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07/12/2004
Government advises consumers on Christmas spending
The Government today launched a new four-step guide to better spending this Christmas.
The guide, which has been put together by the Social Security Agency, the Housing Executive and Citizens Advice, has called on consumers “not to get caught up with shopping and Christmas present lists without appreciating how much it is all costing”.
“For most people Christmas is a happy time of year. However, there are many who can get caught up with shopping and Christmas present lists without appreciating how much it is all costing,” Social Development Minister John Spellar said today.
“After the festivities, the realisation of just how much money they have spent can cause huge difficulties for families.”
Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said: “Personal borrowing is already at an all time high and this is usually compounded in the post Christmas period as more and more people find it difficult to cope with debt problems caused by spending over the festive period.
“We would advise everyone to set a budget and stick to it and avoid expensive forms of borrowing by comparing the costs of different types of credit.”
The guide, entitled ‘How to keep out of debt this Christmas’, can be obtained from all Social Security Offices, Jobs & Benefits offices, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Northern Ireland Housing Executive offices, Credit Unions, Libraries and many other locations.
(MB)
The guide, which has been put together by the Social Security Agency, the Housing Executive and Citizens Advice, has called on consumers “not to get caught up with shopping and Christmas present lists without appreciating how much it is all costing”.
“For most people Christmas is a happy time of year. However, there are many who can get caught up with shopping and Christmas present lists without appreciating how much it is all costing,” Social Development Minister John Spellar said today.
“After the festivities, the realisation of just how much money they have spent can cause huge difficulties for families.”
Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said: “Personal borrowing is already at an all time high and this is usually compounded in the post Christmas period as more and more people find it difficult to cope with debt problems caused by spending over the festive period.
“We would advise everyone to set a budget and stick to it and avoid expensive forms of borrowing by comparing the costs of different types of credit.”
The guide, entitled ‘How to keep out of debt this Christmas’, can be obtained from all Social Security Offices, Jobs & Benefits offices, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Northern Ireland Housing Executive offices, Credit Unions, Libraries and many other locations.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
