Managing Holiday Debt

Are you in need of a financial reset? The joy of the holiday season often brings increased expenses due to gifts, events, and travel. Consequently, many individuals may require a financial reassessment in the New Year.

While reducing debt might appear overwhelming, comparable to organizing a highly cluttered closet, it is manageable. By conducting a thorough review of your financial obligations, you can effectively prioritize, plan, and take necessary actions.

According to recent data, the national average holiday debt per individual is $1,300. If adhering to a minimum payment plan, it would take approximately 61 months (or five additional holiday seasons) to repay this debt, with total interest charges averaging over $500.

You can reestablish your financial footing and position yourself for a renewed financial outlook in the New Year.

Here’s how:

1. Avoid Post-Holiday Sales: Avoid post-holiday sales. Instead, set up an emergency fund for unexpected expenses like car or home repairs, medical or vet bills, or loss of income. A high-yield savings account, such as Freedom Direct Savings by Justice Federal, can help build financial resilience.
2. Consolidate Your Debt: Debt consolidation is an effective strategy for managing high-interest rate debt, enabling you to make a single fixed payment at a lower interest rate. A Justice Federal Personal Loan provides an opportunity to borrow up to $50,000 with flexible terms ranging from 24-84 months, and an annual percentage rate as low as 7.99%.*
3. Make Bi-Weekly Debt Payments: If possible, make payments on your debt every two weeks. This approach may help reduce debt more quickly while keeping a healthy credit score.
4. Review Your Interest Rates: It is essential to examine the interest rates on the credit cards you frequently utilize. Lowering the interest rate can lead to substantial savings. For example, the official Concerns of Police Survivors Visa Credit Card provides a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for the first 18 months, which then adjusts to an 11.90% APR after this introductory period.** In contrast, the median credit card interest rate hovers around 25%, with retail cards often exceeding 30%.
5. Plan for Future Holiday Expenses: Understanding your spending during the holiday season can assist you in preparing for future holiday costs. By establishing a high-yield savings account with an annual percentage yield of 4%, an initial deposit of $500, and monthly direct deposits of $50, you will be able to save over $1,100 to allocate towards your future holiday expenses.

Revaluating your finances and establishing new goals can contribute to a more stable future in the New Year. Develop a strategic plan that aligns with your lifestyle to effectively manage future expenses, as financial resilience is among the most valuable assets you can secure for yourself.

If you are experiencing difficulties with debt, be assured that many individuals face similar challenges. Life’s unpredictability often leads to unforeseen financial setbacks. Justice Federal has a team of Certified Financial Counselors available to assist you, alongside our partners at GreenPath, who offer complimentary financial counseling services.

To contact a Justice Federal Certified Financial Counselor, please call 800.550.5328, or to speak to a GreenPath Representative call 877.337.3399.

Subject to credit approval. *Rate effective as of November 7, 2024. $500 minimum loan amount. Example of repayment terms: eighty-four monthly payments of $17.54 per $1,000 borrowed.** An introductory rate will apply for the eighteen-month period immediately following the date your account is established. Concerns of Police Survivors VISA Credit Card subject to the following: Cash advance fee, convenience check fee: either 2.00% of the advance or $10 whichever is greater ($50 maximum), Foreign transaction fees: 1.00% of each foreign currency transaction in U.S. dollars or 1.00% of each U.S. Dollar transaction that occurs in a foreign country. The credit card has no annual fee, balance transfer fee or transaction fee. To view the Credit Card Account Agreement and Federal Disclosure Statement visit www.jfcu.org or see a representative for details.