INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SAVING MONEY
SPONSORED CONTENT
Spend less this Holiday Season!
Do you love the holidays but wish you could spend less money? Yes, probably. Do you suffer through the stress that likely goes with this time of year? There is a better way. Just take a deep breath, and follow the easy tips in this guide. 1. Get free holiday shipping – Keep your eye on online shopping sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Macy’ s, Kohls. Every year at some point in December, they offer free holiday shipping if you spend a certain amount. The savings can really add up here and are worth taking advantage of. 2. Give Group Gifts – An Ice Cream Maker or Blu-ray DVD player is a great gift that a whole family can enjoy. This cuts down on the stress of buying for multiple people in a family. 3. Presentation is everything – Presentation can make a huge difference. You might only have a few presents under the tree, but when you wrap them and decorate them with some extras it makes them look extra special! You don’ t have to spend a lot of money – brown craft paper and a beautiful ribbon make a gorgeous present! And involve the kids – brown craft paper can be embellished with Sharpie markers for a homemade extra touch. 4. Wrap everything individually – If you bought a four-pack of lip gloss, open up the package and wrap each one individually. You just went from one present to four! 5. Know when the Sales are – If you can afford to wait, the best time to get deals on basic toys is two weeks before Christmas, when toys can be discounted up to 70 percent. 6. Do Secret Santa Gift Exchanges – Agree amongst friends, family or work colleagues to throw your names into a hat and decide on a budget. That way, everyone gets a nice gift and nobody has to buy for more than one person. 7. Give the Gift of Time – Sometimes the best gifts are free. Why not present someone with a voucher or IOU for a week’ s pet sitting, walking the dog, baby sitting, gardening – the ideas are endless. Time is a precious thing and everyone needs more of it. 8. Use Credit Card Rewards – If you have a rewards card that you have been using throughout the year to collect points, Christmas is a great time to cash the points in. 9. Rethink your Christmas Card – Rather than spending money on buying and mailing Christmas cards, which can add up quickly – record a family greeting on
This Industry Insight was written by Wendy Kingsland. Wendy Kingsland is the CEO of Visionary FCU in Bridgeville. Prior to joining Visionary in 2011, she was employed by Clearview FCU from 1991-2011. Kingsland currently serves as Vice President of South West Communities Chamber of Commerce. She is active in the Pittsburgh Chapter of Credit Unions, serving as a board member since 1991 and currently serving as Treasurer. She also serves as a Director for the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.
your phone and email it to friends and loved ones. It will be much more fun and really add a personal touch. 10. Donate to your Favorite Charities – Spread the Christmas cheer by giving to those who are less fortunate. Consider donating to a charity. As well as money, they may accept household items, clothes, groceries, pet supplies, or you could volunteer your time.
Above all, relax and enjoy the holiday season. In the end, the holidays are all about enjoying friends and family. Staying focused on time with loved ones and other joys of the season can help you to keep stress in perspective.
Jingle Bucks, Jingle Bucks, Jingle All the Way to the Holiday!
Avoid the shopping rush and using a high rate credit card to get the job done. With the Jingle Bucks Loan Special you can enjoy a low rate loan and make the holidays bright for the ones you love.
Apply today!
Visit us at www. visionaryfcu. org to apply, or call us at 412-221-6660.
* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Loan rates listed are:“ as low as” rates and your final rate may be higher depending on credit worthiness and debit to income ratio. Other rates and terms available. Any or all promotional rates and offers may change and / or end without notice. Approval is based on normal underwriting requirements and income verification. $ 5,000.00 maximum loan.
4.95 % APR *
up to 18 months
201 Beram Avenue Bridgeville, PA 15017 www. VisionaryFCU. org
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