Holiday savings vs spending

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Is your bank ready for all the holiday festivities? Jerri Schmidt from Option 1 Credit Union walks through some smart ways you can enjoy shopping for your friends and family without crossing into the red. We all know that planning is very crucial when keeping your finances on budget. Jerri takes time to explain a sample of a worksheet detailing a list of what you need to do, who to buy for, ideas for gifts and then look at the dollar impact on what you have available to spend. Also, make sure to use your credit and debit cards wisely when shopping online. Federal law protects you if you need to dispute charges on a credit card, but not if you use a debit card or other forms of payment. For additional protection, register your cards with MasterCard Secure Code or Verified by VISA.

OTHER AREAS TO BE FINANCIALLY SMART THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

DeStress and Simplify your Finances:

• Set Up Automatic Bill Payments. Many of us are traveling, busy with the kids, or simply trying to squeeze in some extra time. Arrange for your bills to be paid electronically through your online bill pay service. At Option 1, O1 BILL PAY is free and easy to set-up.

• Monitor your accounts. With easy access such as online banking and mobile banking, it’s easy to review and monitor your accounts daily. If you see something unusual, or potentially fraudulent, contact your financial institution quickly.

• Alerts and Mobile Banking. Keep your budget on track this fall with tools like alerts to remind you about bills that are due, account balances, and more. With the Option 1 'O1 MOBILE Banking' app, you can easily do your banking on the go, wherever you are, and see your expenses and income on easy to read charts and graphs.

• Eliminate Financial Clutter. Take time to assess all your financial accounts and debt. Consider consolidating your accounts and loans to eliminate duplication while saving money. Rates remain historically low and the staff at Option 1 can help you consolidate, save, and simplify 24 hours a day.

Option 1 Credit Union Branch Locations

GRAND RAPIDS:
630 32nd Street SE
1240 Chicago Drive, Jenison
2355 Health Drive SW, Metro Health Village
4211 Plainfield Avenue NE
6750 Kalamazoo
3286 Alpine Avenue NW

LANSING:
2400 West Road, East Lansing
1200 E. Michigan Avenue, Sparrow Hospital
6250 S. Cedar Street

CONTACT OPTION 1:
800.323.2129
support@option1cu.org
www.option1cu.org