The real cost of Christmas

By Mr Bankruptcy

19th December 2019

The tree lights are up, social calendars are full of seasonal festivities and preparations being made for a big meal at home or that annual journey around the country to visit friends and family – it must be Christmas.

For many of us though, while we’re immersed in Christmas fun, we’re also aware that every penny spent could be adding to, or creating, debt problems. Despite the season, when everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves, it’s important to understand that you are not alone and that there is help out there.

Christmas debt affects so many

The figures detailing just how much we spend at Christmas are simply staggering. The desire to have the “perfect” Christmas and to treat family and friends can lead to longer term financial difficulties. In fact:

• Over a third of us borrow money to pay for Christmas presents. That equates to 16.9 million people
• On average it will take 7 months to pay off Christmas credit card debt
• 25% of people “buy now pay later” this Christmas
• Nearly a third of social media users feel pressured to have a good Christmas because of the posts they see
• According to the Bank of England, a typical household spends over £800 extra in December, a 20% increase in food spending and 30% more in alcohol

Beyond Christmas, the bigger picture is no less worrying. The Office for National Statistics reported in December that average household financial debt grew by 9% in the two years to March 2018, up to £9,400 per household.

If you’re reading this and already feeling dread about post-Christmas debt, remember, it’s not just you. It’s really important that instead of beating yourself up for the situation you find yourself in, you take the step of asking for help and advice.

I often talk about the way debt can seem overwhelming, making people ashamed of their situation. Be assured that debt advisors do not make judgements about your circumstances. Our focus is to help you understand your situation and find the right solution to manage it. Our aim is to help you live life debt free.

James Rosa Associates

James Rosa associates is a firm of debt advisors and debt adjustors. With a supportive and friendly approach, we offer a full range of advice and professional services to individuals and business owners/directors facing unmanageable debt or involved in civil or commercial disputes. Our services include:

● Insolvency support

● Negotiated settlements

● Personal assisted bankruptcy

● Mediation

We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN665061) to work with clients to produce bespoke solutions to fit their specific circumstances.

Find out if you qualify for a free consultation

If you want to deal with an unmanageable debt, or bring a dispute to a swift and cost-effective resolution, contact James Rosa Associates, ring 0845 6807217 or email enquiries@jamesrosa.co.uk to find out whether you qualify for a free consultation.

Please be advised that all views expressed in these posts are those of the author and not of James Rosa Associates ltd.