This article was sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.
The holidays are full of magic, but they can also be tough on your wallet. Between gifts, travel, and festive gatherings, it’s easy for expenses to pile up quickly. The good news? With the right strategies, you can enjoy the season while keeping your finances on track. From maximizing discounts to earning rewards on every purchase, here are five smart tips to make your holiday dollars go further this year.
1. Maximize Military Discounts and Tax-Free Options
One of the best-kept secrets of holiday shopping is combining military discounts with seasonal sales. Many retailers—both in-store and online—offer year-round discounts for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. During the holidays, these savings often stack on top of existing promotions, meaning you can score double the deals.
Don’t forget about military exchanges and commissaries, where purchases are tax-free. Around the holidays, these outlets frequently host clearance events or bundle sales, offering even more ways to save. By planning ahead and pairing your military benefits with holiday promotions, you can check items off your shopping list without breaking your budget.
2. Earn More with Navy Federal’s cashRewards Credit Cards
If you’re going to spend, you might as well get rewarded. Navy Federal Credit Union offers cashRewards credit cards, including the cashRewards Plus card with unlimited 2% cash back with cashRewards Plus and 1.5% cash back with cashRewards.1 For members who qualify, it’s one of the easiest ways to earn back money while shopping.
Even better, new cardholders can earn up to a $250 cash bonus by spending $2,500 within the first 90 days of account opening.2 That’s extra money back in your pocket, just in time to cover holiday travel or ring in the New Year. With no annual fee, no balance transfer fees, and no foreign transaction fees, cashRewards makes spending smarter, not harder.
3. Shop Through Member Deals for Bonus Cash Back
Another smart way to stretch your dollar is to take advantage of Navy Federal’s Member Deals portal. By shopping through this online platform, you can earn up to 15% bonus cash back or 15x points at popular retailers like Apple, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and more.
It’s simple: log in, browse the participating retailers, and shop through the portal. The extra rewards are automatically added to your account, on top of what you already earn with your cashRewards card.
During the holidays, when big-ticket purchases are common, those bonus rewards can add up quickly. Think of it as stacking rewards on top of sales—because who doesn’t love a little extra back in their stocking?
4. Track Your Spending with Budgeting Tools
It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday spirit, but one of the best gifts you can give yourself is sticking to your budget. Tools like the Navy Federal mobile app make it simple to stay on track. You can:
- Monitor charges in real time to spot unexpected expenses.
- Set spending limits to help manage gift shopping.
- Track rewards earnings so you see how much you’re getting back.
By keeping a close eye on your finances, you’ll avoid the dreaded “holiday hangover” when the bills arrive in January. A little planning now means more peace of mind later.
5. Shop Strategically Offline
While online deals get a lot of attention, there are still plenty of ways to save when shopping in person. Military families can time visits to installation exchanges for special holiday promotions, often advertised in advance. Pairing those events with coupon apps or gift card hacks can help stretch your money even further. Plus, you can buy discounted gift cards to use for full-price purchases.
Veterans, service members, and family members also have access to the Exchange online, just one more benefit of service.
Another tip? Shop during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and snag the best selection. Early mornings or weekdays are often the sweet spot. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also have a better chance at finding high-demand items before they sell out.
The holidays are about connection, celebration, and generosity, not financial stress. By combining military benefits, leveraging rewards programs, and keeping an eye on your budget, you can create a holiday season that’s both joyful and financially savvy.
With tools like Navy Federal’s cashRewards cards, Member Deals, and budgeting resources, military families can enjoy the season without overspending. Pair those with smart offline shopping strategies, and you’ve got a plan that puts more money back in your pocket.
So go ahead—celebrate, give, and enjoy. This year, you’ll be doing it all with a little extra holiday cheer and a lot more financial confidence.
This content is intended to provide general information and shouldn’t be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. It is always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.
1 cashRewards Plus credit cards earn 2% cash back per dollar spent on eligible purchases. cashRewards credit cards earn 1.5% cash back per dollar spent on eligible purchases. Eligible purchases are purchases for goods and services, minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do not include fees, interest charges, balance transfers, gambling, convenience checks, cash advances, or other cash-equivalents (e.g., money orders, gift cards, prepaid cards). For more information, view the cashRewards (Visa® or Mastercard®) and cashRewards Plus Visa Signature® or World Mastercard) Program Descriptions at navyfederal.org.
2 Offer valid for cardholders issued a new cashRewards or cashRewards Plus credit card account. To be eligible for the $250 cash back, you must make $2,500 or more in eligible purchases within 90 days of account opening. Eligible purchases are purchases for goods and services, minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do not include fees, interest charges, balance transfers, gambling, convenience checks, cash advances, or other cash-equivalents (e.g., money orders, gift cards, prepaid cards). Please allow up to 8 weeks after the 90-day period for the $$250 to post to your rewards balance. Account must be open and not in default at the time the $250 is scheduled to post to your rewards balance. Limit of one promotional offer at account opening. Offer valid for accounts applied for between 07/01/202 and 01/01/2026.