On the 12th day of Christmas - debts!

Christmas brings cheer to many, however, to some it only means more debt and worry. The use of credit cards to purchase goods has made it all too easy to build up debt you cannot afford to pay.

It has been reported that last Christmas consumers ran up debts of over £12bn on credit cards alone!

Consumers are being urged to spend using a strict budget and by following these simple steps you can avoid post Christmas stress and worry….

• Set a realistic budget and keep to it by making a list of everything you plan to buy. Cut this list down by taking off non-essential goods.
• Share the cost of a present with family and friends, at the end of the day it is the thought that counts.
• Leave your credit cards at home and take cash instead, this way you will not be tempted to spend more than you can afford.
• Do not take out a store credit card !

Intrum Justitia consumer director Owen James said: “Credit cards should be used for short-term borrowing, but it is easy for enthusiastic shoppers to get carried away around Christmas.
Mr James said: “Christmas is meant to be a time of festive fun, and by taking positive steps to manage your Christmas spending, you can enter 2005 with a clean slate, just in time for those New Year bargains.”