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Doing these things now will help you save money at Christmas
StepChange is urging people to plan their Christmas spending early to reduce the risk of debt and financial strain in January. The advice comes amid pressure on household budgets, with Barnardo’s warning that some parents may skip meals so their children can have a festive dinner.
The charity recommends budgeting for all seasonal costs, spreading spending across the year and setting limits for gifts and socialising. It also advises booking train tickets early, checking food already at home before shopping, comparing prices and thinking carefully before using credit. People worried about debt are encouraged to seek free advice and check whether they qualify for benefits or grants.
In short
- Plan Christmas costs early to ease pressure in January.
- Include food, travel and socialising in your budget.
- Seek free debt advice before problems become unmanageable.
Explained simply
StepChange is a UK charity that gives free advice to people worried about debt. Christmas can bring extra costs for food, travel, presents and socialising, while household budgets may already be under pressure.
Barnardo’s, which supports children and families, has warned that some parents may go without meals so their children can have a festive dinner. Planning costs in advance, setting spending limits and checking what help is available can help people manage the season and the bills that follow in January.