Spend Smarter, Not Harder
With the holiday season almost upon us, and Black Friday rapidly approaching, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of seasonal sales. Here are a few tips to help you curb the impulse to splurge, and spend smarter when you do decide to buy!
Don’t buy something that wasn’t on your list.
If you’ve had the same TV for 10 years, or your cell phone is on its last legs, and a replacement was already on your to-do list, Black Friday can be a great time to score sweet deals on new electronics. But if your phone is only 6 months old, or you just inherited a lightly-used TV from a family member, don’t get swept up in the excitement of holiday sales. Spending $400 on something that usually costs $1,000 is still wasting $400 if it’s not something you need!
Stick to your budget.
Remember the savings account you opened at the beginning of the year, intending to put aside a few bucks every paycheck to cover holiday gifts? Even if you fell behind on the savings account, you can still stick to your spending budget! Get creative with your gift-giving, and have fun with it!
Arrange a gift exchange with your group of friends, where each person gets one other person a super-thoughtful gift, rather than buying gifts for each friend. For the young parents in your family, make your present something they’ll really appreciate, like your services as a babysitter or cook for a day. And, for the office gift exchange, get your craft on and DIY something lovely.
Use the right card.
If you’re a points-maximizing wizard, you’ll reach for your Xceed Platinum Visa Rewards® Credit Card while shopping. Looking for a low interest rate on your purchases? The Xceed Platinum Visa Credit Card without Rewards has rates as low as 9.49% APR.1
If you’re looking for cash back on your purchases, choosing your Xceed Platinum Visa Debit Card scores you $0.05/transaction (up to $5 per month) for your shopping, and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing it comes with Personal ID Theft Protection.2
Be sure to make smart purchases with the right card this holiday season!
1Variable rate loans may adjust monthly based on the prime rate (index) plus a margin. The APRs do not reflect introductory rates that may apply. New credit card accounts are subject to credit qualifications and approval. Actual rates and loan limits are based on applicants’ credit score and verifiable income. Xceed Financial loan limits and underwriting guidelines will be followed. The following additional finance charges may apply, depending on the type of transaction: For balance transfer transactions – a Balance Transfer Fee of $29 or 3% of the balance transfer amount, whichever is greater; for cash advance transactions – a Cash Advance Fee – Domestic of $10 or 3% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater or a Cash Advance Fee – Foreign of $10 or 4% of the foreign cash advance amount, whichever is greater; for foreign purchase transactions – a Foreign Transaction Fee – Purchases of 1% of each foreign transaction (in U.S. dollars). If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. Other terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are effective as of 11/1/2018 and are subject to change at any time. Ask an associate for details. Xceed Financial Federal Credit Union (“Xceed Financial”) is an equal opportunity lender.
2Please refer to the Visa Card Guide to Benefits for details.