Top Checking Account Features for Managing Holiday Expenses

As the holiday season approaches, managing your expenses becomes more important than ever. Between gifts, travel, and festive gatherings, it’s easy to lose track of spending. However, with the right budgeting strategies and the proper features in your checking account, you can avoid overspending and enjoy the holidays without financial stress. Here’s how to set up a budget for the end of the year and what checking account features you should consider to keep your finances on track.

Stay on Top of Holiday Spending with Account Alerts

One of the most helpful features of a checking account is the ability to set up account alerts. These notifications can be customized to inform you:

• When your balance is low.
• When transactions exceed a certain amount.
• When bills are due.

If you have a Service Credit Union debit and/or credit card, you can do so using the “My Cards” feature in online banking. With My Cards, you can:

• Receive notifications for real-time updates.
• Set controls on where, when, and how your card is used.

By staying informed in real-time, especially during the holiday season, you can adjust your spending habits before it’s too late. During the holiday season, when spending can quickly add up, account alerts are a critical tool to:

• Help you stay within your budget.
• Avoid fraud and unauthorized transactions.

Build a Holiday Savings Cushion with Automatic Transfers

Many checking accounts offer the ability to set up automatic transfers, allowing you to:

• Move money between accounts on a set schedule.
• Allocate funds to specific goals, like holiday spending.

This feature is especially helpful for holiday budgeting. You can:

• Set aside a specific portion of your income into a holiday savings account, such as Service Credit Union’s Holiday Club.
• Gradually build a financial cushion to avoid using funds reserved for bills or other commitments.

Maximize Your Holiday Budget with a No-Fee Checking Account

Bank fees can add up, especially during the holiday season when every dollar counts. To keep more of your money:

• Choose a checking account with low or no monthly maintenance fees.
• Review fees for overdrafts, ATM usage, and minimum balance requirements.

Travel Smart: Find a Checking Account with a Large ATM Network

ATM fees can chip away at your holiday budget, especially while traveling. To avoid unnecessary charges:

• Choose a credit union or bank in a large ATM network, such as Allpoint, CO-OP, or Dolphin Debit.
• Surcharge-free banking ensures you can access your money wherever you go.

Pro Tip: Use your bank’s mobile app to locate fee-free ATMs near your holiday destinations. This small step can save you significant costs over the season.

Stay on Budget by Tracking Your Spending

Whether you prefer a manual approach or digital tools, tracking your spending is the first step toward better budgeting. Here’s how to get started:

• Use banking apps to categorize and monitor expenses in real-time.
• Set daily or weekly spending limits to stay on track.
• Check out tips for creating a holiday budget that works for you.

Holiday budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing a checking account with features that align with your financial goals—such as budgeting tools, automatic transfers, debit card controls, and low fees—you can enjoy the season without the stress of overspending.