5 Holiday Spending Tips for a Stress-Free Season

 

The holidays are here! While entertaining, traveling, and buying gifts can add up quickly, you can still enjoy the season and reach your financial goals. Use these simple tips to stay on track.

1. Set a budget and Spending Plan

Start by looking at what you spent last year. Add up your past costs for gifts, food, and travel to create a realistic holiday budget. Setting a limit for each person on your list helps prevent impulse purchases. Make a clear plan before you shop, and try your best to stick to your list.

2. Shop with Cash for Quick Trips

If you shop in person, try taking only the cash you plan to spend. Leaving your cards at home can keep you from spending more than you intended. If you do use a credit card, look for one that fits your goals. 

3. Use the Perpay Marketplace

Perpay lets you shop our Marketplace and pay over time directly from your paycheck. Instead of paying upfront, you pay for items over time through small, automatic payroll deductions. 

  • Perpay does not charge interest or late fees on Marketplace purchases.

  • This automation aims to ensure on-time payments and simplify the repayment process.

  • Perpay+ members can supercharge their credit score by using their spending limit to shop in the Perpay Marketplace. Your on-time payment history will then be reported to all three credit bureaus. 

4. Track Every Dollar

Small things like wrapping paper and stocking stuffers add up fast! Keep your receipts and use a simple list to track your progress. Tracking your money helps you stick to your budget and avoid surprises when the holidays are over.

5. Start Shopping Early

Do not wait until the last minute to buy gifts. Shopping early gives you time to compare prices, find the best deals, and choose the best payment method. Rushing may lead to overspending if you are scrambling to find items in stock. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build credit while holiday shopping? Yes. Not only can you pay over time without interest while shopping in the Perpay Marketplace, but your payment history can also be reported to the credit bureaus if you’re a Perpay+ member. 

Does Perpay check my credit score? Applying will not impact your FICO or Vantage credit score.*

*Access to the Perpay Marketplace is offered by Perpay, Inc., and is only available to eligible consumers residing in the United States. The Perpay Marketplace is subject to credit approval. Applying for a Perpay account will not affect your FICO® or Vantage® score. However, we may obtain information from Clarity which may affect your credit profile with this alternative credit bureau.

Perpay does not provide financial, legal, or regulatory advice. The content is for general informational purposes only. Any views expressed are those of Perpay, not its partner institutions. We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any linked third-party information. Links to Perpay products are advertisements. All external brand names belong to their respective owners.