Holiday
Debt Hangover: Starting New in 2026
In the spirit of the season, holiday shopping is nearly
unavoidable - but did you spend more than you bargained for?
December can be a season of excess and many of us are left
with more debt than we had just a few months prior. As you set your sights on a
"new year, new me" mindset, those 2026 budget resolutions are quickly
approaching - here's how you can prepare:
1.
Review and list unpaid credit card balances and
prioritize them according to their interest rate fees.
2.
Trim unnecessary expenses that will help you
save immediately, such as unused subscriptions or premium plans that aren't
worth the price. Cutting these benefits doesn't have to be long-term, but it's
a quick and effective way to reduce your monthly bill.
3.
Avoid retail credit cards. Oftentimes, stores
will offer holiday incentives or promote their cards as a way to save money on
your shopping trips, but they can quickly cause credit score damage if the debt
is left unpaid.
4.
Take advantage of credit card incentives and
cash back. Telhio's checking
accounts reward your relationship with BaZing savings, such as local
discounts and deals on dining, travel, shopping and more.
Telhio Credit Union also offers personal loans, which can be
used to pay off credit cards and consolidate multiple balances into one loan
with a fixed interest rate. Personal loans have lower interest rates than
credit cards, especially if you have good credit.
As you embark on your financial reset in the new year, it's
advantageous to build a new budget that incorporates the suggested tips above
as applicable. Tackling expensive bills takes time and commitment, but with the
right resources and mindset, it will help set yourself up for financial
stability in 2026!
Learn more about Telhio's checking and personal loan options
by visiting telhio.org/personal
The content in this article is true and accurate as of 1/7/2026.
