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OnPoint Community Credit Union Shares Ways To Celebrate The Holiday Season Without Breaking The Bank (Photo) - 11/09/26

Credit union shares smart shopping strategies to find better deals, avoid spending traps and keep holiday costs in check

 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Holiday spending is expected to climb again this year, putting added pressure on shoppers to make every dollar count. Americans plan to spend an average of $1,654 this year, up 4% from 2025, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Holiday Retail Survey. Shoppers are also getting more strategic about saving, with nearly four in 10 using five or more money-saving strategies to keep holiday costs in check, the survey found.

 

“With so many sales, promotions and payment options, it's almost too easy to spend more than you planned,” says Amy Reeves, senior vice president/regional manager, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “A big discount doesn't always mean you're getting a good deal. The goal is to make smart purchases that fit your budget so you can enjoy the holidays without paying for them months later.”

 

OnPoint recommends these five strategies to help people in Oregon and Southwest Washington find better deals, avoid common shopping traps and keep holiday spending in check:

 

1.Make a spending plan. Holiday debt can linger long after the decorations come down. One in four Americans are still paying off debt from last year's holiday season, according to WalletHub's 2026 Early Holiday Shopping Survey. To avoid adding to that burden, set a realistic budget that includes gifts, travel, meals, decorations and other seasonal expenses. Look at what you spent last year, set limits for each category and track purchases as you go.

 

2.Know when to buy, not just where. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't necessarily the best times to buy everything. Google's new When to Buy Guide uses historical shopping data to show when different products tend to see the biggest discounts. For example, shoppers may find better deals on fragrances shortly after Black Friday, deeper discounts on handbags in December.

 

3.Stack your savings. Don't stop at the advertised sale price. Look for opportunities to combine retailer promotions, digital coupons, loyalty rewards and cash-back apps like Rakuten. Before checking out, see if you have unused gift cards, store credits or rewards points that could cover part of your purchase. Check the terms, since some discounts can't be combined, and avoid buying items you don't need just to qualify for rewards.

 

4.Rethink your gift list. More gifts don't necessarily make for a better holiday. Consider Secret Santa or white elephant exchanges, group gifts or setting spending limits with friends and family. Experiences can also be meaningful alternatives to traditional presents and are an opportunity to support your local community. Half of holiday shoppers plan to give an experience this year, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Holiday Retail Survey. Consider a homemade dinner, tickets to a community event or a family outing. Free concerts, holiday light displays and other seasonal activities can also create lasting memories without a big price tag.

 

5.Don't let payment plans stretch your budget. Buy now, pay later options can make holiday purchases seem more affordable by dividing the cost into smaller payments. But those payments can add up quickly, especially when shopping at multiple retailers. Before choosing a payment plan, consider the full purchase price, review potential fees and make sure future payments fit your budget. A good deal isn't worth it if it creates financial stress after the holidays.

 

A more strategic approach to holiday spending can help consumers find meaningful savings while staying on track with their financial goals. OnPoint offers tools and resources to help members budget, save and plan ahead. Learn more about OnPoint's financial resources, services and locations at www.onpointcu.com.

 

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 671,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. More information is available at onpointcu.com.

 

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Attached Media Files: iStock-2235736934.jpg,

OnPoint Community Credit Union Shares Ways To Celebrate The Holiday Season Without Breaking The Bank (Photo) - 11/09/26

Credit union shares smart shopping strategies to find better deals, avoid spending traps and keep holiday costs in check

 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Holiday spending is expected to climb again this year, putting added pressure on shoppers to make every dollar count. Americans plan to spend an average of $1,654 this year, up 4% from 2025, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Holiday Retail Survey. Shoppers are also getting more strategic about saving, with nearly four in 10 using five or more money-saving strategies to keep holiday costs in check, the survey found.

 

“With so many sales, promotions and payment options, it's almost too easy to spend more than you planned,” says Amy Reeves, senior vice president/regional manager, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “A big discount doesn't always mean you're getting a good deal. The goal is to make smart purchases that fit your budget so you can enjoy the holidays without paying for them months later.”

 

OnPoint recommends these five strategies to help people in Oregon and Southwest Washington find better deals, avoid common shopping traps and keep holiday spending in check:

 

1.Make a spending plan. Holiday debt can linger long after the decorations come down. One in four Americans are still paying off debt from last year's holiday season, according to WalletHub's 2026 Early Holiday Shopping Survey. To avoid adding to that burden, set a realistic budget that includes gifts, travel, meals, decorations and other seasonal expenses. Look at what you spent last year, set limits for each category and track purchases as you go.

 

2.Know when to buy, not just where. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't necessarily the best times to buy everything. Google's new When to Buy Guide uses historical shopping data to show when different products tend to see the biggest discounts. For example, shoppers may find better deals on fragrances shortly after Black Friday, deeper discounts on handbags in December.

 

3.Stack your savings. Don't stop at the advertised sale price. Look for opportunities to combine retailer promotions, digital coupons, loyalty rewards and cash-back apps like Rakuten. Before checking out, see if you have unused gift cards, store credits or rewards points that could cover part of your purchase. Check the terms, since some discounts can't be combined, and avoid buying items you don't need just to qualify for rewards.

 

4.Rethink your gift list. More gifts don't necessarily make for a better holiday. Consider Secret Santa or white elephant exchanges, group gifts or setting spending limits with friends and family. Experiences can also be meaningful alternatives to traditional presents and are an opportunity to support your local community. Half of holiday shoppers plan to give an experience this year, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Holiday Retail Survey. Consider a homemade dinner, tickets to a community event or a family outing. Free concerts, holiday light displays and other seasonal activities can also create lasting memories without a big price tag.

 

5.Don't let payment plans stretch your budget. Buy now, pay later options can make holiday purchases seem more affordable by dividing the cost into smaller payments. But those payments can add up quickly, especially when shopping at multiple retailers. Before choosing a payment plan, consider the full purchase price, review potential fees and make sure future payments fit your budget. A good deal isn't worth it if it creates financial stress after the holidays.

 

A more strategic approach to holiday spending can help consumers find meaningful savings while staying on track with their financial goals. OnPoint offers tools and resources to help members budget, save and plan ahead. Learn more about OnPoint's financial resources, services and locations at www.onpointcu.com.

 

###

 

About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 671,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. More information is available at onpointcu.com.

 

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Attached Media Files: iStock-2235736934.jpg,