Festive fear: Christmas hype could end in debt
That’s the advice from Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin who launched a Christmas spending planner from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).
Speaking about the difficulties often faced by people on benefits at Christmas, she said it was “very easy to get swept along with all the hype and fuss which the festive season brings”.
More than 10,000 people in financial trouble have contacted a MABS helpline since it was set up in October of last year, while the number of people visiting the service’s offices throughout the country is up 33% already this year.
Ms Hanafin said in the rush to get everything done in time for Christmas, the regular bills for ESB, gas or heating can often be put to one side and left to mount up.
“It is very easy to get caught up in the frenzy of Christmas, with slick marketing pushing Christmas earlier and earlier each year,” said the minister.
Increased heating and lighting bills place “an enormous strain” on household budgets during the winter months, she said, particularly for those on fixed or low incomes.
“It is worth householders questioning if they need numerous sets of Christmas lights, giant illuminated reindeers, sleighs, snowmen and Santa Claus decorating their house front, if in January and February they find it difficult to pay increased ESB bills.”
MABS business manager Annmarie O’Connor said they wanted as many people as possible to pick up the Christmas planning leaflet from one of the offices or else from the mabs.ie website, which has tips to help plan and manage Christmas spending.
“Putting in the effort this side of Christmas will definitely add up in the new year,” said Ms O’Connor.
Ms Hanafin urged cash-strapped families to resist slipping into debt this Christmas.
The minister warned people should avoid covering short-term money problems by getting into financial commitments which could dog them for years to come.
“Taking simple steps and following practical advice from now on will help ensure that you do not get into debt which can seem like a black hole,” she said.
* mabs.ie
* Set money aside for bills that are expected in January.
* Don’t count on work bonuses or overtime payments.
* Make a budget of your household income and outgoings.
* Use the MABS Christmas budget planner to make a list of what food you need and the people you intend to buy gifts for.
* Decide exactly what you want to buy and how much you can afford to spend.
* Shop early and shop around for the best bargains.
* Pay cash if you can and leave the credit card at home.
* Be realistic when buying food and drink.
* Encourage your children to choose early what they want from Santa Claus — before the advertisers decide for them.
* Good friends don’t need expensive gifts.
* Recycle and rewrap an unused gift for the dreaded surprise visitor.
* Contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service Helpline on 1890 283 438.
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