The Christmas decorations are packed away, we’ve rung in the New Year and if you’re looking at your account balances wondering “what happened to my budget? I need to get back on track”, we can help!
Saving for the holidays or just in general doesn’t have to be difficult. There are so many options available to you as an AmeriChoice member to make saving effortless.
First, our Save the Change checking account is the easiest way to save without having to do anything (after you’ve set the account up). The best way to think about it is an electronic change jar. Every time you use your debit card, it’ll round up your purchase to the next dollar and transfer the difference to a special savings account. Instead of using cash and having a change jar at home, everything is electronic. It’s as simple as using your debit card and then watching the change add up in your special savings account. On average, members can save about $200 per year by just using their debit card. The saved change is available for you to transfer to your checking account, or withdrawal as cash, should you need it throughout the year, but it’s fun to let it accumulate throughout the year and see how much you can save.
Once you’ve set up your save the change account, make sure to sign up for Card Cash, this will allow you to earn up to 1% cash back on purchases you make with your AmeriChoice debit card. Simply use your AmeriChoice debit card and select “credit” and you’ll start earing cash back once you’ve spent $650.01 in total purchases throughout the month.
Auto transfers and different sub savings accounts are another great way to save. You can set these up to transfer to various accounts when a direct deposit hits your account and you don’t have to worry about doing transfers yourself, or stopping into a branch whenever you need to move money around. One of our member service representatives would be happy to help you get those set up the next time you’re in a branch.
Using a club account is another way to save throughout the year. You’re able to set up automatic transfers, or you can transfer in Online or Mobile Banking, to either a Holiday or Vacation club through the year and save a little at a time. When the club accounts come due (Holiday Club funds are available on November 1st and Vacation Clubs are available on May 1st), those funds will be transferred to your regular savings account and you’re set to either start holiday shopping or vacation planning.
If you’re someone who likes to make a game out of savings, try a Savings Challenge. There are so many different ways to turn savings into a game and make it fun. There are many different takes on the 52 Week Challenge, but it’s a good one to save different amounts each week throughout the year, and usually no more than $52 a week.
Saving doesn’t have to be difficult, and you don’t have to stress yourself out about it either. Small amounts really do add up over time and if you start by paying yourself first, you’d be surprised at how much you really can save throughout the year. As always, we’re here to help! If you need to set up a club account, additional savings account or would like to open a Save the Change checking account, our representatives are happy to help you get set up and start saving.