Giving is one of the greatest joys in life, so it’s easy to get carried away with Christmas gifts and rack up some credit card debt. If this sounds like you, we’re here to remind you that it doesn’t have to set you back for all of 2023! Start your new year smarter and maintain your financial health with help from United Financial Credit Union. Here are some ways to get back on track after overspending during the holiday season.
Consolidate Multiple Sources of Debt
If you put a lot of holiday spending on your credit card, you’re likely paying a higher interest rate than you should be. You may even have multiple credit cards with active balances. Transfer those high-rate loans and credit card balances to a Balance Transfer Loan and enjoy a lower rate and one easy payment. Do you know how high your current rate is? Imagine how much you’ll save in interest!
Meet with a GreenPath Financial Wellness Counselor
Our members can receive FREE one-on-one financial counseling with our partner GreenPath Financial Wellness. You don’t even need to visit a branch location to enjoy this benefit, it’s available completely by phone. Their services include Debt Management, which just may be what you need after a pricey holiday season. GreenPath counselors are completely confidential and no-pressure, meaning these aren’t salespeople looking to push you into more financial products!
Review Your Credit Report
Members can also get a free credit report review with our financial experts. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from a Credit Rebuilder Loan. Paying it off with regular monthly payments will help repair your credit and build a savings account at the same time! Learn more about a Credit Rebuilder Loan here.
Reduce Unnecessary Spending
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you wouldn’t believe how much unnecessary spending your average American does each week! Those extra coffees, lunches, Slurpees, and other goodies add up on your monthly balance. Prioritize that money for paying off your holiday debt instead, and you could get back on track much faster.
Getting Money from Unwanted Gifts or Household Items
It’s never been easier to make a little extra cash from selling unwanted clothing or goods around the house. You don’t even need to have a garage sale these days, simply list your items on an online marketplace like Facebook, PoshMark, or RealReal. Plus, selling extra stuff around the home helps make room for the new toys you received during the holidays!
Don’t Wait to Get Started!
Living with debt is seriously intimidating. It’s so intimidating you may be tempted to try and put it off with minimum payments, but this strategy always ends up costing you more! Debt doesn’t go away on its own, so take the time now to get started on your post-holiday debt consolidation. You can easily apply for a loan online, but don’t hesitate to contact United Financial if you have any questions. Sometimes it’s better to talk to a real person. Schedule an appointment and sit down with one of our friendly representatives.