How to Pay for the Holidays (Without the Stress!)

Worried about keeping your gift giving on track this year? Here are some great tips to help keep your Black Friday (and beyond) out of the red

Between gift lists, travel plans, and a grocery cart that keeps mysteriously refilling itself, the holidays can feel like a financial juggling act—especially when the economy feels more uncertain by the day. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between celebrating and saving.

At CFCU, we’re here to help members like you handle the holidays with less stress and more confidence—so you can focus on what really matters: the people (and moments) that make this season bright.

1. Stretch your spending the smart way

The Buy Now, Pay Later feature built into every CFCU debit card lets you split your holiday purchases into smaller, interest-free payments that fit your budget. (Keyword: interest free!)

So you can get the gifts, book the trip, or host the dinner—without draining your account all at once.

2. Make your money work harder

If you’re planning for bigger expenses, a credit union personal loan or credit card can help you cover more while generally paying less in interest.

Prefer to use what you already have? Move your holiday funds into a high yield savings account to earn more while you plan ahead for next year. (With 10% APY* on tap, we like to think that our High Yield Savings is the best in Michigan!)

And don’t forget: every time you use your CFCU Debit Card, you’re earning Debit Card Rewards—so your everyday spending could turn into handy gift cards for next year!

3. Close the drains on your cash (like fees you don’t need!)

When every dollar counts, don’t let unnecessary fees eat into your joy—or your budget.

Start by checking where your money might be slipping away: overdraft fees, ATM fees, late fees, subscription renewals you forgot about.

At Community Financial, we’re serious about helping you keep your money yours. That’s why we built a $50 Overdraft Buffer into CloseEnuff™ checking—no fees, no stress on the first $50 overdrawn. And when you do need to grab cash, thousands of fee-free ATMs across Michigan have you covered.

Little savings like these can quietly add up to a lot of peace of mind (and maybe a few extra gifts under the tree).

4. Start saving small now, ignite a lot of joy later

Saving for the holidays doesn’t have to be all spreadsheets and sacrifice. Our Grow Your Change program automatically rounds up your debit card purchases and puts the spare change into your savings—effortless progress toward next year’s gift list. Want to take it up a notch? Join the 52-Week Savings Challenge, where you can start with as little as 10 cents and watch your total grow week by week. By the end, you’ll have a hefty holiday fund (up to $1,378 in one year!) that’ll bring smiles to the whole family.

5. Give a little, help a lot

Every time you pay with your CFCU debit card, we give one cent toward the cause you choose, such as our Relentless Care Foundation. That means your daily spending helps fund local organizations that care for people, communities, and wild dreams across our state.

Because at CFCU, your money doesn’t just work for you—it works for good. And that’s what the holidays are all about.

The bottom line: You can make the holidays joyful and financially smart. With the right mix of tools, rewards, and heart, we’ll help you stay on track, stress less, stretch your spending power, and spread a little more cheer this season!

*Accounts must be opened by November 30, 2025. Direct deposits must be active within 6 weeks of account opening. Direct deposit must continue for 90 days. Monthly direct deposit amounts must meet a tier’s minimum amount each month to qualify for the bonus. One bonus per member. Promotion based on SSN number. Members who also qualify for referral bonus will receive both promotional bonuses. An account is considered new if another was not opened within 6 months. Federally insured by NCUA. Member eligibility required. Payout will be mid-April 2026.

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate offered may change at any time. The minimum balance to open the account is $5.00. The 10.00% APY is earned on balances of $.01 to $2,000.00. Balances of $2,000.01 and above earn an APY of 0.10%. Fees could reduce earnings. Offer valid for new high yield savings accounts opened 10/27/2025 through 11/28/2025. 10.00% APY up to $2,000 balance in effect through 12/31/2026. Federally insured by NCUA.