Minimize Debt This Holiday Season
It’s human nature to spend money when you’re surrounded by temptation (Holiday food! Holiday shows! Aesthetically pleasing department store displays!). If you’re motivated to control spending during the holidays, here are some ways to spend wisely and minimize debt this holiday season.
1. Set a spending limit for yourself
Take inventory of your current balances and come up with a spending cap. Resisting the urge to buy something just because it’s a good deal or you found a coupon will cut down on costs.
2. Opt for potluck
If it’s your turn to host this year, divide and conquer the holiday menu. Invite guests to bring one or two of their favorite dishes so you’re not footing the food bill alone.
3. Draw names from a hat
Consider drawing family names (at least the adult names) from a hat. This allows everyone to give and receive a gift without overextending their personal budget.
4. Choose sincere gifts over pricey ones
Focus on the quality of your gift (and who is receiving it) rather than the cost of the gift. Curate an assorted “movie night” snack basket for the film lover in your life, layer dry ingredients in a mason jar for the baking enthusiast, frame a favorite family photo, or offer a night of free babysitting for someone who has been burning the parent candle at both ends.
5. Skip the parties and volunteer
In lieu of spending money on holiday parties, consider coordinating a group visit to a shelter, soup kitchen, or community center to offer support for those less fortunate.
6. Get ready for the next holiday season
Set up a separate savings account to put money aside for next year’s holiday expenses. UECU members can set up unlimited Special Goal Savings Accounts to organize and save for many types of expenses such as taxes, car insurance, travel, college costs, and more. Visit UECU.org/savings to learn more.
Additional Resources and Information
Financial education provided by GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit. UECU members can receive free financial education and counseling services through GreenPath. Get started at GreenPath.com/UECU or call 877-337-3399. The call is free and confidential.
When you do need to shop for the holiday season, make your holiday shopping more rewarding. UECU members can sign up2 beginning October 13th and earn double VantagePoints™ with the Advantages Visa® Debit Card™ and Visa Power Card™, November 9- December 31, 2026. Credit Card Purchases Earn 2 Points for Every $1 Spent1. Debit Card Purchases Earn 1 Point for Every $1 Spent1. Visit uecu.org/doublepoints for details and opt-in instructions.
1 Points earned on Visa purchases – exclusions may apply. ATM cash transactions or cash advance transactions are not eligible to earn points. Points are earned net of credits. Cardholders who’ve gone paperless by opting out of paper statements for their Member Statements earn 1 point for every $1 spent on debit card transactions during the promotional period; cardholders who receive Member Statements via paper delivery earn 1 point for every $2 spent. DOUBLE POINTS for the purpose of this promotion cannot be combined with DOUBLE POINTS earned on the first 30 days after receipt of your new card. Members will earn DOUBLE POINTS from 11/9/2026 until 12/31/2026, but this promotion can be terminated at any time. Visit uecu.org for complete VantagePoints™ program details. 2 Must sign up to earn DOUBLE POINTS during the promotional period. Members may sign up beginning 10/13/2026.
