Sometimes we tell ourselves that 
breaking our budget and using credit cards a little more freely during the holidays is okay because we’ll get back on track in the new year. But wouldn’t it be nice to enter the year with a clean slate and less financial burden? Here are four creative ways to get the most from your money this holiday season.
- Estimate your expenses. List your friends and family members and the amount you’d like to spend on each. Add that up and then add to it an estimate for wrapping paper and cards, food and beverages, plus travel. You may not get it exactly right, but the exercise will make you more mindful of the big picture.
- Shop early. That will give you a chance to compare prices, catch more sales, and make the smartest purchase. If you wait until the last minute, you may not find what you want and have to make a substitution that’s costlier.
- Track your spending. Keep a log of everything, including wrapping paper, holiday cards, etc. This will help you next year when you’re creating your spending plan.
- Shop after the holiday. If you have family or friends you won’t be seeing until after the holidays, consider shopping later. Most stores have great sales after Christmas.
When you’ve completed your shopping, if you find you’re carrying balances with other higher-interest vendors (department stores, big-box stores, etc.), transfer them to your RCU Visa ® card. You’ll pay a lower rate and there’s no balance-transfer fee. Apply today at redwoodcu.org/visa.