The countdown to summer fun is on, and that means it’s almost time for backyard barbecues, pool days, beach trips, and hopefully some time off in a scenic spot to relax and unwind. But before you load up the car or hop on a flight, there’s one important thing you want to make sure you don’t overlook – your finances!
Ensuring you have your money in order before you skip town makes a big difference in guaranteeing an enjoyable vacation. By taking time to organize your finances before you depart, you’ll avoid forgotten payments, late fees, additional stress, and other pesky practices that can dampen your vacation vibes. This way, you’ll spend more time enjoying the season without constantly checking your account or worrying about upcoming bills.
The good news is that the credit union makes it easy to stay on top of your account with our free online tools. Follow these tips to get your finances in order before vacation mode sets in so you can truly relax and unwind!
Download Mobile Banking
If you haven’t already downloaded our mobile banking app, make sure you do that before dipping out on your big trip. Our app allows you to easily manage your account with just a few simple taps on your mobile device. Whether you’re riding shotgun on a road trip, lounging in a beach chair, catching a flight, or chilling at a quaint cafe, you can manage your money in minutes and get back to making memories.
With mobile banking, you can perform most routine tasks, such as:
- Checking Account Balances
- Monitoring Transactions
- Transferring Funds
- Paying Bills
- Scheduling Loan Payments
- Reviewing e-Statements
If you aren’t already acquainted with mobile banking, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the app and menu options. This way, you’ll be able to navigate to what you need quicker without having to figure it out on the fly.
Enroll in e-Alerts
Think of e-Alerts like your early financial warning system. When you enroll in e-Alerts, you’ll receive real-time notifications about your account activity, so you’re never caught off guard. You can sign up to receive alerts for things like low balances, posted direct deposits, upcoming due dates for bills, overdraft warnings, and more.
You can select to be notified by text and/or email, and you have complete control to choose which notifications you want to receive. Signing up is quick and easy with just a few clicks. Whether you’re monitoring your budget like a hawk or simply seeking peace of mind while you’re away, our free e-Alerts help you stay informed without constantly logging into your account.
Schedule Payments with Bill Pay
Your vacation should be all about relaxing, not worrying about whether you remembered to pay your bills. That’s where our convenient online Bill Pay service comes in handy! With Bill Pay, you can schedule one-time or recurring payments for any account. Whether you need to pay your credit card, phone bill, utility account, lawn care professional, or anyone else, we’ve got you covered.
Bill Pay provides a quick, reliable, and secure way to ensure your bills are always paid on time. With scheduled payments, you can set it and forget it! Plus, you won’t have to worry about getting hit with potential late fees while you’re soaking up the sun.
Sign Up for e-Statements
Still getting paper statements in the mail? Now’s the perfect time to make the switch to e-Statements! With e-Statements, you’ll receive your statements sooner, eliminate the risk of lost or stolen mail while you’re away, and reduce the amount of clutter from unopened envelopes you’ll have to deal with when you return home.
You can access your e-Statements in a snap anytime, without having to dig through old mail. We’ve made signing up quick and easy. Simply log in to Online or Mobile Banking, find your statement settings, and make the switch to receive your statements electronically. By going paperless, you’ll save time, stamps, and stress!
Ways to Fund Your Dream Getaway
Are you in the midst of planning your next vacation, but not sure how you’ll cover the costs? Have no fear, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking forward to a weekend road trip or an overseas adventure, the credit union offers a variety of affordable financing options to help you lock in the vacation of your dreams, without draining your savings.
Consider these smart strategies to fund your next grand getaway:
Borrowing Solutions:
Enjoy low rates, flexible spending, and generous rewards. Pay as you go for flight bookings, hotel reservations, event tickets, and more.
Prevent overspending easily with a low rate, fixed loan amount, and set monthly payments. Receive funds as a lump sum and spend them as needed without exceeding your budget.
Borrow against the equity in your home to fund your next vacation. This option gives you a lower-interest option with longer loan terms – keeping payments lower and more affordable.
Before you rely on a high-interest credit card or loan from a big bank, let us see how we can help you bankroll your break from the everyday. We’ll work with you to find a financing solution that makes sense for your unique financial situation to ensure you can enjoy your summer fun without worrying about economic woes.
We’re Here to Help!
Before you pack your suitcase for summer sightseeing, take the time to set your finances up for success. These convenient services can save you hours of unneeded stress while enjoying your time off. Easily stay on top of your account in a few taps so you can spend more time making summer memories with friends and family.
If you have any questions about our digital services or would like to review vacation financing options, we’re happy to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-782-4899 to speak with a team member today.
Each individual’s financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.