Budget Smart This Holiday Season: Shop, Save, and Stay Safe!

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving—but it can also be a stressful time for your finances. At Members Credit Union, we want to help you enjoy the holidays without overspending or falling for scams. Here are some tips to keep your holiday budget in check, shop wisely during Black Friday deals, and stay safe online, in stores, and when using your cards.

1. Plan Your Holiday Budget

Before you start shopping, create a holiday spending plan. Include gifts, travel, decorations, and special events. Setting a clear budget will help you avoid overspending and unnecessary debt.

Tip: Break your budget into categories (gifts, food, entertainment) and track your spending as you go.
Tip: Consider using a Members Credit Union Holiday Loan if you need a little extra cash for planned holiday expenses.

2. Shop Smart During Black Friday and Holiday Sales

Black Friday and other holiday deals are exciting—but it’s easy to get carried away.

Make a list of what you really need before browsing deals.
Compare prices online and in stores to ensure you’re getting the best value.
Avoid impulse purchases. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”

3. Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams and Keep Your Cards Safe

Scammers often increase activity during the holiday season, targeting both online and in-person shoppers.

Online shopping safety: Only shop from reputable websites. Look for “https” in the web address and avoid clicking suspicious links.
Email alerts: Be cautious with emails claiming “special offers” or “urgent updates”—verify before clicking.
In-store safety: Keep your wallet, cards, and personal information secure.

We also recommend taking advantage of our card security tools to protect your money while shopping:

VISA Credit Card holders can download the Card Suite Lite App, which comes with multiple security features to help protect your card during online and in-store purchases.
MasterMoney Debit Card members can use the CardValet App to set spending limits, receive real-time transaction alerts, and manage their money directly from their phone. Both tools give you peace of mind and help prevent fraud, especially during the busy holiday season.

4. Tips to Stay on Track

Set a spending limit for each person on your gift list.
Track all holiday expenses, even small ones—they add up fast!
Consider giving experiences or homemade gifts to save money while spreading joy.

At Members Credit Union, we’re here to help you plan, save, and celebrate safely this holiday season. From budgeting tips to affordable Holiday Loans and tools to protect your cards, we make it easy to enjoy the festivities without financial stress.

Your Holiday Season Starts at Members Credit Union – Budget Wisely, Celebrate Fully!