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Advice issued to help people avoid Christmas debt

31/12/2009

Contour Homes, one of Lancashire`s biggest housing associations, is warning people to budget over Christmas to avoid falling into debt.

The company has issued advice on how people can keep their costs down over the festive season to avoid falling into debt.

Sarah Knowles, Corporate Services Manager for the association, said: "It`s very tempting to overspend at Christmas.

"Everyone likes to get into the holiday mood but when the party`s over, many people are counting the cost of impulsive buys in January.

"Make sure you write a list of things you need - rather than things you want. Once you have written your list, take it with you everywhere and don`t give in to impulse buys. Budgeting is very important. You still need to pay those crucial bills such as rent and utility bills - they don`t stop just because it`s Christmas."

She went on to talk about what people should do if they find themselves in debt over Christmas, highlighting the importance of seeking debt advice as soon as possible to help deal with their problem.

"Debt can be devastating but you should not suffer alone or in silence. If you owe money to any organisation contact them right away and explain your situation […]. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem as it will only get worse."

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Debt Advisers Direct offer free debt advice and a range of debt solutions, including debt management plans, debt consolidation loans and IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements).

Government warns about rising credit card debt 05/03/2010 - The latest figures from the Bank of England (BoE) have Debt - the 12-month view 04/03/2010 - In January, UK citizens - between them - borrowed £500 Amount of `bad debt` written off reaches 16-year high 03/03/2010 - The latest figures from the Bank of England (BoE) suggest Deeper into debt: middle-class poverty 02/03/2010 - The recession has also affected a lot of people with