The holiday season is finally here and Christmas magic is in the air. From decorating your home to finding the perfect gifts, this time of the year can be full of joy. However, it can also be a bit stressful and hard on your wallet. Don’t let financial stress take away the sparkle of the season! Ancoria Bank takes the role of the trusted elf to help you manage your Christmas expenses, so you can focus on what’s really important: creating wonderful and meaningful moments with your loved ones that will stay with you forever.
Make your Christmas budget
Take the first step to a stress-free holiday season by creating a budget. Calculate what your expenses might be, such as presents, travelling, groceries, decorations, or some last minute unexpected expenses. Try to stick to your plan and avoid impulse buys.
Pro tip: With the myAncoria app you can easily create your budget, track your expenses and set limits for specific categories. Think of it like having a financial elf on your mobile phone making sure that this Christmas, you will stay on track.
Save for the festive season
Saving a little throughout the year can ease the load of Christmas expenses and financial stress. Consider having a separate account, where you will “store” your extra funds and set up automatic monthly transfers. You will soon reach your goal without even realizing it.
Pro tip: Ancoria Bank offers a Savings Account option that provides flexibility, making it the perfect financial partner for your holiday saving goals. Start saving now and you will be skating through next year with ease.
Shop safely and avoid scams
Even though Christmas is the time of giving, it’s also a peak point for online scammers and evil elves trying to steal away the Christmas joy. Shop only from trusted websites, consider double-checking the payment methods, as well as hidden costs and keep your banking details secure.
Pro tip: Use your Ancoria Bank debit card for secure online transactions. With enhanced security features and real-time notifications, you will able to shop comfortably this holiday season.
Dream big for the New Year
Thinking of making a big purchase for the New Year? Did you find your dream house or your ideal ride? Do you want to make home improvements or install photovoltaics in your home? Don’t let financial constrains worry you. Start looking for a loan that will fit your needs and expectations.
Pro tip: Ancoria Bank offers a wide range of loans; from Housing Loans to Eco and Personal Loans. Consider finding out more about Ancoria Bank’s loans and turn your dreams into reality for the New Year.
Make your finances simple with overdraft
For some reason, the unexpected always seems to happen during the holidays. An overdraft can give you the flexibility to handle anything that comes your way; from a last minute unexpected gift for the ‘favourite’ uncle you forgot or a bigger-than-planned grocery bill for hosting a larger-than-life New Year’s party.
Pro tip: Ancoria Bank offers an overdraft option on your Current Account. This allows you to access extra funds that you may not have in your account, up to a pre-approved limit, when your balance is insufficient.
Do you want to know more about overdraft? Read this blog.
Plan ahead with a New Year’s Resolution
The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect on the past and set meaningful goals for the future—including your financial habits. Take this holiday season to consider ways to save more and work towards achieving your dreams with greater ease for the new year.
Pro tip: Ancoria Bank’s Fixed Term Deposit Account might be the perfect choice for your long-term saving goals. Start your year with a financial plan that helps you grow your money, while you focus on what really matters.
It’s all about their future
While it’s never too late to capture the Christmas spirit, it’s never too early to start teaching the little ones about the value of money, while you plan for their future. Financial knowledge could be the best gift you give them this holiday season as you prepare them for their next stage in their life with knowledge that will shape their future.
Pro tip: Consider setting up a Children’s Savings Account to teach your children about the value of saving. Each year you can add more money to their account and monitor it together as it grows with them. Think of it as if instead of filling their stocking every year, you will fill their Savings Account. It’s a gift that keeps giving!
Tips for building/starting a Christmas fund
Set goals: Estimate your possible Christmas expenses that include decorations, food, travel, gifts and other costs.
Open an account specifically for Christmas expenses: A Savings Account might be the best option for this kind of goal. This will make it easier to track your expenses and make financial adjustments, before you reach the holiday season.
Create a budget: By creating a budget you will be able to manage your finances and have peace of mind.
Start your gift list early: Create a list of potential gifts for your family and friends early and try to take advantages of sales and deals throughout the year.
Christmas money saving tips
- Work out what you can afford.
- Say no to unnecessary presents.
- Take advantage of discounts and deals for your gifts.
- If you are going to travel, book your tickets well in advance.
- Send Christmas e-cards.
- Play Secret Santa with your family and friends. This way you will buy only one gift instead of many to please them all.
- Buy second hand items.
Extra tip: Start a new tradition of not giving and not receiving any presents.
This Christmas let Ancoria Bank be your financial partner. Whether you need a secure way to shop for your gifts, a loan to fund your dreams or a Savings Account to plan for the future, we have the perfect products and services to help you achieve your goals. Don’t let financial worries diminish your Christmas spirit! Let us assist in making this Christmas the best one yet.
From all of us at Ancoria Bank, wishes for a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Frequently asked questions
What are holiday savings?
Holiday savings is when you specifically save for the Christmas season’s purchases. Some people have a special Savings Account just for Christmas expenses. This way you will monitor your finances and stay within budget.
How can I make my online Christmas shopping more secure?
Always shop on trusted websites, double check payment methods and avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified sources. You can read more about how to stay safe online and avoid scams here.
How can I stick to my Christmas budget?
Creating a budget is essential for managing your expenses. Use tools like myAncoria’s budgeting feature to track your spending. Also, it is good practice to plan ahead and avoid impulse purchases.
