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LCU – Making Christmas More Affordable.
LCU is delighted to announce that we’ve launched an incredible £20million campaign to keep Christmas more affordable for our members!
To help families make their money go further this festive season, we’re offering affordable and flexible loans ranging from £250 to £25,000, available from now until Christmas and serving as a much safer, more reliable and cost-effective option than turning to costly doorstep lenders or even dangerous loan sharks.
This year’s campaign builds on the success of previous Christmas initiatives and follows fresh feedback from our members, many of whom said they are facing significant financial pressures amid rising living costs. As a result, members can also tailor their Christmas Loan repayment plans to suit their circumstances.
James Brown, our CEO, said: “Every year, our members tell us that Christmas brings added financial pressure, and this year those pressures are sharper than ever.
“By turning to Leeds Credit Union for support, our members collectively save around £20 million compared to what they might otherwise pay in high-interest loans. As a not-for-profit organisation, every pound we save or earn goes back into supporting our members and the wider community.
“Affordable credit doesn’t just prevent debt, it provides dignity, stability, and peace of mind at a crucial time of year.”
Applications for the Christmas Loan are open now via the link below or at local branches across the region!
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Budgeting Tips For Christmas 2025.
It may only be October but Christmas is on its way and it’s clear that, for many families, finding extra money to pay for this year’s festivities is going to be easier said than done.
The good news is that, with a little financial planning, you can make your money stretch further than you think. Here are our top Christmas budgeting tips!
Be realistic about what you can afford.
Christmas is only one day and it’s not worth getting into debt for, so don’t try and throw your family a dream Christmas with all the trimmings – stick to what you can afford.
They don’t have to be significant but, as the saying goes, every little helps. For example, if you stop buying a £2.50 coffee every morning before work over the coming weeks, you could save approximately £100 and add it to the Xmas fund instead.
Start shopping asap.
Ongoing supply chain issues are likely to see prices rise and availability fall in the runup to Christmas, so keep your ‘people to buy for’ list handy and if you see something suitable at a discounted price, buy it now.
Don’t be a snob.
Don’t get the most expensive turkey, stuffing and gravy you can find, shop around for cheaper alternatives. Higher brand goods don’t necessarily mean better quality and once they’re on the table, nobody’s likely to ask where they came from anyway. The same goes for accessories like crackers and wrapping paper.
Only buy presents for immediate family.
Handing out presents to everyone you know is all well and good but, if money’s tight, remember you’re not obliged to buy anyone anything.
If you’re determined to buy gifts for colleagues, friends and extended family members as well as your nearest and dearest, why not agree to a £5 or £10 cap on presents?
Get creative.
Instead of buying presents this year, why not make them? This list of Xmas gifts you can make yourself has an abundance of great, affordable ideas anyone would be delighted to receive on December 25th.
Shop around.
There are plenty of bargains to be had if you know where to look so keep an eye on ebay and Facebook Marketplace. If you’re shopping in person, have a look in your local charity shop and always remember to compare highstreet prices v online prices before making a purchase.
Sell to buy.
Most of us have at least a few items we could live without so, if you’ve got anything you haven’t used for a while, why not sell it and put the profits towards Christmas?
Keep an eye on Black Friday deals.
Black Friday used to refer to the sales that took place on the Friday after Thanksgiving in America. Now Black Friday lasts for weeks and, thanks to online shopping, is available all over the world!
This year’s event officially begins on Friday, November 28th, but keep an eye on your favourite shops, their websites and Amazon in particular for information about pre-sale offers.
Plan your journeys now.
If you’re going to be using trains to get around over the festive period, book your tickets asap – discounted tickets usually go on sale around 10 weeks before the date of travel and sell out fast.
Find out how Leeds Credit Union can help you.
Christmas on a budget doesn’t mean Christmas is cancelled. With small loans of £250 available to our members, joining our credit union could help make your Christmas one to remember – find out how to join here.
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Enjoy Peace of Mind With Our Christmas Club Accounts.
With the festive period having only recently come to an end, the last thing many people want to think about is next Christmas.
But if Christmas 2024 put a financial strain on your household, one of the best ways to ensure it doesn’t happen again this year is to start planning for it in advance. In fact, you could do a lot worse than to start planning for it right now, with one of our Christmas Club savings accounts!
Read on to find out about their benefits!
Early Planning, Lasting Joy.
The earlier you start saving for Christmas, the more you can spread out your financial commitments. By opening one of our Christmas Club accounts now, you’ll have ample time to build up your savings. This ensures that when the holiday season arrives, you can focus on creating magical moments with your loved ones without worrying about the financial strain.
Avoiding the Debt Trap.
One of the pitfalls many people encounter during the festive season is accumulating debt. By saving in advance through a Christmas Club account, you can break free from the cycle of credit card debt and high-interest loans. Our bespoke savings account provides you with a disciplined approach to saving, helping you avoid unnecessary financial stress in the run-up to – and aftermath of – the holidays.
Flexible Saving Options.
Life is unpredictable and we understand that circumstances can change, which is why our Christmas Club account offers flexible saving options, allowing you to contribute according to your financial capacity. Whether you choose to deposit a fixed amount regularly or make occasional lump-sum contributions, our account is designed to accommodate your unique needs.
Community-Centric Approach.
By choosing Leeds Credit Union, you’re not just opening an account, you’re becoming part of a community that cares. Our Christmas Club is built on the principles of community support and financial inclusion and your savings will contribute to a shared pool that benefits all members, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support.
Limited Access to Your Funds.
Trust us, that’s a good thing!
Because our Christmas Club accounts are specifically designed for the festive period, you can only withdraw funds from the 1st of November onwards, meaning there’s no chance of your hard-earned Christmas budget getting accidentally spent in the middle of summer!
Then, between November 1st and December 24th, you can make unlimited withdrawals in branch, online or via our mobile app, allowing you to buy that perfect gift or cover an unforeseen Christmas expense, stress-free.
Take the stress out of saving with LCU.
Next Christmas, why not give yourself the gift of financial peace of mind?
By starting to save for Christmas 2025 early with one of our Christmas Club accounts, you can look forward to a holiday season filled with joy, laughter and cherished memories. Click here to open yours today!
