The hustle and bustle of the festive season can often lead to a last-minute scramble for the ideal Christmas present. But fear not, LCU is here with suggestions for thoughtful last-minute gift ideas that your family will love and that won’t break the bank!
Local Artisan Crafts.
Support local businesses by choosing handmade, local crafts or artisanal products as unique gifts. Etsy is a great place to find local, small businesses and one-of-a-kind creations that make thoughtful presents and help your local community thrive.
Gift Cards with a Twist.
Pick up a gift card for local businesses or cafes your loved one enjoys. This will allow them to choose their gift while supporting small businesses in our community.
Digital Gifts.
In this digital age, consider gifting e-books, music subscriptions, or online courses that align with things your friends and family enjoy. It’s convenient and shows them that you care!
Personalised Experiences.
Create lasting memories by gifting experiences such as a virtual cooking class or a day out exploring local attractions. These experiences are sure to be cherished long after Christmas is over!
The Gift of Financial Wellness.
Consider the gift of financial security by introducing your loved ones to the benefits of saving with Leeds Credit Union. Contributing to their savings account can help them start the new year on the right financial footing.
Remember, Christmas isn’t about how much you spend; the best gifts come from the heart and reflect how much you care for those closest to you.
This year, as we approach the season of giving, let’s prioritise meaningful gestures over high ticket prices. From all of us at Leeds Credit Union, may your Christmas be filled with joy!
Black Friday is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to snag some incredible deals and save big. To help you make the most of this shopping extravaganza, we’ve compiled a list of five money-saving offers you won’t want to miss this Black Friday.
1. Electronics.
Upgrade your gadgets and tech gear with big discounts on electronics this Black Friday. From TVs to smartphones, laptops to smart home devices, retailers across the UK are offering significant tech discounts – like this Blink Outdoor Smart Security Camera, now 60% off!
2. Fashion and Apparel Sales.
With sites like ASOS offering up to 70% off, you can revamp your wardrobe for less this Black Friday with fantastic deals on fashion and apparel. Many popular clothing brands and retailers are slashing prices on everything from cosy winter essentials to stylish party wear.
3. Home and Kitchen Essentials.
Upgrade your living space without breaking the bank by taking advantage of Black Friday deals on home and kitchen essentials. Whether you need new furniture, kitchen gadgets or home decor items, you’ll find great discounts on a wide range of products – like this MisterChef Pro Standing Mixer.
4. Beauty and Wellness Products.
Treat yourself to some self-care this Black Friday with discounts on beauty and wellness products. This No7 The Skincare Discovery Collection 5 Piece Gift Set is the perfect gift for anyone looking to refresh their skincare routine!
5. Travel and Experiences.
Plan your next adventure at a fraction of the cost with Black Friday discounts on travel and experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway, a luxury spa retreat or some thrilling outdoor activities, many travel companies are offering unbeatable deals that will make your travel aspirations a reality.
This Black Friday, make the most of these money-saving offers to stretch your budget further and enjoy incredible savings on a variety of products and experiences. Remember to shop wisely, compare prices and consider your purchases carefully to make the most of this shopping event!
Stay tuned for more savings tips and financial insights from Leeds Credit Union in the run-up to Christmas!
At Leeds Credit Union, we believe that talking openly about money is a critical step towards financial wellbeing. Taking place this week, Talk Money Week is the perfect opportunity to start those vital conversations that can lead to better financial responsibility and stability. Here are some practical tips to help you take control of your finances and improve your overall financial health:
One of the most fundamental steps to financial responsibility is creating a budget. A budget helps you understand where your money goes and ensures you live within your means.
Tips for creating a budget:
If you could do with a hand creating your budget, check out our budget calculator.
Unexpected expenses can derail your financial plans. An emergency fund is a financial safety net you can rely on during unforeseen circumstances.
How to build an emergency fund:
Debt can be a significant burden on your financial wellbeing. It’s essential to manage it wisely and take steps to reduce it over time.
Strategies for managing debt:
Saving for the future is a crucial aspect of financial responsibility. Whether for retirement, education or a major purchase, having a savings plan can provide financial security and peace of mind.
Saving tips:
Understanding personal finance concepts can significantly affect your financial decisions and wellbeing. Take the time to educate yourself about financial matters.
Resources for improving financial literacy:
Talking openly about money can de-stigmatize financial discussions and provide you with new perspectives and ideas.
Ways to talk about money:
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re here to support you on your journey to financial wellbeing. By taking these steps towards financial responsibility, you can build a secure and prosperous future for yourself and your loved ones.
To find out more about our products and services, visit: https://leedscreditunion.co.uk/
The October half term is just around the corner and there’s a wide range of activities for families to get stuck into between Saturday October 26th and Sunday November 3rd.
From petrifying paintings to garden parties, Barking and Dagenham have plenty to offer. Here are some of our top picks!
Petrifying Plant Pot Painting.
Get your little ones into the spooky spirit of the season with some arts and crafts at Valence House in Dagenham this Halloween as they choose between pumpkins, spiders, witches and ghosts to paint on their very own Halloween terracotta plant pots!
This exclusive event is only taking place on Halloween night – Thursday, October 31st – from 12:00 pm to 01:30 pm. Advanced booking is essential so follow the embedded link above to secure your place!
Valence House, Valence Library, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham. RM8 3HT.
Autumn Garden Party.
Head over to the White House in Dagenham on Saturday, October 26th, for a festive afternoon of creativity, food and music celebrating all things Halloween and harvest this half term!
Enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly workshops focused on harvest-themed crafts, live music and entertainment, free food and tours of the stunning gardens.
And don’t worry if the outdoor attractions get a bit chilly – the event’s organisers are providing heaters and blankets to ensure everyone stays warm!
The White House, 884 Green Lane, Dagenham. RM8 1BX.
Jolly Jungle Halloween Party.
If your kids need to let off some steam this half term, head over to the Jolly Jungle for a special Halloween party!
One of Dagenham’s best soft play destinations, Jolly Jungle features a huge play area, a ball pit and a seriously big slide! This Halloween, it’s put together a special package that includes one hour of play time, one hour of game time, competitions with special prizes and unlimited soft drinks!
Two Halloween parties will take place, both on Wednesday, October 30th, from 2pm – 4pm and 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. To book spaces, please call: 020 3889 6238.
The Jolly Jungle, Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, Althorne Way, Dagenham. RM10 7FH.
Stay in control of your finances this Halloween.
However you decide to spend half term, we can help make it more affordable with one of our loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.
The countdown to half term is officially underway, and there’s a wide range of activities for families to get stuck into between Saturday October 26th and Sunday November 3rd.
From Halloween delights to pumpkin trails, Wakefield and the surrounding area have plenty to offer. Here are some of our top picks!
Halloween at Stockeld Park.
Ready for a SPOOK-tacular Halloween adventure at Stockeld Park?
Packed with eerie excitement for all ages, this is one of the best Halloween events around, with an Enchanted Maze, magical witches, creepy creatures and lots of other spooky goings-on besides!
Taking place every day from Saturday, October 26th, until Sunday, November 3rd, this is the perfect opportunity to dress up in your scariest costume and get ready for a day of fun where you’ll also learn how to wave a wand, mix a potion and cast a spell!
Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby. LS22 4AN.
Half Term Pumpkin Trail.
It wouldn’t be the October half term holidays without a few pumpkins so why not head over to Nostell and get involved in some seasonal fun?
Running from Saturday, October 26th, until Sunday, November 3rd, the Half Term Pumpkin Trail includes an outdoor adventure trail in the famous Georgian house’s garden and parkland, pumpkin hide and seek, a special selfie arch and plenty of spooky surprises!
Food and drinks – including autumn favourites like pumpkin spice lattes – are also available from the site’s cosy cafe and there are more than 300 acres of outdoor spaces to explore for those on the lookout for some fresh air and a good walk!
Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell. WF4 1QE.
Spooky Skeleton Safari.
Over the next few weeks, beloved half term destination Tropical World will be getting a Halloween makeover, with a host of eerie animal skeletons hidden around the park’s different enclosures!
A range of keeper talks will take place daily, while arts and crafts will also be available, along with seasonal food and drinks and an outdoor Halloween trail in the Canal Gardens.
Tropical World, Roundhay Park, Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds. LS8 2ER.
Don’t Let The Cost of Halloween Scare You This year!
Whatever you’re up to this Halloween, at Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of affordable loans to help you survive this spooky season and the costs that come with it.
To find out how much you could borrow, click here: https://leedscreditunion.co.uk/
The countdown to half term is officially underway, and there’s a wide range of activities for families to get stuck into between Saturday October 26th and Sunday November 3rd.
From meeting penguins to celebrating Halloween or getting stuck into some arts and crafts, Leeds has plenty to offer. Here are some of our top picks!
The Penguin Experience at Lotherton Hall.
Lotherton’s adorable Humboldt penguins have always been among its most popular attractions but now, for the first time ever, you can book an experience to meet them up close!
Grab a VIP wristband and meet a keeper before heading to meet the penguins in person at feeding time. You’ll get to watch them in all their glory from the viewing platform and you’ll even have the opportunity to feed them some of their favourite fishy snacks!
The Penguin Experience runs throughout half term and at weekends.
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Ln, Lotherton Ln, Aberford, Leeds. LS25 3EB.
Halloween Hauntings at Temple Newsam.
If it’s a Halloween/half-term crossover your kids are after, you’re in luck – Temple Newsam’s Halloween Hauntings event combines creepy crafts and spookily themed rooms to great effect!
A mostly family friendly occasion, only the Spooky Cellar Tour (aimed at the 7+ age group) might prove too frightening for younger visitors. But on the plus side, Leeds’ biggest firework display – Autumn Lights – will also be held at Temple Newsam on Saturday November 2nd!
Halloween Hauntings will take place every day during half-term, with the entry price included with general admission. Spooky Cellar Tours cost an additional £5.
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds. LS15 0AE.
Calacas Crafts.
Looking for something a little different this half term? Why not celebrate the world famous Day of the Dead with some Calacas Craft sessions at Leeds City Museum?!
Visitors can drop by and join in the festivities by designing their own Day of the Dead mask, adding to the museum’s huge skull paintings or making a flower crown, all while learning about Latin American culture and traditions.
Taking place from Tuesday 29th October to Thursday 31st October 2024, the sessions will run between 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds. LS2 8BH.
Don’t Let The Cost of Halloween Scare You This year!
Whatever you’re up to this Halloween, at Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of affordable loans to help you survive this spooky season and the costs that come with it.
To find out how much you could borrow, click here: https://leedscreditunion.co.uk/
International Credit Union Day 2024 takes place next week and we’re looking forward to joining in with the global celebrations! This special day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the rich history of credit unions, their purpose and the many benefits of being a member of Leeds Credit Union.
A Brief History of Credit Unions.
Credit unions have a long and storied history that dates back to the 19th century. The first modern credit union was established in Germany in 1852 by Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch and Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, who were pioneers of cooperative banking. These visionary leaders sought to provide affordable financial services to those underserved by traditional banking institutions. The movement quickly spread globally, reaching our shores and paving the way for the formation of LCU.
The Purpose of Credit Unions.
At their core, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Our mission is to promote financial well-being by:
Benefits of Being a Member of Leeds Credit Union.
When you become an LCU member, you are not just a customer but an owner of a financial institution that prioritises your needs. Here are some of the unique benefits you can enjoy:
As we prepare to celebrate International Credit Union Day, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for our members’ continued support and trust. Together, we are not just building better financial futures for ourselves but also strengthening our community.
If you’re interested in becoming our newest member, you can find more details or start your application here!
As the holidays approach, many of us may start to feel the pressure of managing the associated expenses, like buying gifts, arranging celebrations and planning journeys to visit family and friends.
Luckily, our Christmas Club savings accounts are here to help you enjoy a stress-free holiday by enabling you to start saving early!
The Christmas Club is a special savings account that encourages you to save for the holiday period well in advance. You can contribute throughout the year, with the funds only accessible in November, just in time for the Christmas rush. This system keeps your savings secure and prevents the temptation of dipping into them early, ensuring you have enough money set aside for when the festive expenses begin.
Christmas Club accounts also stop you from relying on credit cards or high-interest loans to cover your Christmas costs. By saving regularly, you’ll have a dedicated pot of money for gifts, food and any other holiday expenses, helping you avoid the debt trap many fall into around the holidays.
Instead of facing large, last-minute holiday costs, the Christmas Club allows you to spread your savings across the year. Whether it’s weekly or monthly, contributing smaller amounts over time makes it easier to manage your budget and reduces the strain on your finances in the lead-up to Christmas.
We ensure that your money is safe and protected. Unlike informal savings methods, such as putting money aside at home, your Christmas savings with LCU are secured in a proper account with full access to your balance once November arrives. You can trust that your holiday funds will be there when you need them.
Opening a Christmas Club account is easy and hassle-free!
We offer flexible deposit options, allowing you to save at your own pace. The account is specifically designed for members to build savings without the complexity of a typical high-street bank account.
Saving early with the Christmas Club not only helps you manage your finances better, it also brings peace of mind knowing you are prepared for the festive season. Imagine enjoying your holidays without the stress of bills looming over you in January! By planning now, you can focus on the important things: time with loved ones, celebrations and creating joyful memories.
If you’re looking for a smart, reliable way to handle your winter expenses, join Leeds Credit Union’s Christmas Club today and make this Christmas one to remember!
For more information or to apply for a Christmas Club account, click here.
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve helped workers in and around Leeds save more than £1.1 million in high-interest loan repayments on £1.5 million of lending in the past year!
By enabling our members to avoid the high costs associated with unethical doorstep lenders and loan sharks, we’ve saved them £1,130,616 in interest repayments over the last 12 months through our payroll loans service.
A simple way of increasing financial resilience among workers in the local area, our payroll loans enable employees of selected employers to access affordable and responsible loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, with repayments taken directly from the borrower’s salary.
We recognise that financial stress can greatly affect individual happiness and wellbeing, so we’re delighted to be fostering financial well-being and empowering individuals across Leeds. By partnering with LCU, employers can facilitate this process too, making it easy for employees to reduce the stress associated with unexpected expenses, giving them peace of mind and allowing them to focus better on their job responsibilities.
Mark Fleet, our CEO, said: “With the cost of living crisis still ongoing, we understand that times are tough for many right now, and we’re proud to support people across the city – including employees of organisations including the NHS and Leeds City Council – by providing access to our low-interest loans through payroll partnerships.
“As well as stopping them overpaying on interest for store cards, overdrafts, credit cards and high-interest loans, we’re also helping them stay in control of their finances. And, with research showing that financial worries can have a negative impact on workers’ wellbeing and work/life balance, all of which can contribute to anxiety, poor work performance and absenteeism, we’re thrilled to be able to do so.
“Life is full of unexpected challenges, and sometimes employees may require financial assistance to overcome them. In such cases, offering access to responsible loans can be a game-changer; when employees know they have a reliable source of affordable credit, they are less likely to turn to high-interest payday loans or accumulate debt on high-interest credit cards.”
To find out more about our payroll services, visit: https://leedscreditunion.co.uk/payroll-services/
Many of our members will no doubt have seen that changes have been made to Winter Fuel Payments, with anyone wanting to claim the Winter Fuel Payment now needing to access pension credits.
But what exactly are they and how do they work?
Click here for more information.