Financial Tips to Do Better

Snow’s falling, friends are calling, the holiday season is here. It’s a stretch of the year filled with traditions, family, travel, shopping, and a million ways for costs to snowball out of control. One second, you’re feeling great about the presents you’ve snuggled under the tree, and then you take a peek at your credit card bill, and you’re starting to feel much less festive.

We’ve created a list, a gift to you, full of tips to get you through the holidays. You’ll learn how to protect your budget, stay safe online and in person, use credit wisely, and find easy ways to stretch your dollars a little further. Whether your December is already planned out or you’re just getting started, these tips can keep you organized and in joyful spirits.

THE BUDGETING BELL TOLLS

Everyone wants your money during the holidays, and it's so easy to give in. Without a plan, you might overspend on gifts, events, decorations, dinners, travel, the list is endless. If you don’t want to start the New Year scrambling to make up for your holiday purchases, you need to keep your budget intact.

Tip #1: Stick to a List

Holiday deals are designed to grab your attention. Retailers lean heavily into psychological tactics this time of year. Things like flashy signs, “limited time” banners, doorbusters, and promotions that seem too good to pass up.

A simple list can keep you grounded. Write down who you’re shopping for and set a spending limit for each person. Check your list regularly while shopping so impulse purchases don’t quietly creep into your budget.

Tip #2: Set a Realistic Budget

There’s no getting around it, the holiday season is one of the most expensive times of the year.

Set a realistic holiday budget before you begin shopping. If money is tight this season, consider scaling back in a few areas or swapping expensive purchases for more thoughtful, lower-cost alternatives. And if you need financing, skip high-interest credit cards and consider more responsible options, such as a Holiday Loan.

Need more budgeting tips? How to Make the Most of the Holidays without Ruining Your Finances 

Tip #3: Trim Expenses

A few temporary adjustments to your current budget can go a long way in freeing up extra cash.

Many households choose to:

• Pause a streaming/subscription service for a month
• Cook at home more often
• Skip small luxuries temporarily

Redirecting savings toward holiday spending allows you to avoid relying on high-interest credit cards or payday loans, and that means fewer interest charges in January.

RING IN THE CREDIT

You have a box full of financial tools at your disposal. With a little planning, you can use credit strategically instead of starting the year with a balance you didn’t anticipate.

Tip #4: Choose the Lowest Rate

Credit cards are incredibly convenient, which is why many shoppers reach for them first. But remember, a credit card is a loan, and interest can add up fast if you don’t pay it off quickly.

If you plan to use credit this season, compare the cards in your wallet and prioritize the one with the lowest interest rate. When you sign up for a card at Atlantic*, you can enjoy a low introductory rate!

Tip #5: Ignore Sign-Up Bonuses

You wait through a long checkout line, eager to escape into the cold, and by the time you finally make it to the register, you get hit with an upsell for a store credit card. They’ll have all the talking points – instant savings, a percentage off the day’s total, or even a huge discount.

Store-sponsored credit cards tend to have some of the highest interest rates in the industry. If you carry a balance even briefly, you’ll likely pay far more in interest than the value of the initial discount. Just say no.

Tip #6: Use BNPL Sparingly

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services continue to grow in popularity. The appeal is understandable: four small payments over time, no interest, and instant approval.

The challenge is keeping track of it all. One BNPL purchase turns into another, and suddenly you’re juggling multiple due dates across different apps. Miss one payment, and the fees and interest charges can be steep. These programs were originally designed to help break up large or occasional purchases; however, today they’re being used for everything from clothing to fast food.

Dive deeper into the benefits and setbacks of BNPL: Buy Now, Pay Later: Smart Hack or Deadly Trap?

HELP ME SAVE, PLEASE!

There are plenty of simple ways to stretch your holiday dollars further. A little creativity and some thoughtful planning can reduce stress and help you stay focused on what matters most.

Tip #7: Redeem Credit Card Rewards

If you’ve been earning points all year, now may be the perfect time to use them. Redeeming points for gift cards is especially effective because they’re flexible, you can use them for gifts, groceries, decorations, or give them as presents themselves.

Or if you’re looking to earn more rewards from your purchases, consider signing up for a Kasasa Cash Back Checking account!

Tip #8: Set Limits with Family & Friends

I come from a big family, and I know how fast gift spending can grow out of control. It can help to set expectations and decide on a spending limit with your friends and family.

A few common approaches include:

• Setting a dollar limit for each gift
• Buying only for the children in the family
• Swapping gifts for shared experiences
• Using a Secret Santa system

Tip #9: Choose a Personal Loan

A personal loan gives you a structured, responsible way to borrow without turning to high-interest credit cards, payday loans, or juggling multiple BNPL payments.

Personal Loans can help you:

• Plan confidently: Fixed monthly payments make budgeting much easier.
• Save on interest: Rates are generally lower than most traditional credit cards.
• Avoid overspending: Borrow a set amount and stick to it.
• Pay off debt faster: Clear terms ensure the loan doesn’t turn into long-term debt.

If you expect a tight budget this year, a Personal Loan can offer the breathing room you need without worrying about high-interest debt following you into the new year.

TLDR:

The Holidays can be a great time for family and friends, but a terrible time for your finances. Here are some tips to get you through the holidays: make a list and check it twice, give yourself a realistic budget, trim excess expenses, shop for lower-rate credit cards, ignore tempting sales or sign-up bonuses, and reach out for help if you’re struggling with expectations this year!

We’re Here to Help!

The holiday season should be filled with joy, not financial stress. By creating a holiday budget, protecting yourself, using credit wisely, and exploring responsible options like a Holiday Loan, you can enjoy the season while keeping your finances on track for the new year. Even small steps can make a significant financial difference.

If you want to learn more about Personal Loans or have questions about our low-rate credit cards, we’re ready to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-834-0432 to speak with a team member today.

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The Atlantic Financial Tips to Do Better strives to deliver informative, relevant, and sometimes fun financial information. If you enjoyed this article, please forward it to a friend.

Each individual's financial situation is unique, and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.

*Subject to approval.