Consumers advised to plan spending ahead of Christmas

Consumers are being warned to plan ahead for the costs of Christmas.

The League of Credit Unions has warned against using credit cards to cover the costs of spending.

Chief executive of the League, Liam O Dwyer, says it is important for people to learn to live within their means and plan spending well in advance as part of a budget.

"I think if you borrow money now, from say a credit union at a reasonable rate, you repay it over a number of months and you’re not ending up paying for Christmas all the year round at high interest rates. So plan, budget and borrow if you have to."