Blog

As we usher in the holiday season, the magic of gift-giving and seasonal expenses takes center stage in our thoughts. At Pathfinder Bank, we recognize the importance of celebrating and sharing, yet we also encourage you to approach these moments with mindfulness. With the spirit of generosity filling the air, it’s important to understand the impact of your financial choices and how they can extend beyond the holiday season and pave the way for a secure financial future.

In this blog feature, we will cover the pros and cons of considering a holiday loan. Additionally, we'll present banking alternatives that could align more closely with your unique financial circumstances. At Pathfinder Bank, we are not just financial advisors; we are your partners in your financial journey who are committed to helping you make informed and sustainable choices.

What is a Holiday Loan?

Holiday loans are personal loans specifically designed to ease the monetary burden of the holidays. These loans are often unsecured, meaning no collateral is needed depending on the financial institution. The interest rates and repayment terms may vary from lender to lender, but a fixed interest rate and predetermined repayment schedule are common.

Pros of Holiday Loans

1. Immediate Financial Relief: A holiday loan provides quick access to funds when you need them most, ensuring that you have the resources to enjoy the holidays without financial stress.
   
   
2. Fixed Repayment Terms: Holiday loans often come with short-term options with fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments, making it easier to budget and plan for repayment.
   
   
3. Versatility: Holiday loans can be used for a range of expenses, such as gifts, travel, and other holiday-related costs.

Cons of Holiday Loans

1. Interest Costs: While holiday loans can be a convenient option, they typically involve additional interest charges that may increase the overall cost of holiday expenses.
   
   
2. Debt Accumulation: Like any personal loan, taking on additional debt can lead to financial strain and negatively impact your credit score if not managed properly.
   
   
3. Risk of Overspending: Having easy access to funds may lead to overspending and risky financial decisions during the holiday season. Borrowers often take that debt into the New Year.

Before applying for a holiday loan, weigh the advantages and disadvantages to make sure it's the right choice for you.

An Alternative to Holiday Loans: Special Holiday Savings Account

A special holiday savings account, like Pathfinder Bank’s Holiday Club is a great way to save money for the holidays without taking on additional debt. Take a look below for the benefits of thinking ahead with a Holiday Club savings account:

1. Regular Savings: With a Holiday Club savings account, you can start saving at any time, not just during the holiday season. You can set up automatic transfers from one account to your Holiday Club Savings Account monthly, making it easy to save regularly.
   
   
2. No Debt Accumulation: Unlike holiday loans, you will not accrue any debt or pay interest when using a Holiday Club savings account. All of the money in the account will be money that you have saved throughout the year.
   
   
3. Financial Discipline: This account type encourages responsible financial planning and can save you the temptation of overspending. With a Holiday Club savings account, funds are disbursed at the end of the period (50 weeks) to another Pathfinder Bank account.
   
   
4. Interest Earnings: The money in your Holiday Club savings account earns interest, which means you'll have even more money to spend during the holiday season. Pathfinder Bank offers competitive interest rates on savings accounts, which allows your holiday fund to grow over time.

Other Alternative Options Available

• Spread out buying gifts throughout the year.

• Enroll in UChoose Rewards: If you have a Pathfinder Bank debit card, you may be eligible to enroll in our UChoose Rewards program and earn points simply by making purchases with your debit card. You can redeem your points for gift cards, merchandise, travel and more; which can help relieve the burden of shopping. Why not lighten the load of your holiday spending by taking advantage of these perks?
  
  
• Open a Kasasa^® checking account: Our Kasasa^® accounts are free checking accounts that pay you monthly rewards that best fit your lifestyle. You choose how you get rewarded - high rates or cash back. Use these rewards towards your holiday purchases!
  
  

At Pathfinder Bank, we believe in providing our customers with the necessary tools to make informed financial decisions. We understand that every customer's financial needs are unique and a personal loan may be the right solution for some individuals.

If a Holiday Loan is the best option for you, Pathfinder Bank offers short-term personal loans with competitive interest rates that may work with your budget. Please visit one of our conveniently located branches or contact us at 315-343-0057 to discuss your unique situation and provide a personalized solution to fit your needs.  We look forward to helping you!

Disclaimer: 

While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice.