I'm going on holiday but my bills aren't - what should I do?
"I've got a note in my diary in November to set up automatic
payments and direct debits for the Christmas/New Year period. That
way, all I need to worry about is my credit card bill." Rae, Account Executive
There's no doubt about it, holidays can be expensive. But there is
a way to ensure you can return from holiday debt free. It's great
when you can start planning your next holiday without worrying
about how you'll pay off the last one. It's just a matter of being
prepared.
Westpac's tips for staying on top of your
bills:
- Set up a savings account with a regular automatic payment to
help you save for your summer holiday
- Register for txt/email alerts and get updates if your account
goes below a certain balance, or use mobile banking to get your
account balance via txt at any time
- For bills that are due at set times, set up direct debits or automatic payments to cover them while you're on holiday. If you have a Westpac credit card with hotpoints® you can get rewarded for paying your bills - just set up your direct debits to come from your credit card account and you'll earn hotpoins. Click here for more information on direct debits and automatic payments
Plan your holiday in advance.
A holiday is a perfect example of a budget transitioning
from a savings plan, to a spending plan. The savings you put
aside during the year could cover your holiday costs.
Click here
to kick-start your
budget.
How should I pay for my holiday?
Credit cards are accepted in most places around the
world, with some Westpac credit cards accepted at over 29 million
locations worldwide. However, you may travel through areas
where you can't use a credit card or EFTPOS so it's a good idea to
take cash with you to ensure you're not left stranded.
Westpac's credit cards also are a good option for people who can
pay most or all of their outstanding balance off each month.
Click here
for more information
on Westpac's credit cards.
If you have a tendency to overspend, consider using a
Westpac Debitplus
card
. It will allow you to only spend what's in
your everyday account.
How can Westpac credit cards and hotpoints help me
travel?
If you have a Westpac hotpoints credit card, pay for your
holiday (within New Zealand or internationally) and you may be able
to redeem your hotpoints for Hotpoints Holiday Credits to help you
pay for it later.
Click here
to
find out more about travelling with hotpoints.
Westpac Gold and Titanium credit cards have travel insurance as
well which means you may be covered for your holiday if you pay for
it on your card.*
What to remember when travelling overseas
Check out Westpac's tips on how to manage your money if
you're going on an OE or travelling overseas. This guide will
give you an idea of what you need to remember (foreign currency,
travel insurance), along with tips on how to manage your accounts
while you're away.
Click here
for
more information.
ATM locator:
Find out if there's an ATM at your holiday destination.
Click here
for
Westpac's ATM locator.
Watch the video
Click here
to watch Nicci, Rae and Marina reveal
how they're getting sorted.
Getting sorted for summer
How can I keep my Christmas spending in
check?
How to take the sting out of buying summer gear
Get organised with Westpac
Essentials
The content of Talking Money Sense is general in nature, is
designed for information purposes only and is not intended to
constitute financial or other advice. Information is subject to
change. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply to Westpac
products and services. See
www.westpac.co.nz
or call into
your nearest Westpac branch for details. You can get a copy of the
current disclosure statement for Westpac New Zealand Ltd from any
Westpac branch in New Zealand free of charge. hotpoints® is a
registered trade mark of Westpac Banking Corporation.
* Terms, conditions, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply to
insurance, please refer to the
Gold Card Insurance Policy
Document.
Westpac New Zealand Ltd.
