StepChange urges early Christmas budgeting to ease January pressure

StepChange is urging people to plan Christmas spending early, saying a realistic budget could help households avoid financial pressure in January. Its advice includes accounting for travel, food and socialising as well as presents, and setting limits on spending.

The debt advice charity also recommends making a shopping list before buying seasonal bargains, booking train tickets in advance where cheaper fares are available, and checking cupboards and freezers before doing a large food shop. It says shoppers should consider whether they can afford purchases made on credit and the repayments that follow.

StepChange chief executive Vikki Brownridge said Christmas could put pressure on household budgets and urged people to take steps ahead of January. The BBC also reported a warning from Barnardo’s that some parents may skip meals so their children can have a Christmas dinner.

People worried about debt can use MoneyHelper’s guide to finding free debt advice. The BBC article also points readers to tools for checking benefits and grants and drawing up a budget, and warns of seasonal scams.