26 Sep

Smart Shopping Tips for Cheerful Holidays

Smart Shopping Tips for Cheerful Holidays

Smart Shopping Tips for Cheerful Holidays

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Supply chain disruptions fueled by the pandemic and shipping delays could make spreading holiday cheer more challenging this year. But it’s not stopping people from hitting stores and shopping online to find the perfect gifts for loved ones.

Consumers are expected to spend 5% more this year –an average of $1,463 per household, according to a survey by Deloitte. Navigator Credit Union has five ways you can conquer the holiday shopping season.

Shop Early

You’ve heard of the saying: the early bird gets the worm. In this case, the early bird gets the most coveted gifts like top electronics and gaming systems. These items are next to impossible to find this holiday season, in part due to the chip shortage. When you find a hot item on your shopping list, scoop it up. If you wait for a better deal, you may not be able to find it at all.

Be Flexible

This year, you may not be able to find every item on your gift list. If you have a backup plan and can be a little flexible, you'll be able to snag the better buys when you see them. The less flexible you are regarding specific brands and popular products, the more you may have to pay.

Consider Gift Cards and Vouchers

Gift cards and vouchers are the most requested holiday gifts for more than 15 years. The ease and convenience of buying one have made them popular among gift givers as well. Many retailers offer online gift cards that are sent to the recipient in a matter of minutes. You'll have no worries about late gifts or out-of-stock items. Be on the lookout for restaurants and retailers that offer Bonus Cards when you buy a gift card. For example, a restaurant may offer a Bonus Card for $10 if you buy a $50 gift card. The Bonus Card will usually have a specific redemption window, but they are a nice extra if you are already buying gift cards to give as gifts.

Use Your Rewards Card

When you’re using a credit card to make purchases, be sure you use a card that provides benefits to you as well. Look for credit cards that offer cashback and holiday special points so you’ll get rewarded while you’re spending. And if you have more than one credit card, use the one with the lowest annual interest rate to avoid paying for this Christmas for years to come.

For a limited time, new Navigator Platinum Rewards cardholders can take advantage of a low 4.99% introductory APR on purchases for six months. There’s also no annual fee, no balance transfer fee and no cash advance fees. Cardholders also earn unlimited uChoose® rewards. You can redeem the points for thousands of options – including cashback. Learn more about this limited-time offer by visiting navigatorcu.org/your-card.

Score Free Shipping

One of the best ways to save when ordering online is to make sure you do not pay for shipping. Many websites offer free shipping if you spend a minimum amount. Some retailers offer free shipping with no minimum purchase or free shipping to their local store. You can then pick your gift up at customer service or request curb-side delivery.

The holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends – don’t let yourself get stressed out by last-minute shopping expeditions. Take a deep breath, do some planning and shop smart this season. Happy holidays from all of us at Navigator!

Spread More Cheer with help from Navigator!

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, with gifts and good food, family and friends. It can also be an expensive time of year!

Here are three ways Navigator can help you stress less this holiday season.

  • Refinance your auto loan with Navigator and choose between 90 days no payment OR $150 cash back. Click here for complete details.
  • A holiday loan is a sensible financial solution to provide you with the extra cash you need, for whatever you need. Apply today!
  • Do you have a loan with us? You can skip a payment and use the funds towards your holiday expenses. Have more than one eligible loan? Skip a payment on each one! Learn more at https://navigatorcu.org/skip-a-pay/.

APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Membership and credit eligibility requirements apply. New cardholders pay a 4.99% introductory APR for the first 6 billing cycles from account opening. After that, the APR will be 10.90% or 12.90% based on creditworthiness. Offer subject to change without notice. See Visa agreement for uChoose Rewards® terms and conditions. uChoose Rewards® is a registered trademark of Fiserv Solutions, Inc. Visa® is a registered trademark of VISA Inc.