It’s that time of the season again…holiday shopping is here! Retailers are in full force this year advertising across every channel possible with some newspapers even offering survival guide strategies to help shoppers find the best holiday sales. 

Your credit union has tips for you as well.  Before you read any other articles and columns about holiday shopping, arm yourself with this essential information below:

Tip #1.  Make a budget and stick to it – no matter what.  Determine exactly how much you can comfortably afford to spend on holiday gifts. Then make a list of all of the people you want to shop for and allocate your budgeted funds appropriately. Don’t let your budget budge.

Tip #2.  Cash is king – your credit card isn’t.  If you don't have the money available in your checking account to pay off your credit card bill in January, don't even bother taking credit cards with you.  Your debit card or cash are better alternatives.

Tip #3.  “Buy now, pay later” is never a good idea.  Deals that allow you to delay payment on large-scale items for several months with zero percent financing can be very tempting.  Stop temptation in its tracks and only buy what you can afford.  Remember to stick with your budget.

Why deal with long lines at the stores or waste gas driving across town for holiday sales this year?  FAIRWINDS offers one-stop holiday shopping with our VISA^® gift cards.  Available for purchase at all 37 branch locations, gift cards are available in any denomination from $10 up to $1,000.

As a special holiday treat, enjoy no purchase fee now through December 31!

FAIRWINDS VISA^® gift cards are the perfect gift, because one size really does fit all. Stop by and pick up yours today.

Almost $18,000 has been raised so far this year to help support the American Diabetes Association. Thanks to all of you for your generosity and support to help find a cure for diabetes today. 

Wednesday, December 8
FAIRWINDS Alumni Center
UCF Campus
N. Gemini Blvd., Bldg 126
Orlando, FL 32816
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 11
Apopka Branch
1621 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Apopka, FL 32703
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Protect yourself from identity theft by safely destroying your personal documents and papers in our shred truck, courtesy of Crown Shredding.

Click here to see all of the upcoming Shred Fest dates and locations, including the 2011 schedule! Start planning ahead now to clear the clutter and visit your nearest Shred Fest location.  We may be coming to your neighborhood soon.

Thursday, December 2

FAIRWINDS Corporate Center
3087 N. Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Looking for ways to improve your credit score? Please join us at this free member seminar as Joy Kafka, Loan Analyst for FAIRWINDS Credit Union, shares her expertise and knowledge of credit reports and credit history. Plus, FAIRWINDS’ lending experts will be available to pull live credit reports and provide you with techniques and strategies to help improve your score.