Need options for Holiday Spending?
Personal Loans
If you do not qualify for this year's LLCU Holiday Loan, you may still qualify for a personal loan. Our personal loans help cover the costs of the things you need for the way you want to live. It’s simple to apply and you’ll be given a decision in minutes. Our personal loans are flexible, easy and a useful tool in your financial arsenal. You can use them for anything that you want or need. The benefits include:
- They’re Less Expensive. Our loan rates are sometimes lower than your credit card or payday loan interest rates.
- You’re Pre-Approved. You will have the money you need before you make the purchase.
- Flexible Loan Amounts. You can borrow as little as $500.
- Simple Loan Terms. With a monthly payment, you’ll focus on paying off the loan.
- Fixed Interest Rate, No Application Fee or Prepayment Penalty. Don’t worry about adjustable rates or being penalized for paying off the loan early.
Christmas Club Account*
Plan ahead for next year to save the last minute stress. Our Christmas Club Account is an account that helps you save money year-round for the upcoming Holiday shopping season. This account can be opened without a deposit and there is no minimum balance required. This account is also interest bearing.
• $0 to open
• No monthly service fee
• Earns dividends
• 1 withdrawal per quarter
LLCU Financial Counseling
Our guiding mission at LLCU is to provide our members education and tools to achieve financial success. To do this, we provide FREE financial counseling to our members – meet one-on-one with one of our Certified Financial Counselors to get on track with budgeting, saving, paying bills, improving credit scores, and so much more!
Smart Ways to Spend Money Around the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for celebration, generosity, and making memories with loved ones. But with the excitement of gift-giving, hosting, and seasonal activities, it’s easy to overspend and end up facing financial stress in the new year. The good news? With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy the holidays without putting a heavy burden on your finances.
Create a Realistic Holiday Budget
Before you start shopping or planning activities, decide how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Factor in not only gifts, but also food, travel, decorations, and other seasonal extras. Once you’ve set your budget, break it down by category or person so you know where your money is going.
Tip: Consider using a separate holiday spending account so you can clearly track what you’re spending and avoid dipping into funds meant for bills or savings.
Avoid Relying on Credit Cards
It can be tempting to swipe now and worry later, but high-interest debt can make holiday expenses linger for months. If you do use credit, commit to only charging what you can pay off in full when the bill arrives. This way, you won’t carry debt into the new year.
Plan Ahead with a Holiday Savings Fund
If you know the holidays tend to stretch your budget, start saving early—even setting aside $10 or $20 a paycheck adds up quickly. Many people use “holiday club accounts”, like the Christmas Club account offered at LLCU, to automatically build savings throughout the year.
Get Creative with Gift-Giving
Spending less doesn’t mean your gifts won’t be meaningful. In fact, some of the most memorable presents cost very little. Consider:
- Homemade gifts like baked goods, crafts, or framed photos.
- Second-hand items from thrift stores, garage sales, or even unused items of your own can make wonderful gifts.
- Experience-based gifts such as planning a game night, cooking dinner, or offering babysitting.
- Group gifting where family members chip in together for one special item.
- Secret Santa or gift exchanges to cut down the number of individual gifts.
Shop Smart
If you’re buying gifts, take advantage of sales, compare prices online, and use cashback or rewards programs. Avoid last-minute shopping, which often leads to overspending in a rush.
Focus on What Really Matters
The best part of the holidays isn’t the price tag—it’s the time spent with family and friends. Choosing free or low-cost traditions like watching holiday movies, driving to see lights, or volunteering together can bring just as much joy without adding financial strain.
The holiday season should be joyful, not stressful. By setting a budget, planning ahead, and getting creative, you can celebrate in a way that’s both memorable and financially responsible. At Land of Lincoln Credit Union, we’re here to support your financial well-being year-round. If you’d like help creating a holiday savings plan or building a budget, our certified financial counselors are just a call away.
*All savings accounts are insured to $500,000 and all IRAs are insured up to $500,000. That is a combined total of $1,000,000 if both types of accounts are maintained at Land of Lincoln Credit Union. This insurance is provided through NCUA (National Credit Union Administration), an agency of the Federal Government, and through ESI (Excess Share Insurance), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Share Insurance and is provided absolutely free by this credit union. Fee Schedule available upon request, call 1-844-222-7788.