How OCCU can help you vacation

Your work life and home life are busy with no signs of slowing down. There are errands, school, family events, work and the list goes on. That's life, right? 

When you’re zipping between tasks just to get a few seconds of peace, it’s easy to forget how important vacations and stay-cations are to avoid burnout. Whether that well-deserved break is relaxing at home, travelling to faraway lands to watch the sunset or escaping into the mountains to connect with nature it is likely within your reach. With just a little planning and the right financial product, the possibilities are endless.  

Here’s how OCCU can help you take your next vacation. 

Split the cost for your vacation into chunks 

Everything is expensive these days. Tickets, gas, lodging, etc. And the truth of the matter is: Paying for the total cost of your trip upfront isn’t an option for most of us. However, splitting the price of airfare and shelter by charging it to a credit card is a great option, especially if it earns rewards.  

It’s simple: Use your credit card to book flights and hotels and then pay your credit card back over time. You can also split the cost by putting some on credit and the rest on debit. 

This trick is most beneficial for people who pay more than the minimum on their credit cards each month. If you only make the minimum payment, you may literally still be paying for your vacation years later. But, if you routinely pay well above the minimum or otherwise keep a low balance, then you can earn rewards for travel, minimize interest charges and maximize your spending power.  

The best products for paying for a vacation include OCCU credit cards, lines of credit and home equity credit cards.  

Earn more with your savings  

You’ve heard the advice before: Put your savings into high-yield accounts to earn money from interest. To help with that, OCCU offers high-yield savings products that let you grow your funds.  

CDs: Yes, OCCU offers high CD rates. However, the other benefit is that with a CD, your funds are out of sight and mind. This means it lessens the chance of impulse spending before your vacation. The downside, if there is one, to CDs is that you can’t freely access the money until the CD matures. If you have the funds and time to let your CD mature, then you’ll start your vacation with a strong financial base.  

High-yield savings: Savings accounts keep your money accessible while also earning interest. While not quite as out-of-sight and mind as a CD, savings accounts do still add a layer between you and debit card purchases since you can’t spend from a savings account.  

Home equity lines of credit: If you’re a homeowner, home equity lines of credit let you convert your home’s value into spending power. HELOCS also offer lower potential interest rates than traditional credit cards. That said, HELOCs are only an option for approved homeowners.  

Gain peace of mind for your next road trip 

The PNW is lush with sprawling fields of green, mountain horizons, shimmering lakes and so much more. Drive to and through them with the window down, music up and one arm relaxing out the window. All you need is a reliable vehicle and a map to get started. OCCU can help with one of those. Apply for an auto loan and get a vehicle you can trust to make it across the country and back.  

Protect your identity 

The good news is all OCCU members with a checking account have access to complimentary identity theft protection through Fraud, Inc. Additional protection is available but there’s nothing you need to do, besides have a checking account in good standing with us, to access basic ID protection services. Breathe a little easier knowing that if push comes to shove, OCCU has your back. 

You deserve a vacation without financial stress. Use our products and your member benefits to bring your stress-free vacation to life!