How to save for a dream vacation
Are you ready for a vacation, but not sure how to pay for it?
There’s nothing more relaxing than embarking on a vacation that you can actually afford.
While summer steals most of the headlines when it comes to glamourous getaways, you can maximize your vacation budget by planning a trip any time of year – summer included - with tools available from Georgia United.
For starters, Georgia United members can get a head start on funding a dream vacation by opening a Vacation Club Savings Account that earns dividends while you plan your perfect destination, find prime accommodations and pick fun-filled family activities.
How does it work?
Open a Vacation Club Savings Account by visiting a Georgia United branch, through the online account opening process at gucu.org or through Online Banking. To open a Vacation Club Savings Account, a Georgia United Prime Share Savings Account is required.
It’s a good idea to open a vacation savings account because it allows you to set aside money specifically earmarked for going on a fabulous trip without the funds commingling with general savings or general checking money that could be spent inadvertently on bills and other expenses. And members can earn interest in the process. When your vacation funds are separated from other accounts, it’s easier to track your progress and hit your savings goals. It takes out the guesswork.
“The advantage of a Vacation Club Savings Account is it offers a safe haven to save for that special vacation,” said Rene McDaniel, Georgia United Director of Deposit Services. “To grow the balance, a member could have automatic transfers set up to regularly move funds to this account. Their wonderful vacation can be paid for before they go.”
To reinforce that this account is meant for building a nest egg for your vacation, withdrawals are limited. One free withdrawal is allowed per quarter, and you’ll be charged a fee for taking money out for subsequent withdrawals during that time frame.
It can also dissuade you from dipping into emergency funds to pay for a vacation. And dedicated vacation savings can help you avoid going into debt from merely taking a vacation.
The Vacation Club Savings Account isn’t the only savings vehicle that Georgia United offers to members that are looking to maximize their vacation dollars.
Perhaps a short-term certificate of deposit (CD) is a better fit if you’re planning a getaway that’s more than seven months into the future. Grow that vacation purse quickly and securely with a variety of CD options and limited time offers that feature high yields and various term lengths. The more you invest, the more you’ll earn.
Similarly, if you’re looking to kickstart a vacation fund, a High Earning Savings Account from Georgia United can help you reach your savings goals even faster with a high-yield rate and flexible access to your money around-the-clock. The higher the account balance, the higher the returns.
Members can unlock further vacation savings by using the various travel-related rewards offered by Georgia United's Cash Back Visa Signature® Card. Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.*
Use the card while you’re on vacation or before you go to purchase items you’ll need on your trip and earn 1.5% back on all purchases**, with the cash automatically deposited into your savings account each month.
That’s like getting paid to go on vacation!
*Georgia United Cash Back Visa Signature cardholders are responsible for the payment of any and all charges associated with any goods, services, reservations or bookings purchased or arranged by the Visa Signature Concierge on cardholders’ behalf. Any such purchases or arrangements are solely between the cardholder and the respective merchant, and Visa is not a party to the transaction. All goods and services subject to availability. See full terms of service at visasignatureconcierge.com.
**Purchases do not include returned items for credit, balance transfers, cash advances and interest. There is no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn, if your account is open and in good standing. Cash back received will be automatically deposited into your Savings (Share) Account each month.