An Irish watchdog has urged people to spend smartly in the weeks leading up to Christmas by following a thought out budget.
The National Consumer Agency advised shoppers to avoid knocking up monstrous debts on their credit cards on expensive and often unnecessary gifts this Christmas.
The agency has launched its Christmas planner, which will allow families to organise their finances and plan for the cost of gifts, cards, food, drink, decorations and entertaining over the Christmas season.
According to The Irish Examiner, NCA spokesperson Karen O’Leary said the tool is an extremely helpful way to avoid overspending this Christmas and starting the New Year out in a financial nightmare.
Cut up those credit cards for a debt free January!
She also warned people to avoid using credit cards as it can be difficult to keep track of your spending.
“Dedicate some time to think about what you can afford to spend before you go shopping. A good way to keep on top of how much you are spending is to pay with cash or your debit card,” said Ms O’Leary.
“You will be less likely to overspend than if you use a credit card.”
The Her.ie girls certainly may be tempted to use our credit cards as we trot along Grafton Street searching for last minute presents but is it really worth the stress of a debt-ridden January?
We think not!
