A holiday season you can plan for

By Emma Ray, Community Relations Specialist at Blackhawk Bank and Trust

November has a way of sneaking up on us. One weekend you’re enjoying the last stretch of fall, and the next you’re making Thanksgiving plans, thinking about holiday shopping, and wondering when the calendar got quite so full. The weeks ahead are filled with plenty to look forward to, but they can also bring a lot to keep track of, including your spending. Before the season gets too busy, taking a little time to think about what’s ahead can make a difference.

A simple holiday spending plan can help you stay organized, make thoughtful choices, and spend more time enjoying the season instead of worrying about what it’s costing you. Preparing for the holiday season doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple ways to start.

Begin with where you are today: Before deciding what to spend this holiday season, take a look at what the next couple of months already hold. Your regular bills and everyday expenses don’t disappear when the holidays arrive, and there may be other year-end costs competing for room in your budget. Think about what you can comfortably dedicate to the holidays without dipping into money meant for other priorities. It can also help to think back on any bigger expenses from earlier in the year that caught you by surprise and consider whether you’re prepared if something unexpected comes up again.

Give holiday spending a number: Once you know where your finances stand, decide what you’re comfortable spending on the holidays as a whole. Rather than starting with a shopping list and adding up the total afterward, start with your budget and work backward. As the season gets underway, Blackhawk Bank & Trust’s mobile app can help you keep an eye on your spending and account activity along the way, with real-time alerts helping you stay informed as purchases are made.

Choose how you’ll pay: Once you have a budget in mind, think about how you plan to make your holiday purchases. Knowing how you’ll pay can help you stay within the spending limit you’ve set for yourself.

Blackhawk Bank & Trust Visa® Credit Cards

If a credit card is part of your holiday spending plan, a Blackhawk Bank & Trust Visa® credit card comes with benefits you can take advantage of throughout the holiday season:

• Earn one ScoreCard® Rewards point for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases.
• Redeem points for rewards including gift cards, merchandise and travel.
• No annual fee.
• Manage your card and keep an eye on spending with our mobile credit card app, Card Suite Pro.

Blackhawk Bank & Trust Gift Cards

Do you have someone on your list who is hard to shop for? A Blackhawk Bank & Trust Visa® gift card lets them choose something they’ll enjoy while making your holiday shopping a little easier:

• Available in amounts from $10 to $1,000.
• Funds are available immediately after purchase.
• Can be used for purchases in the U.S. wherever Visa® debit cards are accepted.
• Available for purchase at Blackhawk Bank & Trust locations.

With a little planning, holiday spending can feel like one less thing you have to keep track of this season. Set a budget that works for you, stay mindful of your spending along the way, and know that Blackhawk Bank & Trust is here with tools and local support to help you manage it all.