HEY CU’s Christmas Blog

The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and with it comes presents, clothes, holidays and shopping lists so long you’ll have to check them more than twice! The festive season is the most expensive time of year for most of us, so we at HEY Credit Union have put together a few handy tips to help cut the cost of Christmas this year.

1.    Stick to the budget!

It may seem obvious, but sticking to a set budget is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t overspend this Christmas. Sit down before you start shopping and draw up a list of everything you can think of – including presents, food & drink, clothing, transport, and so on – and the amount you estimate to spend on each. You can then keep track of how much you’re spending on each item, and tick them off the list once purchased. You’ll also be able to see where most of your budget is being spent, and will find it easier to reduce costs where possible.

2.    Beware of Christmas ‘deals’

Retailers know that almost everybody is in shopping mode the closer it gets to December 25^th. Almost every advert and email you come across is trying to persuade you to part with your cash in exchange for Christmas gifts, with the promise of discounts and exclusive offers. In recent years, Black Friday and Cyber Monday promise slashed prices, and whilst you may be able to pick up the odd bargain – it’s essential to remember that retailers are trying to get you to spend as much as possible. Beware of overspending on items you don’t need, and be especially careful of Black Friday scams.

3.    Try ‘Secret Santa’

Gifting presents doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and the gifts we remember most are the ones that come from the heart. If you usually have a long list of people to buy for in your family or friendship group, why not try a Secret Santa? Each person gets given their own person to buy for – so you can really think about getting the perfect gift, whilst saving a pretty penny! It all adds to the excitement and thoughtfulness of the holidays.

4.    Take advantage of loyalty schemes

If you shop at a supermarket throughout the year, make sure to take advantage of any bonus or loyalty points you’ve accumulated. All of the major chains provide loyalty schemes to keep customers coming back, and Christmas could be a perfect time to cash in on the purchases you’ve made in the past 12 months. 

5.    Proper preparation

Despite it only being just the one day, we all know preparation for Christmas starts well in advance of the 25^thDecember. By making sure you get a head start on the festivities, you can save yourself quite a bit, especially if you’re booking travel over the Christmas period. Trains and flights tend to shoot up in price the nearer to Christmas you go, so try to plan ahead and book as early in advance as possible. 

Whilst planning in advance is a great idea, it’s worth bearing in mind that many retailers drop their prices in the January sales. It could be worth keeping this in mind when shopping, and promising your loved ones their presents after the Christmas rush.

6.     Open one of our Christmas Saver Accounts for 2020!

This year, our members broke records, as they saved a huge £850,000 in this account over the course of 2019! We believe it’s the safest, and biggest, festive savings pot in the whole of the Humber region. By putting away as much or as little as you throughout the year, you can take the financial stress out of Christmas. Get a head start on 2020 and apply for an account today.

As November ends and December begins, here are a few fantastic events to get you in the mood for Christmas 

Hull Christmas Market

With a magical Christmas tree, Kids Zone and festive food and drink stalls, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere better to kick off the festive season. It’s also walking distance from our Head Office!

Driffield Christmas Lights

Come see us in Driffield Town Centre on Friday 29^th November for the Christmas Lights Switch On, and say hello to Penny the Pennywise Penguin!

Scunthorpe Food and Gift Fair

For one day only on Saturday 14^th December, Scunthorpe town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland with gifts, treats and snacks aplenty on offer.

See Santa’s Sleigh in Bridlington

Take the little ones to see Santa’s Sleigh in all its’ glory this December, as he makes his way around the streets of Bridlington from 1^st December.

Wishing everybody a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year, from all of us here at HEY Credit Union.

John

CEO, HEY Credit Union

JOHN’S BLOG – AUGUST 2019

6 tips to help with the cost of sending the kids back to school

The summer holidays will soon be drawing to a close, and so it’s natural for thoughts to turn to the cost of sending the children back to school. With new uniform, equipment and kit to pay for, the cost can soon mount up, especially if you have more than one child due to return to education this September.

Here are 6 handy tips to help you save money before the school year starts.

1). Use and reuse

The size of the inventory list can be pretty daunting at the beginning of the year. Thankfully, not all items have to be brand new. You’d be surprised at how much can be reused for the following year, when given some care and attention. Try giving any lunchboxes or pencil cases a good clean, for example. You can even get the little ones involved, and get creative to redesign any old equipment with a little paint and PVA glue – and hey presto! Good as new.

2.)  Shop local where possible

When shopping around for school supplies, it can sometimes pay to go off the beaten track. The multi-national chain stores and supermarkets can be expensive, so try looking in places you wouldn’t usually think. Local businesses such as the Yorkshire Trading Co can be great for bargains, and you can even try online too - many web-based retailers offer exclusive discounts for new customers – so be sure to shop around.

3). Take advantage of loyalty schemes

This is less of a money saver, and more one for the long-term. If you tend to do most of your shopping in supermarkets, make sure to sign up for their loyalty scheme programmes. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, all offer loyalty points for customers, so that you can gradually build up in-store credit. If you happen to be an Engage Card customer with us, you can earn cashback rewards at many different stores – including Asda and Sainsburys. Click here for a full list of reward partners - think of it as a way to stock up on discount – ready for when the next school year comes around.

4). Where possible, buy in bulk

For things that aren’t likely to expire in the short-term, try to buy in larger amounts if you can. Notepads, folders, and pens all become cheaper if you buy in bulk. This makes extra sense if you have a number of children in school or college at the same time, too. Try places like Costco and other wholesale suppliers to try and make savings on your school shop.

5). Use student discount where possible

Lots of places offer exclusive student discount – from electronics and clothes to stationery and sports kit – many retailers offer between 10-20% for college and University students. This is particularly useful if you’re looking at making a large purchase, such as a laptop or tablet for the new school year.

6). Finally – speak to your credit union!

Last, but most definitely not least, speak to your credit union for guidance with budgeting ahead of the school year - ask in branch for one of our free Budget Planners. If you need to spread the cost, our Child Benefit Loan and Savings Plan could be the ideal answer. We offer low interest rates on loans up to £500, which you can repay directly using your Child Benefit payments. You’ll also add to your savings each time you make a repayment – a perfect way to build up your own nest egg or save for your child’s future.

Remember, if you have any queries about managing the cost of sending the children back to school, pop into one of our branches, call us on 01482 778 753, or email info@hullandeycu.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

While you’re here, have you entered out competition yet?!

Have you heard? We’re giving away £150 to one of our lucky members, every 2 weeks! All you need to do is be a member, and head to our Facebook page and tag 3 friends. Hurry – winner announced every other Friday!

Thanks again for your continued support,

John

CEO, HEY Credit Union