The holidays should feel joyful – not stressful. But between gift lists, travel plans, and extra expenses, it’s easy for spending to snowball before you even realize it.
The good news? You don’t need to skip the fun to stay financially focused. A few small habits and smart choices can make all the difference. Here are five ways to keep your budget (and peace of mind) intact this season.
1. Set a Gift Cap
It’s tempting to go overboard when you want to make everyone’s holiday special – but setting a spending limit per person keeps your finances intentional, not impulsive.
Try listing out who you plan to buy for, assigning a dollar limit, and sticking to it. This simple act gives you clarity and control before the receipts start stacking up.
💡Pro tip: Start a “holiday fund” savings account early each year and automate a small transfer each payday – even $10.00 adds up by next December.
2. When a Balance Transfer Makes Sense
A balance transfer can be a helpful financial reset — especially if you’re working to pay off high-interest credit card debt. It allows you to move that debt to a lower-rate card, giving you breathing room to pay it down faster.
The key is to use this tool strategically and avoid adding new debt once you’ve consolidated. For example, if you transferred $5,000 from a card charging 22% APR to one at 5.99% for 12 months (with a 3% transfer fee), you’d save several hundred dollars in interest — as long as you make consistent payments and avoid new charges.
💡Pro tip: Think of a balance transfer as a way to simplify and save — not to make room for more spending. Set a payoff plan before you move the balance.
3. Skip-a-Pay – Now with More Flexibility
Sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is a little breathing room in your budget. That’s where Metrum’s new Skip-a-Pay program comes in. You can now skip any qualifying loan payment throughout the year — not just during the holidays.
It’s a great way to free up cash flow when you need it most but be careful — Skip-a-Pay can only be used once per year, and skipping a payment may extend your loan term slightly.
💡Pro tip: Plan ahead for when you might need that cushion most — whether it’s back-to-school season, a family trip, or the holidays — and apply early to stay on track.
4. Small Wins That Add Up
Big changes aren’t the only path to better finances. Sometimes the “little things” make the biggest difference — like setting up autopay to avoid missed payments, turning on debit-card round-ups to grow your savings automatically, or switching to a cash-back spending account.
💡Pro tip: Treat your cash-back earnings like bonus savings. Transfer them directly to your emergency fund or use them for next year’s holiday fund.
5. Make Holiday Promos Work for You
Promotional offers can be a great way to keep holiday spending under control — especially when you use them with intention. Instead of relying on high-interest credit cards or dipping into your savings, take advantage of special credit union offers. These can help you plan smarter and save money in the long run.
Use your Metrum credit card for holiday shopping and earn 2 points per $1 spent on all purchases made now through December 31, 2025.
Here’s how it helps your budget go further:
- Earn rewards: Redeem your points for cash back, gift cards, travel, merchandise, and more.
- Save more: Enjoy no annual fees and low competitive rates
When you use your credit card responsibly — keeping purchases within your planned budget and paying them down over the next few months — those reward points can help offset holiday costs or even jumpstart your savings for next year.
Need a little extra breathing room this season? Metrum’s Holiday Loan Special is designed to help members manage seasonal expenses without relying on high-interest credit cards.
Now through December 31, 2025, you can borrow $1,200 for 12 months at 12% APR. It is perfect for travel, gift-giving, or those last-minute surprises that always seem to pop up.
It’s a smarter, more predictable way to handle extra expenses with a fixed payment and a clear payoff plan.
💡Pro tip: Pair these promos with your budget and set an automatic payment plan to stay on track. That way, you’ll enjoy the season – and the rewards – without starting the new year in catch-up mode.
To Wrap Things Up
The best holiday gift you can give yourself is financial confidence. Whether you’re paying down debt, saving smarter, or simply enjoying the season without stress, Metrum Credit Union is here to help.
Explore Metrum’s Holiday Offers to make this season one of mindful spending and meaningful giving.