Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/560495
SEASONAL SHOPPING DOESN'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK. Holida Budge 'TIS THE SEASON to spend, spend, spend. But that doesn't mean you have to— or should—break the bank to buy gi s for friends and family. By following a few tips, you can maximize your holiday funds and maybe even have a few dollars le over to stash away for next year's festivities. STEPS TO SUCCESS → Budget before you shop. Evaluate how much you actually have to spend, who you need to buy gi s for, and how much you are willing to put on a credit card if you are making a large purchase. Make sure your plan is financially realistic and stick with it. → Compare prices before you buy. If you leave yourself enough time to research as you shop, you can usually find the items you need at the lowest price. Visit different stores, look online, and travel to outlet malls and discount stores. → Embrace early bird sales. Call, visit or peruse the websites of your favorite stores and ask if they are offering special holiday discounts. Find out if the items you want are expected to go on sale and ask the anticipated sales price. → Pace yourself. Shopping can be exhausting, and marathon sessions may impact your buying decisions later in the day. Don't try to do all of your shopping at once. → Surf the Web. Sales are usually abundant during the holidays, and you don't even have to leave the comfort of your couch or kitchen table to make your purchases. But this season is also appealing to online identity thieves who troll the Internet for personal information. Make sure you are using trusted, protected websites before making online purchases. → Use your discounts. Are you a senior? A student? A family member of someone who works where you will be shopping? Think through all of the different options that may help you save and put them to good use. Happy shopping, everyone! FOR INFORMATION ABOUT NAECU SERVICES THAT MAY HELP YOU AS YOU SHOP, VISIT NAECU.ORG. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR 4 Ways to Manage Holiday Debt Do you typically make large purchase during the holidays? Talk with an NAECU representative about these options to spend and save: → Christmas Club Account. This payroll deduction plan lets you deposit funds into a savings account that's available to you at the beginning of November. Start saving for 2016! → Holiday Loans. NAECU offers members fixed rates as low as 5.99% APR* for up to 12 months. → Holiday Skip-A- Payment. NAECU members can postpone a payment on an eligible consumer loan during the holiday season. → NAECU Visa. This credit card offer members special rates and rewards for shopping. To learn more about how NAECU services can benefit your finances, visit naecu.org. SHOP SMART! 6 NOT FOR PROFIT, NOT FOR CHARITY, BUT FOR SERVICE NAECU.ORG