In Focus – SCCCU Blog

Everyone has a holiday shopping style. Maybe you buy your first gift while everyone else is still thinking about Halloween. Maybe you thrive on the adrenaline of December 23. Or maybe you have a spreadsheet, a color-coded gift list, and a firm belief that no one should ever pay full price.

Whatever your style, your holiday money personality can say a lot about how you spend, save, and manage your money during one of the busiest spending seasons of the year. See if you recognize yourself in any of these.

#1: The Early Shopper

You pick up gifts throughout the year, take advantage of sales when you see them, and feel just a tiny bit smug when everyone else starts panicking in December. You’re less likely to get stuck paying for rush shipping or settling for something expensive because everything else is sold out.

Your challenge? Keeping track of all that early spending. It’s easy to forget what you bought in August and keep adding “just one more thing” in November.

Your Holiday Money Sidekick: Check your account and transaction history as you go, and keep a simple list of what you’ve already purchased. Starting early only saves money if you know when to stop.

#2: The Last-Minute Sprinter

You don’t need three months to shop. You need three days, a strong cup of coffee, and stores that stay open late. The problem isn’t necessarily how much you buy. It’s what happens when you run out of time. Expedited shipping, limited choices, and impulse purchases can quickly make your holiday season more expensive.

Your Holiday Money Sidekick: Before the sprint begins, check your account in our mobile banking app to see exactly where you stand. Decide what you can comfortably spend before the countdown pressure begins.

#3: The Deal Hunter

You’ve got coupon codes, sale alerts, and an almost supernatural ability to find free shipping. If there’s a better price somewhere, you will find it. But just be careful that the deal doesn't become the reason you buy. Before clicking “Buy Now,” ask yourself one question: Would I buy this if it weren’t on sale?

Your Holiday Money Sidekick: While you’re watching prices, watch your accounts, too. Set up card or account alerts through Online Banking or Mobile Banking and keep an eye on transactions throughout the holiday shopping season. Fraudsters like a good holiday opportunity, too.

#4: The Over-Gifter

You started with one gift. Then you found something else they’d love. Then a stocking stuffer. Then something that was “too perfect not to get.” And while generosity is wonderful, January credit card shock isn’t.

Your Holiday Money Sidekick: Give yourself a total holiday spending amount before you start and check your balances along the way. If holiday expenses are putting pressure on your finances, talk with one of our lending experts before turning to a high-cost borrowing option.

#5: The Spreadsheet Person

Names? Check. Gift ideas? Check. Budget? Check. Actual amount spent? Obviously. There may even be formulas.

You’re already ahead of the game when it comes to knowing where your money is going. Just remember that a holiday budget doesn’t need to account for every last penny.

Your Holiday Money Sidekick: Build a little breathing room into that beautiful spreadsheet. Unexpected dinners, forgotten gifts, and last-minute activities happen. A small cushion in your checking or savings account can keep an unexpected expense from throwing off the whole plan.

#6: The “One for You, One for Me” Shopper

You’re shopping for other people when suddenly you see something you need. It’s already on sale. You’re already paying for shipping. Really, it would be financially irresponsible not to buy it. We admire the creativity of your reasoning. Those extras, however, can quietly become a big part of your holiday spending.

Your Holiday Money Sidekick: Take an occasional scroll through your transaction history in mobile banking. Seeing all those “little” purchases together can be surprisingly enlightening.

#7: The Experience Giver

You’d rather give concert tickets, a special dinner, a weekend getaway, or a family adventure than another sweater. Experiences can make wonderful gifts, but remember to budget for the entire experience, not just the ticket price. Travel, parking, meals, and all those little extras count, too.

Your Holiday Money Sidekick: If you’re planning a bigger experience, consider keeping that money separate from everyday spending. A dedicated savings account can make it easier to know exactly what you have available. Check out our options.

Whatever Your Personality, Keep These Five Holiday Money Moves Handy

No matter how you shop, a few simple habits can make the season easier:

• Know your number. Decide what you’re comfortable spending before you start.
• Check your accounts. Mobile and online banking make it easy to keep tabs on spending.
• Turn on alerts. They can help you spot unusual card activity quickly.
• Keep some breathing room. Holiday surprises have a way of finding us.
• Ask before you borrow. If you need some financial flexibility, talk with us about the lending options available before choosing an expensive quick fix.

SCCCU is here for more than holding your money. We'll help you make the most of it during the holidays and throughout the year. So whether you’re finished shopping before Thanksgiving or still searching for the perfect gift on December 24, enjoy the season in whatever way works for you. Just try not to let December have all the fun and leave January with all the bills.