OnPoint Community Credit Union Shares Practical Steps To Reset Finances In January As Holiday Debt Lingers Into New Year (Photo) - 01/06/26
From No-Buy January to subscription audits, credit union offers realistic ways to cut spending and pay down balances
PORTLAND, Ore. – Americans racked up an average of $1,223 in holiday debt this year, according to LendingTree’s Holiday Debt Survey released on December 22. The survey also found 41% of Americans are still paying off holiday debt from 2024.
“January is an ideal time to take a clear-eyed look at your spending and build a plan that’s sustainable,” says Amber Kelly, Oregon City branch manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Small changes — like reducing impulse buys and trimming recurring expenses — can free up cash quickly and help people make measurable progress on debt.”
To help people in Oregon and southwest Washington start 2026 on stronger financial footing, OnPoint recommends these practical post-holiday reset strategies:
- Try a “No-Buy January” reset. Instead of vague belt-tightening, commit to 30 days without non-essentials. This trend gained traction online in 2025 as a quick way to reset habits and free up cash for debt payoff.
- Do a digital detox. Unfollow shopping accounts on social media and avoid online shopping platforms and email promo lists. Research shows reducing exposure to ads can significantly lower impulse spending.
- Scrub your subscriptions. January is a great month to cancel or pause unused subscriptions (streaming, apps, meal kits). One popular challenge is to tally up all auto-renewals, then redirect those monthly savings toward debt repayment.
- Leverage consolidation tools — with a plan. Consider balance transfer credit cards or personal loans to lower interest rates — paired with a clear payoff timeline and monthly payment target to avoid extending the debt. Consumers who want additional guidance can also consider building a simple debt-payoff roadmap (listing balances, interest rates, and minimum payments) and setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates and late fees.
- Explore relief options through your bank or credit union. Many financial institutions offer short-term tools to help members manage post-holiday strain, such as payment deferrals, hardship programs, or financial counseling. OnPoint’s Winter Skip Pay program allows eligible members to skip a qualifying loan payment in January, and members can also access personalized financial counseling through the credit union’s GreenPath Financial Wellness partnership.
The start of a new year offers an opportunity to reassess financial habits and create a plan that supports long-term stability. By identifying opportunities to cut costs, using available tools responsibly, and partnering with a credit union that prioritizes member well-being, consumers can take practical steps toward paying down debt. Learn more about financial resources and support available through OnPoint.
About OnPoint Community Credit Union
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 633,000 members and with assets of $9.53 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and four Washington counties (Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis and Skamania). OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at OnPointCU.com.