Credit Union survey finds 40% of people expect Xmas debt

Almost four in 10 people are expecting to get into debt to meet the cost of Christmas this year.

That is just one of the findings of a new survey from the Irish League of Credit Unions.

But the study also found that the majority of us plan to spend less this Christmas.

Last year the average person forked out €650 on gifts and food, this year that is down to €560.

CEO of the group Kieran Brennan said it is "vital" that people don't use money lenders as a means to getting out of debt.