Christmas sales are one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of discounts and deals. But while grabbing a bargain feels great, it’s important to shop smart and keep your financial goals in mind—especially with a brand-new year just around the corner.

Top Tips for Sales Shopping

• Make a List Before You Shop
  Identify what you truly need versus what’s just tempting. This helps avoid impulse buys that can derail your budget.
• Set a Spending Limit
  Decide on a maximum amount you’re willing to spend and stick to it. A good rule of thumb: if it wasn’t in your plan, think twice.
• Compare Prices Online
  Not every “sale” is a real bargain. Use price comparison tools to make sure you’re getting genuine value.
• Focus on Quality Over Quantity
  A well-made item at a discount is better than several cheap purchases that won’t last.

Planning for 2026

The new year is the perfect time to set goals—whether it’s a dream holiday, home improvements, or even to start saving for next Christmas.

If you’re looking for support with budgeting, saving, or affordable lending, Sheffield Credit Union can help. They offer practical financial solutions and advice to help you achieve your goals without unnecessary stress.

Need Help Making Your Plans a Reality?

Here’s how to start:

• Review Your Current Budget
  Look at your income, expenses, and savings. Where can you cut back to free up funds for your plans? If you would like help with your budgeting, why not check out our SCUBA budgeting account. Click here to find out more.
• Create a Savings Plan
  Save where possible. Even small, regular contributions add up over time. We provide a range of savings accounts to meet your needs Click here to find out more.
• Plan for Big Expenses Early
  If you know you’ll need extra funds for something special, start preparing now rather than relying on last-minute credit Click here to find out more.

• Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)- 10.30am-12pm
• Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day)- CLOSED
• Friday 26th December (Boxing Day)- CLOSED
• Monday 29th December- 10am-3pm
• Tuesday 30th December- 10am-3pm
• Wednesday 31st December (New Years Eve)- 10.30am-3pm
• Thursday 1st January (New Years day)- CLOSED
• Friday 2nd January- 10am-3pm

We would like to wish all our members a fun festive season and happy New Year

Christmas—the season of twinkling lights, cosy nights, and… spending sprees that sometimes leave us blue come January.

But don’t worry! With a little planning and some clever tricks, you can keep the festive magic alive without breaking the bank. And guess what? Your local Credit Union might just be the secret Santa you didn’t know you needed.

Top tips for managing Your finances this Christmas

1. Make a List (and check it twice!)

Before you dash through the shops, jot down everyone you’re buying for and set a spending limit. A clear budget is your best friend—it keeps you on track and stops those “just one more gift” moments.

2. Tick off your list as you go

Think of it like keeping score in a festive game. Use a budgeting app or a simple notebook to track every purchase. It’s amazing how those little extras add up!

3. Pay with what you have

Credit cards can feel like magic wands, but they come with a price—interest! Stick to cash or debit where possible. Spending what you actually have means no nasty surprises later.

4. Simplify gift-giving

Secret Santa, homemade treats, or the “Four Gift Rule” (want, need, wear, read) can make gifting fun and affordable. Remember, it’s the thought that counts—not the price tag.

5. Shop smart

Start early, hunt for deals, and use loyalty points or cashback sites. Even little savings add up to big cheer.

6. Get creative

DIY gifts, baking, or even a heartfelt handwritten letter can mean more than anything store-bought. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and full of love.

How Credit Unions can be your secret Santa

Credit Unions are about community and support. Here’s how they can help make your Christmas stress-free:

1. Affordable lending

Need a little extra to cover festive costs? Credit Unions often offer small loans with lower interest rates than credit cards—helping you avoid falling into debt traps providing alternatives to other high interest lenders or even worse, loan sharks! Click here for more information on the affordable lending Sheffield Credit Union can provide.

2. Christmas savings accounts

Many Credit Unions offer special accounts where you can save throughout the year for next Christmas—so you’re ready when the bells start jingling. Click here for more information on the Christmas Saver at Sheffield Credit Union.

3. Financial support

Feeling overwhelmed? Credit Unions often provide free budgeting tips. It’s like having an elf for your money matters! Click here for more information on the budgeting account that Sheffield Credit Union provides.

Overall, Christmas should be about joy, not stress. With a sprinkle of planning and the support of your local Credit Union, you can keep the season merry and bright—without the January blues.

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, but it can also be overwhelming and lead to overspending if you’re not prepared. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of the deals without breaking your budget:

1. Set a Budget Before You Shop

Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. A clear budget helps you avoid impulse purchases and financial stress later.

2. Make a Shopping List

Write down the items you truly need or have been planning to buy. This keeps you focused and prevents unnecessary splurges.

3. Compare Prices

Don’t assume every Black Friday deal is the best. Use price comparison tools or check multiple retailers to ensure you’re getting genuine savings.

4. Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Some discounts are inflated or tied to unnecessary extras. Read the fine print and check product reviews before buying.

5. Use Cashback and Loyalty Programs

If you have access to cashback offers or loyalty points, use them to maximize your savings.

6. Avoid Credit Card Debt

It’s tempting to swipe now and worry later, but high-interest debt can turn a bargain into a burden. If you need financial flexibility, consider safer alternatives.

Need Financial Support?

If you’re worried about overspending or need help managing your finances, your local credit union such as Sheffield Credit Union is on hand to help. They can offer:

• Low-interest personal loans, looking at affordability rather than just your credit score
• Budgeting advice
• Savings plans tailored to your goals

Visit your local credit union’s website or branch to explore options that keep your finances healthy while enjoying the Black Friday deals.

Sleigh no to loan sharks this Christmas!

Christmas is a time for joy, family gatherings, and celebrations, but it can also bring financial pressure. The
cost of parties, presents, and festive food can quickly add up, leaving some of us struggling to make ends
meet.

Unfortunately, this is when loan sharks can strike. These illegal lenders prey on vulnerable people, offering
what seems like a friendly helping hand - but behind the smiles lies a dangerous trap.
What is a loan shark?

Loan sharks are illegal money lenders. They often appear trustworthy, sometimes they’re a neighbour, a
parent at the school gate, a work colleague, or even a family friend. Borrowers often don’t realise they’ve
been targeted until it’s too late.

What starts as a small loan can spiral into a nightmare. As these lenders aren’t regulated, they can demand high charges and interest payments and sometimes use intimidation or violence when you can’t pay.

What are the warning signs?
If you’re considering borrowing money, watch out for these red flags:
- No paperwork or written agreement for the loan.
- Repayments far higher than the amount borrowed.
- Threats or intimidation if you struggle to pay.
- Demands for personal items like your passport, bank card, or valuables as security.

If any of these sound familiar, you may be dealing with a loan shark.

Safer alternatives
If you need to borrow, consider a credit union or CDFI. They offer ethical, safe loans even for people who’ve been refused credit elsewhere.

How to get help
If you think you’ve been targeted, don’t suffer in silence. The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) - known as Stop Loan Sharks - is here to help. They investigate illegal lenders and support victims.
You’ve done nothing wrong by borrowing, the lender is the criminal.

You can contact Stop Loan Sharks confidentially and anonymously if needed:
📞 24/7 Hotline: 0300 555 2222
📱 WhatsApp: 07700 102773
💻 Live Chat: www.stoploansharks.co.uk (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
✉️ Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk