SafeAmerica Credit Union

Holidays

• By Kevin Alvarez

5 Holiday Spending Tips to bring You Less Stress (and More Joy!) This Holiday Season

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

After a year full of twists and turns brought on by a global pandemic, many Americans are understandably looking forward to the holiday season.

This year, many Americans may find they are dealing with financial setbacks such as a loss of employment, reduced income, or other unanticipated expenses that may make it more difficult to avoid having holiday debt follow them into the new year.

Here are five tips designed to give you less stress and more joy this COVID holiday season:

Set a Holiday Spending Limit

During the holidays, it can be easy to let spending get out of control. Put a cap on your spending by creating a holiday budget / spending plan.

Be sure to factor in additional non-gift related expenses that can easily add up—things like holiday photos, decorations, food, and if your family gathering is cancelled, shipping of gifts to love ones.

Avoid Putting Holiday Debt on Credit Cards

The number one of financial wellness? Avoid spending money you don’t have. While it’s easy to do, putting holiday spending on credit cards can be risky—
especially if you don’t have the funds to pay it off when the bill comes due.

According to a recent survey, Americans racked up an average of $1,325 in holiday debt. Of those surveyed, 75% said they wouldn’t be able to pay it off in January, with 15% saying they only intended to pay the minimum monthly payment. In case you’re wondering, that translates to over $600 in interest and 5 years of making payments—ouch!

Trade Pricey for Priceless

A great gift doesn’t have to be expensive. Think outside the box and treat your loved ones to a thoughtful gift that generates excitement without the price tag.
Maybe that’s a handmade item, DIY project, a fun experience, a coupon book, or just the gift of your time.

Keep Your Personal Info Safe

The holiday season is a time when people are more vulnerable to identity theft scams. Not only are they making more purchases than at any other time of year, but they are often distracted when doing so.

According a recent Experian study, as much as 43% of holiday shopping identity theft occurs online. As the current COVID environment drives more people
than ever to online shopping, it’s important to be aware of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft:

  • Stay up-to-date with online scams
  • Use strong account passwords
  • Monitor your credit report

Stay the Course with Free Financial Counseling from GreenPath

If you are caught up in the holiday frenzy, and you are stressed about overspending, the counselors at GreenPath can help. In fact, 90% of people surveyed report feeling better prepared to handle their finances after speaking with a financial counselor. Get a head of your holiday finances and connect with a counselor today—it’s free, no pressure, and 100% confidential.

Learn More

• By Kevin Alvarez

Holiday Travel (COVID Style)

We were all hoping the world would be at a better place for holiday travel, yet the holidays are right around the corner. To that affect, it seems like ages ago when we were able to enjoy a cup of coffee at our favorite cafe, enjoy a Sunday brunch with our families, or even have our families/friends over for the holidays. It’s been unbelievable to see how businesses and communities from around the world have been affected. Still, we can use the ever-present opportunity of technology to remind each other that, as with any situation, this too shall pass.

Did You Know...

Humans are social creatures. We need to socialize in order to survive. From teaching each other different life skills, to having a sense of identity as well as belonging, the bottom line is we need to communicate with those we love to ease some of the present tension and anxiety.

Holiday Travel Using The Internet Highway

The present limitations mean holiday travel poses a greater risk for loved ones than usual, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create meaningful memories and experiences through technology. While it may seem silly at first, just remember it is all part of the experience, and more importantly, having those close to you know they are important.

Video conferencing sites can help spread positivity , much needed social connection as well as memories during the holidays.

Take The Northbound FaceTime Highway To Visit Your Family For The Holidays

All activities can be done through your preferred video conferencing sites. They essentially boil down to what is easiest to navigate for you and your loved ones. Some examples include:

- Zoom
- FaceTime through Apple products
- Skype
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Hangouts

Don’t Forget To Bring The Main Dish (Holiday Activities)

Ugly Sweater Contest

Have family and friends join your video conference with their favorite ugly sweater or you could even have them email you a photo of them in it for you to screen share with everyone on your call. The winner can receive an online gift card along with some holiday recognition.

You Can Follow Up The Ugly Sweater Contest With …

Holiday Movie Trivia

There are plenty of online sites that can provide great trivia for your family to participate in. A simple online search can set you in the right direction for any type of movie for all to enjoy. (Yes, even Frozen and Die Hard)

Movie Trivia Followed By Some…

(Insert Holiday Theme Here) Charades

Go around and have everyone act out a scene from a holiday film while others try their best to guess the film. Simple and another activity at your disposal.

Virtual Movie Theater Roulette

To begin, make sure to have everyone get their favorite movie snack in time for this event as well as sending in their favorite holiday movie title. At the time of the event, fill a jar with your choice of small holiday sweets to have your participants guess the amount or even come close, to assist with picking a person to choose a movie that was submitted. By watching the film together and having the video call, this allows everyone to share commentary on any funny or memorable parts. This process can be done weekly to go through all the submitted movies to ensure everyone gets to watch their favorite holiday movie.

The Holidays Have A Very Distinct Look, Feel And Sound, So Toss In A…

Virtual Jukebox (Online Playlists)

Using a similar format to the Virtual Movie Theater Roulette, have everyone send in a few songs and you can either have participants guess who sent in the tune OR what the name of the tune is.

You Have Options To Structure It All Exactly How It Would Best Fit You and Your Loved Ones…

Chubby Elf

Think of “chubby bunny” but with a holiday twist. Have participants munch on their favorite holiday snacks while reciting a line from a film, ALL while having everyone else guess the film.

Take The Exit (Video Call Ending)

Close off the online hangout with some recognition. This year has affected events we took for granted, so make sure to recognize any accomplishments that would have been celebrated in person by giving an online shout out. It’s all about making each other feel special, as we all know everyone can benefit from this.