3 Ways Your Credit Union Can Help You Fund Your Summer Vacation

If you’re like most Americans, as soon as you see ads announcing Memorial Day sale events, you start thinking summer. Summer means flip-flops and sandy beaches, sunscreen and baseball, fireworks and ice cream—and expensive vacations. 

Perhaps you’re really needing to get away this summer, so you have the perfect vacation all planned out in your mind. 

But how are you going to get around the steep price tag on your dream getaway? Do you pull out the plastic, make it happen and worry about paying your credit card bills only after you return home? Do you beg a loan off family and friends, putting your most important relationships at risk? Do you live off pasta in the weeks leading up to your vacation and use the money saved on groceries to cover the cost of your trip? 

You don’t have to take extreme or irresponsible measures to fund the perfect summer vacation. As a member of Oregonians Credit Union, you have access to a variety of convenient products that can help you cover the costs of your trip with minimal effort on your part. 

Read on for three ways Oregonians Credit Union can send you packing for your dream summer getaway.

1. Vacation Savings Account 

It’s easier to save up for a specific goal when you separate the funds you’re earmarking for that goal from all your other savings. When you open up a savings account at Oregonians Credit Union with the express purpose of using it to accumulate funds for your summer vacation, you’ll always know exactly how much money you’ve saved up for your getaway. Plus, your money will grow, so you’ll reach your goal sooner. 

You may have already started saving up for summer expenses in your regular savings account. Move that money into your summer savings account now so your vacation funds are in one easy location. 

To be certain you’re socking away enough money to cover your getaway, create a vacation budget now. Realistically, how much money will you need to cover the costs of your trip? Next, determine when you’d like to go and count the number of weeks or months left until your vacation date. Work out the exact amount you’ll need to save each week or month by dividing your total vacation budget by the number of weeks or months left to go before your trip. You can trim your budget, sell some stuff you don’t use anymore or take on a side hustle to come up with the necessary savings. Finally, link your checking account and your designated vacation savings account – and set up a direct deposit – so that your summer savings can grow almost effortlessly. 

2.) Vacation/Personal Loan 

If you think you can’t possibly save up enough money to fund your vacation in time, consider taking out a Personal loan instead. 

When you take out a Personal loan at Oregonians Credit Union, you’ll get the funds you need to send you off on your dream getaway. And best of all, with our affordable rates, you won’t go broke paying it back! Speak to us today to find out more about this fantastic option. 

3.) Skip-a-Payment 

If you’re desperate for a vacation in more ways than one, consider taking a break from some of your financial responsibilities this summer. Oregonians Credit Union allows qualifying members to skip one loan or credit card payment during this expensive time of year. By choosing Skip-a-Payment, you’ll get the break you need without hurting your credit or defaulting on the loan. However, your loan or balance payment plan will extend for another month, and the interest on the skipped payment will be integrated into the principal of your loan or bill. 

Skipping a payment is not recommended for members who are struggling to get on top of their finances. But, if you’re in a financially comfortable place and just need some extra breathing room this time of year, skipping one monthly payment can be a great way to help you cover the costs of your summer getaway.  

Get your vacation plans off the ground by stopping by Oregonians Credit Union today. We have a broad range of products that can turn your dream vacation into a reality! 

Which Oregonians Credit Union product helps you fund your summer vacation? Share your top pick with us in the comments!

SOURCES:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/save-up-fund-summer-vacation

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/fund-your-summer-vacation/

https://www.fool.com/amp/retirement/2018/06/03/3-tips-to-save-for-your-summer-vacation.aspx

https://www.everydollar.com/blog/plan-your-vacation

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/skip_payment_mortgage.asp