Don't go crazy this Christmas
Christmas is coming - and so, unfortunately, is the annual upsurge in the number of people running up debts they can't repay. As the annual festive shopping spree gets under way again, the Fenland Citizens Advice Bureau and Fenland District Council are urging people to watch their spending.
Each year some individuals and families get into such deep water financially that they put themselves at risk of losing their homes. Now the CAB has issued "Ten Top Tips to avoid a Christmas debt hangover".
Nick Smith, the CAB's debt specialist, said: "Every January we see a drastic increase in clients who have overspent at Christmas and face real hardship because they have spent more on Christmas than they can afford."
FDC is also approached each year by many people who have run into difficulties paying their rent or mortgages.
Cllr Kit Owen, portfolio holder responsible for housing, said: "We all know it's easy to overspend at this time of year. But people need to make sure they have enough to pay their essential bills. The last thing you want after Christmas is to lose the roof over your head.
"We have two simple messages for people. Be careful not to overspend and if you are having problems, seek advice early. Don't bury your head in the sand and imagine they'll go away."
Cllr Owen said the problem was not confined to Christmas. "We work closely with other organisations, including the CAB and Roddons Housing Association throughout the year to help people experiencing difficulties with their rent or mortgages.
"In the six months from April to September this year FDC has succeeded in helping to prevent 69 families from becoming homeless through various interventions. Over the same period more than 850 clients have sought advice from our housing options team."
Services that help to prevent homelessness include the Court Desk scheme operated through the CAB at Peterborough County Court. CAB attends court with the client to give upport and negotiate on their behalf with the judge and their lender,
FDC's housing options team also works with Roddons and private sector landlords to support and advise tenants who are falling behind with their rent. It also mediates between landlords and tenants to help them resolve any problems.
· Anyone experiencing problems with debt or housing should seek advice as soon as possible from the CAB (01945 464367) or from FDC's housing options team on 01354 654321, or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
The CAB's "Ten Top Tips to avoid a Christmas debt hangover" include:
Plan early: Be realistic and budget accordingly.
Don't forget the everyday bills: Remember that rent, the mortgage, utility bills, food bills and other existing debts still have to be paid - and the consequences can be severe if they're not.
Don't bank on an overdraft: If you do need more money, don't just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first - it will work out much more expensive.
Keep things simple: If you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, don't be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements unless they really do work out cheaper.
Buy safe to be safe: Whatever the deal or the temptation, don't buy from unauthorised traders or borrow from unauthorised lenders.
