Financial Priorities When Traveling

Sometimes we worry so much about how much to spend when booking our vacation, that we forget about what we need to spend while on vacation. These are the three financial must-haves you should pack with you while away:
- A Smart Checking Account – There are so many checking accounts available today. Many banks tag on perks to persuade consumers to choose their account. One perk is free ATMs or ATM refunds. ATM fees can get pretty high, so this feature is ideal when you’re on vacation and in need of an ATM machine.
- A Credit Card With Benefits – Many people use a credit card to book their room and when shopping on vacation. So why not use a card that gives you something in return, like rewards points with every purchase or cash back?
- Online and Mobile Banking – Keep an eye on your finances while on vacation via your phone or computer. This is ideal if you plan to be away for an extended period of time. You can pay your bills, transfer money or simply check your balance wherever you go.

Basic spending tips while on vacation:
- Use a credit card that offers fraud protection. This covers you in case you lose your card while away or someone steals your account number. Always keep your credit card company’s number with you, so you can report any suspicious activity immediately. In fact, keep your bank’s number with you as well!
- Notify your credit card company and financial institution if you are traveling outside the country. Many times, companies like Visa flag your card for possible fraud or turn it off for your protection if they notice out-of-the-norm activity. For Avadian debit or credit cards, you can notify us from online and mobile banking.
- Consider opening a savings account for your vacation. Spend only the money in this account to keep you from spending impulsively and resulting in debt while away. You want to remember your vacation for the right reasons.

Avadian offers several financial must haves for your vacation:
- Our U Name It Savings Account lets you set up individual savings accounts and personalize them to your specific savings goals. So, if it’s a beach trip you long for, set up a “Beach Bound” account. All it takes is $5.00 to open.
- Our Choice Checking account offers ATM refunds as a feature. Use any ATM nationwide, and we will refund fees up to $10 a month directly into your checking account. Simply save your ATM receipts from other financial institutions and return them to us within 90 days of your transaction date.
- Our Visa Credit Cards come with cash back or rewards options. In addition, if you travel with your card, you are protected from fraudulent activity with Visa’s Zero Liability feature.
- We also offer all the electronic services you need to conduct your finances wherever you go!
For more on Avadian’s services and products, visit www.avadiancu.com or call 1(888) 282-3426.