BECU Blog: Spending & Shopping

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Get helpful tips and tricks for savvy spending and shopping. 

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

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Get tips to help you decide if insurance makes sense for your trip.

How To Spend Less on Holiday Shopping

Couple standing shoulder to shoulder together outside, dressed in warm winter clothes, smiling and looking down inside of a red shopping bag, with holiday lights visible in the background. "Consumers' Checkbook" logo in the bottom right corner.

Learn how to get the best deals and avoid scams during the holidays.

Buying Your Leased Car Could Save You Money Now

Couple standing inside an auto dealership reviewing materials on a digital tablet with an auto dealership employee. Consumers' Checkbook logo in the lower right of the image.

With inventory problems driving up auto prices, buying your vehicle as it comes off lease could result in a windfall.

‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Pros and Cons for Travel

Parents stand smiling with their two young children on a sunny, sandy beach with bright blue water behind them. A logo says Consumers' Checkbook on the lower right.

Find out if putting off payment for your upcoming trip is right for you.

RV Supplies Increasing, but Prices Still High

A father, mother and their two boys pose for a family photo in front of their RV, which is hitched to their pickup truck.

What to expect — and what to consider — if you’re shopping for an RV.

Think You're Getting a Deal? 10 Tricks Sellers Use

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Learn the sales tricks that make you think you're getting a bargain.

How To Get a Fair Deal on Auto Repair

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Tips for shopping for an auto mechanic.

Car Shoppers Face Fewer Choices and Higher Prices

Aerial photo of a black sedan, the only car in a parking lot with eight spaces visible. Consumers' Checkbook logo in lower right.

Learn how a microchip shortage is affecting sales and get shopping tips.
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Low-Cost Vacation Rental? Take a Closer Look

Smiling woman in a blue windbreaker stands in a garden in front of cabin with a low, round wooden door. Logo in the lower right reads Puget Sound Consumers' Checkbook.

Get tips for avoiding hidden fees and terms on your vacation rental.

Stay Safe with This Virtual Holiday Guide

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Make the most of this holiday season with these festive and safe celebration ideas.

4 Shopping Tips for Black Friday 2020

Shopping bags

Tips for Black Friday shopping while keeping yourself and others safe by staying home and avoiding the crowds.

Support Small Businesses on Saturday, November 28

Small business merchants

Learn how to support your favorite local shop on Small Business Saturday.

Ideas for a Virtual Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Celebration

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With the latest guidance from the CDC and Governor Inslee, many of us need to rethink our holiday plans. Get ideas for a virtual Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) celebration.

Turkey Shopping Tips for Thanksgiving 2020

Turkey

Get the best bang for your bird buck with these turkey shopping tips.

7 Easy Alternatives to Trick or Treating

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Spook-tacular ideas for a fun and safe Halloween.

10 Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained This Summer

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Ideas for free summer fun from the comfort of home.
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Affordable Social Distancing Ideas for Long Weekends

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Socially distant ideas for spending your holiday weekend with others.

Four Ideas for Celebrating Moms, Grads and Dads From a Distance

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Four ideas for celebrating Moms, Dads and Grads during the COVID-19 crisis.

Can't Travel? Try a Staycation

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Had to cancel travel plans? Here are some ideas for a staycation at home.

4 Tips for Using Your Stimulus Check

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Our Lead Financial Educator offers suggestions for prioritizing your stimulus check.

4 Tips for Buying a Budget-Savvy Engagement Ring

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Don't feel like you need to break the bank.

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

We look into meal delivery services and see if they save you money.

Best Summer Camp Tips for Parents

Best Summer Camp Tips for Parents

The best time to book a summer camp? Now.

Let's Talk About the Cost of Turkey

Turkey

Get the best bang for your bird buck. Check out our turkey-shopping tips.
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Top 6 Tips for Perfect Kid Presents

Gifts decorated with ribbons

Hopefully this will make shopping easier.

Best of Back to School Sales

Chalk board that says Back to School

Did you know some of the best back to school sales happen in July?

Free (Or Almost Free) Things to Do in Seattle

Seattle's Pike Place Market

You don't have to break the bank this summer in Seattle.

The Virtual Gold Rush

Are You Missing Out On a Virtual Gold Rush?

Taking look at digital currency.