The holidays are coming! Santa is cleaning his sleigh and the reindeer are preparing to fly.

And while the excitement is near, the reality is that the holidays can be expensive and stressful. (Can you feel those credit cards heating up with the anticipation of being used?)

One way to reduce stress is to stick to a budget and pay cash for all your gifts. However, especially with online shopping, paying cash isn’t always an option. It’s easy to whip out the credit card and start charging, but post-holiday debt headaches are real.

We’re here to let you know that there is a smart way to shop for those you love. A few credit card tips can go a long way toward saving you from the post-holiday debt hangover.

1. Use your credit card responsibly. The Balance has some great dos and don’ts for using credit cards in the holiday season. Number one on our list: Avoid those store credit cards! Check out the offers on your current cards and see which one will be the best to use this holiday season.
2. Develop a no debt/low debt strategy! Consumers Reports offers ideas on how to develop a strategy to use your credit cards in the best way possible. Save money, rack up rewards and stay out of debt.
3. Set a budget. That’s tip #1 from Wisebread. It’s easy to overspend when you’re slinging plastic in the stores to bring smiles to those faces at home. Keep track of every penny – and check out their other tips to save yourself a headache!

Our Rewards Mastercard® credit card offers fantastic rewards with interest rates that are lower than many of our competitors. Apply today online or stop by an office and talk to a member service representative.

Enjoy the holidays with Consumers Credit Union!

 

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