Unlock the Ultimate Shopping Secrets for Maximizing Your End-of-Year Budget

Home Blog Unlock the Ultimate Shopping Secrets for Maximizing Your End-of-Year Budget

Posted On: November 9, 2023 by Peoples Bank of Kankakee County in: Family Seasonal

As the year wraps up and the holiday season comes around, it's the perfect time to become a shopping pro. We're going to share several tips and tricks that can help you save big and get the most bang for your buck. Say goodbye to overspending and hello to smart shopping. Let's dive in and make your budget go further than ever before!

Buy Out-of-Season

Buying clothes out of season can be a hidden goldmine for budget-conscious fashion enthusiasts. Imagine snagging that cozy winter sweater or that stylish swimsuit at a fraction of its original price, simply because it's not the peak season for wearing it. Retailers often clear out their inventory to make way for the upcoming season's trends, and that's where you can save big. Whether you're planning for the next year or embracing a timeless wardrobe, shopping out of season allows you to score high quality pieces without breaking the bank.

Take Advantage of Sales

Sales events offer fantastic opportunities to snag your favorite items at seriously discounted prices. Whether it's a massive Black Friday blowout, a summer clearance, or a special holiday sale, these moments are your chance to score big while keeping your wallet happy. Just keep an eye out for those red "Sale" tags and be ready to pounce. But remember, a good deal doesn't mean buying things you don't need. It's about getting what you love for less.

Stick to a List

Sticking to a shopping list can help you avoid overspending and getting carried away during your shopping. It's simple but seriously effective! A list keeps you focused and helps you stay on track while avoiding those impulse buys that can send you over your budget. Next time you head out for a shopping adventure, make a list, and take it with you. Your wallet will thank you, and you'll walk away with what you need and no extra spending regrets.

Download Apps & Utilize Rewards

Downloading apps and using rewards is a smart move when you want to shop without breaking the bank. These apps can help you find discounts and deals. Plus, many stores have rewards programs that give you points or cash back when you shop. By using these apps and rewards, you can save money while still getting the stuff you want. So, before you go shopping, don't forget to check if there's an app for the store or sign up for their rewards program.

Look for Cheaper Options

When you're shopping, it's a smart idea to compare and seek out more affordable options. This involves exploring various brands or stores to uncover better prices. You might find that there are comparable items available at lower costs, allowing you to save without compromising on your preferences. Before you finalize a purchase, take a little extra time to research your alternatives. It's an easy way to save money and ensure you're staying within your budget.

These straightforward approaches empower you to shop smarter and stretch your budget further than you thought possible. By using these tips, you're not just shopping – you're creating a game plan that lets you enjoy your purchases without worrying about your wallet.

An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, but we pay it anyway. We can cover your overdrafts in two different ways:

We have standard overdraft practices that are available after your account has been open for 30 days and as long as you maintain your account in good standing.
We also offer an overdraft protection plan, Overdraft Protection Sweep, a link to a savings account. It may be less expensive than our standard overdraft practices. To learn more, ask us about this plan.

This notice explains our standard overdraft practices.

What are the standard overdraft practices that come with my account?

After your account has been open for 30 days and as long as you maintain your account in good standing, we do authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions:

Checks and other transactions made using your checking account number
Automatic bill payments

We do not authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions unless you ask us to (see below):

ATM transactions
Everyday debit card transactions

We pay overdrafts at our discretion, which means we do not guarantee that we will always authorize and pay any type of transaction.

If we do not authorize and pay an overdraft, your transaction will be declined.

What fees will I be charged if Peoples Bank of Kankakee County pays my overdraft?

Under our standard overdraft practices:

We will charge you a fee of up to $30 each time we pay an overdraft.
The maximum daily overdraft fee per presentment or item paid using the Overdraft Reserve Program is $150.00 per day.
No per item handling fee will be charged on de minimis overdrafts. De minimis overdraft for this policy means transactions that overdraw your account by $30 or less.
There is an overdraft fee of $5 per day that will be charged beginning the 4th consecutive business day your account is overdrawn.

Nonsufficient funds (NSF) fees - if an item drafted by you (such as a check) or a transaction you set up (such as a preauthorized transfer) is presented for payment in an amount that is more than the amount of money in your account and we decide not to pay the item or transaction, you agree that we can charge you an NSF fee for returning the payment. Be aware that such an item or payment may be presented multiple times by the merchant or other payee until it is paid, and that we do not monitor or control the number of times a transaction is presented for payment. You agree that we may charge you an NSF fee each time a payment is presented if the amount of money in your account is not sufficient to cover the payment, regardless of the number of times the payment is presented.

PAYMENT ORDER OF ITEMS - The law permits us to pay items drawn on your account in any order (for purposes of this section "items" means checks, orders and electronic transactions). To assist you in handling your account with us, we are providing you with the following information regarding how we process those items. When processing checks and orders drawn on your account our policy is to pay lower numbered checks and orders in numerical sequence, but electronic transactions are paid first in the order received. The order in which items are paid is important if there is not enough money in your account to pay all of the items that are presented. There is no policy that is favorable in every instance. If the smallest items are paid first, you may have fewer NSF or overdraft fees, but the largest, and perhaps more important items (such as rent or mortgage payments) might not be paid. However, if the largest items are paid first, your most important items might be paid but it may increase the overdraft or NSF fees if funds are not available to pay all of the items. We think our policy attains a reasonable balance between minimizing additional costs to you and paying your more important items. We encourage you to make careful records and practice good account management. This will help you to avoid creating items without sufficient funds and incurring the resulting fees.

What if I want Peoples Bank of Kankakee County to authorize and pay overdrafts on my ATM and everyday debit card transactions?

If you also want us to authorize and pay overdrafts on ATM and everyday debit card transactions after your account has been open for 30 days, you may opt in.

You have an ongoing right to change this consent at any time. If your overdraft privilege has been revoked for any reason, the opt-in or opt-out selection may not apply. Please contact your nearest office for more information.

Alternate ways to Opt In/Out or make changes:

By Phone. Our Customer Care Representatives can be reached at 815-936-7600.
By Mail. Peoples Bank of Kankakee County, 333 E. Court Street, Kankakee, IL 60901
In Person. Please visit your local office and ask a representative to help you decide which plan is best for you.