52% overdid festive spending

8:27am Wednesday 9th January 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

MORE than half of people in the West (52%) spend more than they can afford over Christmas and are left struggling to pay bills and keep afloat in January.

That's according to a recent poll carried out by Jobcentre Plus.

With more people contacting the debt help services than ever before in the early part of 2007, the poll results indicate that 2008 could be set to follow a similar trend.

However, for every person that doesn't plan their finances, there is a person that does. The poll, carried out with more than 5,000 visitors to the Jobcentre Plus website between November 12 and December 7, shows that almost half of people in the West (48%) do plan ahead to ensure they don't end up in debt in the New Year.

As New Year resolutions come to the fore, Jobcentre Plus advisor Susan Clark said: "Struggling to pay the bills after Christmas is a situation that many people find themselves in and it can be very stressful.

Short-term fixes provide temporary relief but getting a job is the best way to improve your financial situation in the long-term."

If you're not sure how you're going to get through the post-Christmas fall out, Susan has some top tips to help get your finances in order:

• Take control: Try not to stick your head in the sand. Always read bills and statements to make sure you know exactly what your financial situation is.

• Make a budget: Start by working out how much money you've got coming in and how much you spend each week. If the figures don't add up, look at ways of spending less and earning more.

• Think long-term: Selling old CDs online may give you a little extra cash but for a real, lasting difference, think about getting a job if you don't have one.

• Shop around: Don't be afraid to look around for a better deal on your water, electricity and gas. The same goes for things like your landline, mobile phone and insurance.

• Cut back on non-essentials: Look at what you spend money on and ask yourself if you can cut back.

• Don't suffer in silence: Sometimes money problems can be so overwhelming it can be hard to know where to start. There are organisations out there to help you: contact 0800 012 16562 to find out who you can talk to locally for free.