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Looking to entertain the kids this upcoming Christmas season, but worried about overspending on school holiday activities? We’ve put together some budget-friendly Christmas activities for kids that the whole family can enjoy. Make your own Christmas Decorations Encourage kids creativity by getting them to make their own Christmas ornaments. Buying a few inexpensive baubles that can be painted, decorated or filled with things is a great way to start off. You could even make this a special tradition each year and you’ll have many meaningful ornaments to hang in the years to come.  This is a great way to save money, as these decorations double as gifts for grandparents! Another great Christmas activity at home is to give your kids a Christmas themed colouring book. Encourage them to fill out the pages and then use them as decorations on your fridge. Baking Christmas Treats Making homemade biscuits and other sweets with the kids is a great way to get them learning about making things in the kitchen, and is an inexpensive gift for neighbors, teachers and friends. Get your kids to decorate a batch to take to day care or school to share with their friends if permitted. Visit Santa for free Save money on Santa photos this year by researching where the man in red will be. Instead of heading to the shopping centre to see Santa, find out where you can visit him and take your own pictures for free.  Small businesses, charity fundraisers or schools are a few places that get visits from Santa. Open a Christmas Club Buy a Christmas themed money box for your kids to put their coins in throughout the year, then take them to your local branch to open their own Christmas Club account for the following Christmas. By teaching them good saving habits, they’ll be excited when they can use that money to buy a gift. Take a trip around the neighborhood There are some pretty spectacular displays around your kids are sure to enjoy. You can’t go wrong with a cup of hot chocolate and a trip in the car to see Christmas lights.  Playing Christmas music while you drive around only adds to the Christmas cheer. Volunteer your time Help spread joy this season, save money and instill great values by volunteering in your community.  Local churches, homeless shelters and community centres can help you find a way to give back this year.  Putting together Christmas hampers or helping serve food with your children is a great way for them to learn that Christmas is about giving. Carols by Candlelight Many local councils and community groups such as the Lion’s Club will put on carols, or some other family-friendly event over the Christmas period for families to enjoy. Pack a blanket and some snacks, grab some friends and make an evening of it. Are you looking to get on top of your finances for next Christmas? Let our team at Horizon get you on the path to savings success. Get in touch with us today and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Register for Online Banking After you've opened an account with us, you can now register for Online Banking. In addition to our network of branches, phone banking service and mobile app, you also have online access to your accounts wherever you are. Once you've registered and receive a password, you can access information such as: Balances on your accounts View all your transactions View your periodical payments See the interest you've earned for the financial year. You can also: Activate your Visa card from the Services & Help menu Transfer funds to and from accounts Transfer funds to accounts at other financial institutions Pay bills with BPAY Set up and alter future dated bill paying Download transactions Redraw on your loan (where applicable) Open a new Term Deposit or savings account Register for SMS Queries and SMS Alerts Register for SMS One Time Password for added security Make International transfers (note you must be registered for SMS One Time Password to access this facility) Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.

Consolidate your debts and get ahead. What are personal loans used for? Typically they help to buy white goods and furniture or they’re used for travel. However, did you know that many people also use personal loans for debt consolidation? That is, combining many debts into a single loan making it easier for you to control your repayments and get on top of your debt. Why consider debt consolidation? Paying off multiple credit cards or personal loans can feel overwhelming and somewhat stressful. You’re likely paying these loans off at different (and sometimes quite high) interest rates with many repayments coming out at different times during the month. Different loans can also often come with varying setup and ongoing administration fees. All of these added costs make budgeting and saving difficult leaving you with an unclear outlook for your long-term financial goals. How does debt consolidation work? Instead of having a few loans or credit cards to pay off, you can combine what you owe into one personal loan with a single interest rate. Your debt is still there, but this will enable you to better manage your money and give you a better idea of when you will pay your debt off, as you’ll have just one loan term to think of rather than many. You’ll also save money because a personal loan generally has a lower interest rate than credit cards. You’ll then only have to make one repayment rather than several, and you can always choose a weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment option. Tip* weekly repayments will save you money in the long run too. You can do a debt consolidation loan comparison by comparing our personal loans. Things to think about Consider the size of your debt after combining your loans and be realistic about how much you can afford to repay and how often. Talk to us about your options, to ensure one single larger loan won’t become a burden. Keep in mind that setting up your repayment frequency to match your pay schedule, is a great way to make sure paying off your debt is a priority before spending elsewhere. If you don’t think you’re disciplined enough, we can organise automatic payments for you which takes the hassle out of your hands. Ready to consolidate your debts? Get in touch about a Horizon personal loan today. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

‘Tis the season… To avoid overspending and dampening your Christmas cheer, follow our 4 tips to keep your Christmas budget on track. Christmas budgeting tips - Put money aside A separate Christmas club account is a great way to put aside money for the festive season throughout the year to alleviate the pressure of coming up with hundreds of dollars out of nowhere come November/December. Make a list and check it twice Making a list and allocating an amount to spend on a gift per person will give you a starting point before hitting the shops. Making a list is great for other things you need like entertainment supplies such as decorations, food and drinks. Discussing what a reasonable Christmas budget looks like with your significant other is also a great way to remain accountable for your spending. Encourage Christmas gift hacks Secret Santas and only buying for kids, or setting a firm limit with family and friends is a great way for everyone to keep their Christmas affordable and stress free. Shop smarter If you’re not strapped for time you could shop for next year by lay-buying more expensive items now. Take the time to research your gifts online and search for discount coupons and codes to apply at the checkout. Try and buy a few items from the one place to avoid multiple delivery fees. Track your spending Using a budget calculator to keep a record of your Christmas spending will help you to keep your spending relative to your usual expenses. Christmas shopping on credit Buy now pay later services have become increasingly popular with consumers, and are a tempting way to pay off larger purchases. Be aware of how they work to avoid interest and late payment fees. If you’re thinking of increasing your credit limit on your credit card, consider how quickly you can pay off the extra purchases, to avoid extra Christmas debt well into the following year. Get in touch with the friendly team at your local Horizon Bank, to discuss how to manage your money over Christmas. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

How much does a wedding cost? They can be expensive, but smart planning might help you keep costs reasonable and within your spending limits. Even a low-cost wedding will require putting together a plan to minimise the impact on your money. Start with a wedding budget If you’re unsure of how much you want to outlay for your wedding, start by picturing your dream wedding and making a list of vendors and associated wedding expenses. Getting quotes is a good place to start to get an idea of what you want to spend. Your list could include all or some of the following: • Venue of ceremony and reception compare prices per head. • Outfits – including the bridal dress, bridesmaids and grooms outfits • Celebrant • Wedding cake • Band or DJ if not included with the venue price • Photography and videography • Table centre pieces, decorations and flowers (including bridal party bouquets) • Honeymoon • Specialty cars Once you have a projected figure, decide with your partner if this is suitable and the impact on your finances.  If it’s looking too expensive, think about where you could cut back. For example, less flowers, asking the bridal party to chip in for their outfits or switching to canape style rather than a sit down meal for your guests are a few options you could explore. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has an infographic detailing average expense amounts on their Money Smart website. This is a great source for an overview of how the costs of a wedding can add up. Implement a savings plan Looking at your current income and expenses, how long would it take you and your partner to save enough to afford the wedding? You can use our budget calculator to work this out. If you’re looking at having a wedding sooner rather than later, you can speed up the process by making some sacrifices with your day-to-day spending and/or reducing the potential cost of your wedding by looking at the options we discussed above. The more you save, the less you will potentially have to borrow to cover the total cost of the wedding. Explore your finance options If you’re not going to be able to save the entire amount you need, you could consider either putting some costs on a credit card or taking out a personal loan. You could also ask family to contribute to the cost of your wedding if they are in a position to do so. Either way, you’ll need to consider how paying back a loan or family members will impact your future budget and finances as a married couple. Borrowing money – credit card or personal loan? If you’ve decided to take out a loan for your wedding, consider saving up a deposit first to reduce the loan balance in the first instance. A credit card comes with a higher interest rate, and may be better suited for smaller, less expensive wedding items. For a considerable amount, you may want to discuss taking out a personal loan, or see if you are in a position to redraw on your current home loan. Talk with one of our experienced lenders about your wedding finance options. This is the final step in securing the funds to pay for your big day. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Want to learn about some key tips to save money for future spending? In this blog we’ll go through establishing a budget, creating short term savings goals, setting up your savings and checking your credit report. These are key practices to get in the habit of for an effective savings plan that teaches you how to save money. Establish your budget Get in the habit of tracking your spending by asking for a receipt for everything you purchase. You can then input your expenses into our budget calculator which will show you if you are ahead of your savings or if you’re in the red. The best way to save money is to identify where you can cut back on expenses and redirect that money into savings. Identify where your money is going each month by checking your direct debits on your statements. A good saving tip is to double check your regular payments to loans and credit cards for accuracy to make sure you’re paying the correct amounts. Aim for short term savings goals Setting aside a certain amount at regular intervals is one of the best saving tips you can implement. Base this off how regularly you are paid from your employer. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly deposits into a savings account will help you reach that savings goal for a new TV, car, holiday or whatever it may be. Short term savings goals will keep you motivated and on track. Make sure they are SMART goals – specific measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. People have more success with a savings plan when saving for long term items but starting with short term goals. Set Up Automatic Savings Every pay have your employer split a certain amount of your pay and transfer it to a retirement or savings account. Horizon does this in the form of a payroll split. We can split your pay so nominated amounts go into different accounts. This is the most effective way to save, as it puts extra cash out of sight and out of mind before you can spend it. Once you have your automated savings setup, you can then use a savings calculator to estimate how long it will take you to reach your savings goal. Plan gift-giving well in advance Keep a birthday book, or calendar for family and friends birthdays so you know when everyone’s birthday is coming up. This is the best way to save money on birthday presents, as you can take the opportunity to look for items on sale. Avoid impulse buying when it’s left last minute; take the time to choose a gift within your budget that the recipient will appreciate. Check your credit report once a year It is advantageous to have a good credit score when applying for a loan. A credit report tells lenders how trustworthy you are as a borrower and assists with your loan application. Keep track and make sure the information on your file is not outdated as this could impact your ability to apply for loans. Certain sites provide one free credit report a year. Check out the Australian Government website for more information. If you’re looking for more information on accessing a credit report, or want to know how yours will impact your loan application, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. If you need some extra help with your overall planning and saving goals Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your savings journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Moving in with a partner? Read our top tips for living in financial harmony. So you’ve decided to take the leap and move in with your partner? Congratulations on this big life step! After looking for a place to live, the next thing on your agenda should be to discuss sharing finances with your partner. Set expectations It’s time to be realistic about what type of spenders you are. If you’re savvy with your money and a great saver, whilst your partner is a little more carefree with their spending, you may need to discuss what you expect from each other financially. For example, if you’re not ok with late rent because your partner overspent on their last shopping spree, it’s best to bring that up early on. How to budget and save Let’s face it, everything costs money! Bills, food and insurances are just some of the expenses you’ll need to save for. Use our budget calculator to get an idea of how much you need to put away to cover your outgoings. Create a simple spreadsheet with all of your expenses and any income to see what you’re left with at the end of the month. Open a joint account The key is to decide what this account is for. Is it for paying bills? Is it for dining out and entertainment? You both need to decide how much you’re willing and able to contribute to your combined funds. Be clear on the purpose of combining your money so you can keep each other in check. Horizon has a range of savings and access accounts so you can get the most out of your money. Check out our best everyday accounts for young couples. Credit or savings? How will you make everyday purchases? Are you an avid credit card user or do you save for everything you buy? Whatever your method, let your partner know so this can be factored into your budget. Thinking a credit card is the way to go? Check out our low rate, no annual fee Visa credit card. Make it fun Don’t forget to treat yourself every once in a while. Dinner and a movie or buying those concert tickets will feel even more rewarding when you’ve been saving together. Living with a partner is a new and exciting experience. Whatever your financial outlook, open and honest finance conversations are key for financial (and relationship) harmony.  Thinking of moving in with a partner? Check out our range of savings accounts to get you started on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Sorting out your money before you go What is the best way to take money overseas? You have a few different options. Rather than just relying on cash, consider taking a cash passport or travel money card too. Your own visa debit or credit card can be taken as well for extra flexibility when it comes to paying for things. Plus, having back-up options for lost or stolen cards is always a good idea. Keep an eye on exchange rates leading up to your holiday, then order foreign cash or load up your travel card when the exchange rate is in your favour. With some clever timing you may be able to make your dollar stretch that bit further. This is particularly for those currencies that are worth more than the Australian dollar, such as the British Pound or Euro. Consider the fees and charges While no one wants to have to worry about fees and charges, it’s important to remember that if you pay for things on your debit or credit card oversees, you may pay more than you think. Overseas merchants tend to charge a higher conversion rate for the trouble of converting your money into their currency. Check with us about the costs of using your card for overseas eftpos purchases and in foreign ATMs. Talk to us about travel insurance Without travel insurance, cancelling your holiday due to sickness or injury means you’re unlikely to get back any money you’ve paid so far.  What you’re getting up to on your holiday is also important. Make sure your policy includes cover for dangerous sports if you’re planning on skiing, skydiving or taking part in any other adrenaline filled activity. Get a quote online here. How about those bills? Missing a bill while you’re on holiday can lead to late fees. Or in extreme circumstances, stopping services all together if payments are frequently late. Take the hassle away by setting up direct debits before you go. Tell us before you go By letting us know you’re out of the country and where you’re going, we’ll know it’s you conducting those international transactions. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on your accounts and credit cards while you’re away. Looking for more money advice for your overseas trip? Get in touch with Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Heading overseas on holiday? Getting a great exchange rate will make a big difference to the way you spend on your holiday. Finding the best currency exchange rates How exactly do exchange rates work? There are a few things to know to get the most from your Australian dollar when travelling overseas. What affects the exchange rate? An exchange rate is the value of one currency in terms of another currency and they can fluctuate for a number of reasons, including:  Balance of payments  Inflation  Interest rates  Political stability and economic performance Exchange rates can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them several weeks before you leave so you know when the rate is in your favour or not. How can you check the exchange rate? Travelex provides exchange rates and historical data so you can see how the exchange rates have been tracking over time. Where Can I buy foreign currency? You can order your foreign cash through us. The strength of the currency exchange rate at the time you purchase your foreign cash will determine how much spending money you have to take with you. Timing it right could mean the difference between staying in a hotel versus a hostel, expensive dinners out versus cheap meals on the run, or even a flight upgrade. Buying currency in Australia versus overseas To buy now or later? This often presents a dilemma but again, it depends on what’s happening in the country you’re visiting and with the exchange rate at the time. If you’d prefer to be fully prepared before you go and not worry about money, convert your currency here by either purchasing foreign cash or locking in the exchange rate by loading money onto a travel money card. You can also change money overseas, but it’s best to get a small amount of local currency before you go to tide you over.  Be sure to check the advertised exchange rate and ask about fees if you’re changing currency at the airport or at overseas banks. Conversion fee and transaction fees can apply for withdrawing cash at overseas ATMs –check with your financial institution about cash advance fees if you use a credit card. If you’re buying things using your debit or credit card you’ll be charged according to the exchange rate at the time you pay. Many people opt to pay in the local currency rather than in Australian dollars because there could be a fee for converting Australian dollars to the local currency at the time of purchase. Is it better to pay in advance? If you’re booking your own holiday, you could take advantage of a favourable exchange rate by paying for accommodation and booking in advance with an International Money Transfer (IMT). International payments are available from the ‘Payments’ tab within Online Banking. Learn more about International money transfers. Get in touch with Horizon Bank today for all of your foreign currency and travel insurance needs. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Using our currency converter calculator It’s that time of year where many Australians are heading overseas in search of relaxation and warmer weather, with travel destinations such as Bali, Thailand and Europe being amongst the most popular. After finalising your travel arrangements, it’s time to consider the exchange rate. Using a currency converter is a quick and easy way to see how much of the foreign currency you’ll receive for your Australian dollar. You can keep up to date with foreign exchange rates for a number of popular travel destinations by checking out the table here.  If you’ve set yourself an amount for spending money, you can then use the currency converter calculator to see if you’ll have enough on your trip, or if you’ll need to save more! Watching the exchange rates over a period of time is a good way of knowing when it's the best time to convert your money. After you’ve worked out how much money you have to convert, you can order your foreign cash through us. Travel Insurance If you haven’t purchased travel insurance, we can also sort this out for you. Travel insurance is great for peace of mind that should your luggage be lost or stolen, you’ll be covered. You’re also covered for a number of other events. Get a quote online or talk to us about your travel insurance needs before you go. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.   The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.