play, or a visit to a nearby attraction. Or have a cozy get together at home to save even more. You could also find photos of your experiences from the past year to frame and give.

5. Give the Gift of Your Time

An even better money-saver and a really nice thing to do: volunteer your time in a meaningful way, such as helping on someone’s DIY project, fixing an item they can’t repair themselves, babysitting, or helping out with a big commitment. Make sure it’s something you’re good at, and remember to follow through on the promise to help.

6. Take Advantage of Specials 

Find stores that offer discounts or bonus gifts if you purchase a certain amount, like gift cards (e.g. “Buy a $25 Gift Card and receive a Free $5 Gift Card”). You can apply the bonuses to gifts for others, or put them into your own budget for your needs once the holidays are over. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!

Remember that giving gifts is all about the spirit of generosity, and doing something kind for the receiver of your gift. Pay special attention to their wants and needs, and you’ll always find something special and meaningful to them. Most of all, embrace the joy of giving! 

Have tips you’d like to share? Help others on a budget with your ideas. 
 

The holidays are coming, and the expenses can add up. Presents for family and friends, out of town travel, extra groceries for the big family meals, and even wrapping paper and shipping costs, all add up. We don’t want you to stress about the post-holiday credit card bill surprise. A Holiday Loan could be the answer, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your loved ones.

If you’re considering applying for a Holiday Loan to help cover your expenses, review this list to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. If you have any questions, simply make an appointment with us, and we can help you work through the entire decision process.

1. Have you budgeted properly?

It’s always helpful to have a budget for your holiday spending. Make sure to include not only gifts, but travel, food, decorating, and other relevant expenses. If your budget is sound and you’re still not able to cover expenses, a Holiday Loan may be the answer.

2. Do you know how much you’re able to repay?

This one seems obvious, but some people don’t consider it: you should only borrow as much as you’re able to repay. Borrowing can save your holiday, but taking on too much debt won’t help. Make sure you know how to accommodate the new loan in your monthly expenses. If you’re not sure how to figure this out, we can help!

3. Do you know exactly how much you need?

Another pretty obvious one. It’s tempting to consider borrowing more than you need, so you can have a little extra funding for the unexpected, but it’s never worth it. Figure out what you’ll need to cover your holiday expenses, and stick to that amount. Again, if it fits into your repayment budget, consider a Holiday Loan.

4. Do you have a spending plan for the loan amount?

Have a spending plan in mind, and resist impulse purchases. Know what you consider acceptable, and what’s not part of your plan, and stay within the limits of your available funds.

If you’re ready to apply, it’s time to plan ahead and get started. That way you can apply, and if approved, get your cash in time for everything you need, well before the last minute! Call us today at 315.735.8571 to make an appointment.

When you’re ready to start saving for next year’s big dream vacation, keep your goal in mind to stay disciplined and on track! Whether it’s a trip to the Adirondacks, a cross-country family adventure, or an international escape, make a plan to save, and stick to it.

1. Get Everyone Involved. If you have children and are planning a family trip, let them help earn and save spending money for the vacation. Odd jobs, sales, allowance savings, you name it. They’ll learn about saving for goals, how small amounts can add up over time, and feel a rewarding ownership of the entire experience.

2. Save Before Spending. The easiest way to save is by setting aside a set amount before allocating the rest of your weekly expenses. You can set it up automatically with a regular transfer from your checking to savings account, or depositing a set amount from every paycheck into the vacation fund. It adds up quickly!

3. Have a Plan to Pay for it All. In case your saving plan doesn’t accumulate the entire amount in time, have a plan for paying the rest off after you return from your trip. Set aside so much a week (or month) so you don’t forget about it. Try to pay it off in less than a year.

4. Spread the Cost. If you must put expenses on credit, spread them across multiple credit cards to avoid approaching the credit limit on any one card (which can have a negative effect on your credit). Smaller amounts are also easier to pay off.

5. Plan for the Extras. If you’re planning an all-inclusive vacation, you won’t really need to worry about the “extras”. If not, think about what you would normally spend at home on groceries, recreation and entertainment, and budget for that plus a little more to cover the “extras” on your trip.

Need a little help? Make an appointment to meet with one of our Member Service Representatives to help you with your plan!

In an earlier blog, we offered financial tips for international travel. If your dream is an international trip and you’re still in the planning (and saving) stages, here are a few tips you can get done well ahead of time, and save yourself stress when the time comes.

1. Make sure your passport and visa are current. For travel to most countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. Check the expiration date, and if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel, renew now. Remember, the whole process can take up to six weeks. Once you have your new passport, photocopy the information page and the visa page(s) for your destination(s), and pack them separately from your passport.

2. Plan to drive safely. If you plan to drive in another country, see if you need an International Driver’s License, or if your U.S. license will be enough to get to your planned destinations.

3. Stay healthy. Visit the travel section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to find health information and recommendations for your destination. The website also lists helpful tips, and recommended items to pack. Bring copies of any prescriptions, pack them separately from your medicine, and note the generic names. Always pack your medicine in prescription bottles, in your carry-on.

4. Consider travel insurance. Your health insurance may not cover you while you’re traveling internationally. If your trip expenses will be high, consider trip interruption and cancellation insurance as well.

5. Register your trip (free!). If you’re traveling outside industrial countries or to remote areas, you can register online with the U.S. State Department, and include your itinerary. That way, the U.S. government will know about your travel and how to contact you. You can even share your information with others—like family and friends—if they need to contact you. Registration is free.

7. Have fun! You’ve planned well. Now relax and enjoy your adventure of a lifetime!

Whether you call them “camps”, “cottages”, or “lake houses”, vacation homes are often a bigger investment than our primary homes.

If you’re considering a vacation home, go in with both eyes open, and you’ll make a great investment of your money, time, and leisure. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind:

1. Visit first
Before you buy, visit the area a number of times. Reading or hearing about a great vacation spot isn’t enough. Before you commit to a long-term residence, make sure you’ll truly enjoy it.

2. Understand all your expenses
Learn the real price of owning your vacation home. In addition to the cost of the property, make sure you know the taxes, insurance, and other carrying costs. Even when you’re not there, you’ll still have to pay for water, gas, electrical, trash removal, landscaping, and other maintenance. Make sure you can afford the entire cost year round. Another common cost for vacation homes is a management fee. If you don’t plan to be there for a large part of the year, you can find a reliable local property manager to maintain your home.

3. Plan for work
Remember, this is a vacation home, which is still a home. It requires repair and upkeep the same as your primary residence, and you should budget time, effort, and costs during the season (especially at the start!) for maintenance.

4. Consider renting
If you won’t be there for large portions of the year, consider renting your home to other vacationers during those times. With rental managed by a reliable property manager, you can offset your monthly costs, and even pay off your vacation home early! Check out other local rentals, and find a good local agent or rental company, so you can set a reasonable rental price, as well as get an idea of how much of the season your home will be vacant. Also keep in mind that the most popular vacation times are when your rental will be in demand, and that could conflict with your own vacation plans.

5. Remember accessibility
How easy will it be for you to get to your new vacation home? Find a place that is close enough, and easy enough, to access easily year round. You’ll be much more likely to use it.

We can help you with a number of these considerations. Make an appointment to tell us your vacation dream!