How credit cards can support families in managing finances

From time to time, your family face many financial challenges. From managing monthly expenses to dealing with unexpected costs, keeping your finances in order can be tough. But with the right tools, like a credit card, you can make managing your family’s finances easier, more efficient, and even more rewarding.

Financial Challenges Faced by Families

The rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges for families today. Groceries, education, healthcare, and housing expenses continue to increase, putting pressure on your budget. At the same time, unexpected expenses, like medical bills, home repairs, or car maintenance, can throw your financial plans off course. Balancing multiple financial priorities—such as saving for your children’s education, paying off debt, and planning for vacations or emergencies—requires careful planning and flexibility.

How Credit Cards Can Help Families

Credit cards can be valuable tools in helping you manage these financial challenges.

  1. Cash Flow Management: Credit cards provide immediate access to funds, which can be a lifesaver when you face unexpected expenses or when cash is tight. You can cover necessary costs without dipping into your savings, and then pay off the balance over time.
  2. Budgeting and Expense Tracking: Using a credit card can help you keep track of your spending. Most credit card statements provide detailed records of your transactions, making it easier to see where your money is going and helping you create a more accurate budget.
  3. Rewards and Discounts: Many credit cards offer rewards, cashback, or access to exclusive discounts. By using your credit card for everyday purchases, you can earn points or receive discounts that help you save money over time. This can be particularly beneficial for families trying to stretch their budget.
  4. Building Credit for the Family’s Future: Responsible use of a credit card helps you build a strong credit history. A good credit score can make it easier to qualify for loans, mortgages, or financing for major purchases in the future—important milestones for your family.
Tips for Using Credit Cards Wisely as a Family

To make the most of your credit card, it’s important to use it wisely.

  1. Set a Budget and Stick to It: Before using your credit card, create a budget that includes your expected expenses and your ability to pay off the balance each month. Sticking to this budget will help you avoid accumulating debt.
  2. Use Rewards Strategically: Choose a credit card that offers rewards or discounts that align with your family’s spending habits. For example, if you spend a lot on groceries or fuel, look for a card that offers cashback or points in those categories.
  3. Pay On Time: Always pay at least the minimum balance on your credit card by the due date. Late payments can result in interest charges and can hurt your credit score, so it’s essential to stay on top of your payments.
  4. Consider Supplementary Cards: If you want to share credit card access with family members, consider using supplementary cards. This allows you to monitor their spending while helping them build their own credit history.
Why Choose a UnionBank Credit Card for Your Family

UnionBank offers a range of credit cards designed to meet the needs of families. Here are five key benefits that can make a difference in your financial management:

  1. In-House Installment: Its installment feature allows you to convert large expenses, like medical bills or tuition fees, into fixed monthly payments. This helps ease the financial burden by spreading the cost over time.
  2. Exclusive Discounts: With a UnionBank credit card, you can enjoy discounts at restaurants, shopping outlets, and leisure activities nationwide. These savings can help you reduce everyday expenses and make family outings more affordable.
  3. Flexible Monthly Payment: UnionBank offers flexible payment options, allowing you to pay as little as 4% of your total outstanding balance or P400, whichever is higher. This flexibility can help you manage your payments without straining your budget.
  4. Supplementary Cards: You can share your credit card access with family members who are at least 14 years old. This feature makes it easier to manage family expenses while giving your children the opportunity to build credit responsibly.
  5. Credit Insurance: UnionBank offers credit insurance to protect your family from financial burdens. In case of unforeseen events, your outstanding balance can be covered, giving you peace of mind.

Credit cards can be powerful tools for families, helping you manage finances, handle unexpected expenses, and enjoy rewards. When used responsibly, a credit card can make life easier and more financially secure for your family.

If you’re looking for a credit card that offers flexibility, savings, and security, consider applying for a UnionBank credit card. With many family-friendly features like in-house installment plans, exclusive discounts, flexible payments, supplementary cards, and credit insurance, UnionBank provides the support you need to navigate your family’s financial challenges with confidence. Apply today and take the first step towards better financial management for your family.

Header photo by Lifestylememory on Freepik

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Sun Life and Smart renew partnership to promote financial literacy among cooperatives

Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life), the country’s leading life insurance company for 12 consecutive years, has renewed its strategic partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The aim of this partnership is to enhance financial literacy among cooperatives affiliated with Smart.

Expanding the Program’s Coverage

The renewed partnership between Sun Life and Smart will broaden the program’s reach by conducting financial literacy trainings for cooperatives in various locations, including Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Metro Manila throughout the year. This expansion seeks to empower more cooperative members by providing them with essential knowledge about finance and its relevance to their industry.

Building on Previous Success

Sun Life and Smart are committed to surpassing the achievements of the program in 2022. Last year, the initiative successfully engaged and educated nearly 500 cooperative members on finance fundamentals. The partners aim to build on this momentum and continue empowering Filipinos to pursue their financial goals.

Advocating Financial Literacy

Sun Life has always been a strong advocate of financial literacy, recognizing its crucial role in leading individuals to a brighter life. With the renewal of the partnership with Smart, Sun Life President Alex Narciso believes they can further elevate their efforts and empower more Filipinos to achieve financial independence.

“Sun Life has always been a staunch advocate of financial literacy as we believe it plays a key role in achieving a brighter life. We are always looking for ways to elevate our efforts and help empower even more Filipinos to pursue their financial goals. I believe the renewal of our tie-up with Smart can help us do that,” Sun Life President Alex Narciso said.

Empowering Cooperatives through Financial Literacy

Cooperatives play a vital role in their respective communities and contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Recognizing their importance, Smart is committed to empowering these cooperatives through financial literacy and digitalization. By renewing its partnership with Sun Life, Smart reaffirms its commitment to supporting its partner cooperatives and providing them with relevant solutions.

“Given the key role that cooperatives play in their respective communities and in our country’s economy as a whole, it is important to empower them through financial literacy and digitalization. Through the renewal of this partnership with Sun Life, we are doubling down on our commitment to support our partner cooperatives and help provide them with relevant solutions,” FVP and Group Head of Smart Go-To Market and Subscriber Management Melvin Nubla said.

Joining Forces for Financial Empowerment

The collaboration between Sun Life and Smart represents a collective effort to promote financial literacy and empower Filipinos in their journey toward financial independence. As part of this endeavor, Sun Life encourages individuals to stay updated on the program and other initiatives by following @SunLifePH on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. To learn more about Sun Life and its products, visit its website at www.sunlife.com.ph.

Details provided in a recent press release.