Fourth Quarter 2020
BRIGHT HORIZONS 2 A Message From Our
New Branch in Montgomery
President & CEO
End the Year in Your Dream Home
Leave 2020 Behind
Don’t Overlook these Retirement Planning Factors
Prepare Your
POCKETS for
Holiday Spending
There’s no denying it: the end of the year can be an expensive time. Having a plan in place means you’ll spend less time focusing on money and more time on holiday fun.
Budget and Plan Ahead Evaluate your budget at least once a year. It’s extra helpful to give it some attention during the holidays, too. Review your budget with our Money Management tool, and set realistic spending limits on your weekly coffee, dining out, or other discretionary purchases—then use your savings toward gifts. Get a head start on next year’s holiday savings by setting up a separate savings account, so your budget is ready for the extra spending. Simply set up automatic transfers or make regular deposits throughout the year. Our Christmas Club account let’s you make regular deposits throughout the year and will automatically transfer those savings to your spending account around September 30th each year.
Don’t Let Rewards Go to Waste Most credit cards earn rewards, our own Visa Signature® and Platinum cards, included. Rather than spending money on gift cards, redeem your credit card points, instead. You can also redeem points for a variety of items, ranging from gift cards, merchandise, travel, and a statement credit. Looking to check your GECU credit card rewards balance? Select GoToMyCard upon logging into Online Banking or the mobile app. Then, click Rewards under the “Products and Services” section.
Need help preparing your holiday budget?
If you prefer shopping with your debit card, put money directly into your account with Purchase Rewards. No coupon codes required, get cash back rewards from your favorite retailers with a GECU checking account. Simply activate deals within Online Banking or our mobile app and use your GECU debit card. Learn more about this checking feature at: gecreditunion.org/purchase-rewards.
Shop Smarter, Not Harder Retailers often entice you to open a store card with special discounts on your first purchase. While 20% off a purchase can immediately offset your holiday expenses, the hefty interest rates of a store card could end up costing you more than you saved. Instead, search for promotions that are not tied to store cards, look for price matching opportunities, and consider a credit card with low interest rates.
Join us on October 21st at 1 pm for our webinar: Holiday Budgeting and How to Stick to It Register at: gecreditunion.org/cu-events.