Manage Your Finances During the Holidays

Posted on November 5, 2020

The winter holiday season is upon us, and we hope that yours are full of cheer! We know the holidays can be an expensive time, and it can be hard to stay on top of your spending. But with a few financial education tips, you can build a holiday spending plan that works for you without breaking the budget.

Visit the AFFCU Financial Education Center for insights including:

We hope these tips help you manage your finances during the holidays, so you can enjoy this season full of cheer!

Visit the AFFCU Financial Education Center

How can we help you succeed?

What would you like to borrow for?
- A home
  - Sounds great. We offer Mortgage Loans at great prices, as well as refinancing options.
- A vehicle
  - Cool! Are you looking for a regular car, or something a little more adventurous?
    - Something adventurous
      - Awesome! We have low rates and long terms for all kinds of exciting vehicles, including Boats, RVs, and Motorcycles.
    - A regular car is fine with me
      - Sounds good! We have low rates available for both new and used
        Auto Loans. We can also Refinance your current loan with another institution.
- An education
  - Right on! We have Student Loans available through our trusted partner, Sallie Mae.
- Something else
  - Sounds good! Are you more interested in a lump sum or a line of credit?
    - Lump sum
      - Terrific! We offer Personal Loans for any need, including weddings, vacations, and debt consolidation.
    - Line of credit
      - Great! We think you’ll love our Redi-Credit option. It’s a flexible line of credit, where you’ll only pay interest on what you spend.
- I’m mostly interested in a credit card
  - Sounds good! Be sure to check out our Platinum Credit Card. It’s one of the best deals around, and includes plentiful rewards.

What would you like help with?
- Accessing my accounts
  - Okay, how would you like to access your accounts?
    - Online
      - Ok! Is this is your first time using Online Banking?
        
        Yes
        
        Sounds good. You can enroll in Online Banking right here. You’ll need your social security number and AFFCU member number.
        
        No
        
        Great. To access your account, simply click “Login” in the upper right hand corner of the page.
    - On my mobile device
      - Great! First make sure you’re enrolled in online banking. Then, download our free app for iPhone or Android.
- Opening a checking account
  - Great! We have several options available, so head over to our Compare Checking Accounts page to figure out which is right for you.
- Signing up for eStatements
  - Cool! If you are already signed up for and using our online banking service, all you need to do is click on the eStatements tab (in the blue menu bar) to start enrolling.
- Running my small business
  - Good for you! Our partner Newtek offers a variety of services to help you manage your small business, including payrolls services, payment processing, and web design.
- Getting insurance
  - Perfect, we offer discounts on auto, home and life insurance through our partner, Trustage.

What would you like to save for?
- The holidays
  - Nice! We think you’ll love our Christmas Club account.
- I’d like to open a savings account for my child
  - Great idea! We have several Youth Savings accounts available, depending on your child’s age.
- Something else – and I’d like to earn a good interest rate
  - Do you have some money saved up already?
    - Yes, quite a bit
      - Nice! Are you okay with leaving your money untouched for a while?
        
        Sure
        
        Great! We think you might like one of our Share Certificates. You agree to leave your money untouched for a while in exchange for a higher interest rate.
        
        I’d prefer to make withdrawals when I need to.
        
        Sounds good. Check out our Elite Checking account or Money Market account. These accounts are a little more flexible, but still get you a higher rate.
    - Not much
      - No worries. Once you open a Regular Savings account, you can open secondary accounts for whatever you need, including college, rainy day funds and more.
- I’d prefer just a basic savings account
  - Ok! Our Regular Savings sounds just right for you. It also secures your AFFCU membership.

Manage Your Finances During the Holidays