‘Keep spending under control at Christmas’

‘Keep spending under control at Christmas’

A recent survey found that almost a third of the population admitted to struggling financially and more than a third were struggling more than they were this time last year.

The festive period, with the cost of presents and events, is one that brings financial pressure, so Citizens Advice has issued pointers and urged people to be cautious about what they spend and to keep a small pot of money back.

Citizens Advice chief executive Malcolm Ferey said: ‘The festive period is a time of great joy and happiness and equally, for some, it can be a period of great stress and pressure.

‘People tend to throw caution to the wind during the last frenzied days in the lead-up to the Christmas holidays and our message is that a little restraint now can pay big dividends in the new year.

‘Our mantra is it’s only a bargain if you can really afford it.’

He added that frivolous spending during the festive period was ‘pandering to clever advertising campaigns’.

‘A gift from the heart can be every bit as precious as an expensive glitzy present, so choose with your emotions, not with your wallet,’ he said.

‘I particularly like the idea of offering to walk someone’s dog for the year, wash their car or do other chores. The gift that keeps on giving.

‘For those who are truly struggling financially at this, or at any other time of year, help and assistance is available, both in the short term and the long term, so take advantage of the services that can support you and help you make good financial decisions.’

Mr Ferey also said that January could be a time of year when a lot of relationships broke up and was a busy time for Citizens Advice.

He said that they and other organisations could help people in this position and urged them to get in touch.

He added: ‘January is when we see more problems than usual. It can be because it’s a new year and people want to change being unhappy. It can come from drink over the Christmas period.

‘We’re available, as are places such as Jersey Relate.’

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