100 days to avoid Christmas debt, says charity

Christians Against Poverty, which runs a debt centre in Telford, says now is the time to start putting money aside to avoid financial problems come the festive season.

Manage Jane Preston, said: “A hundred days to Christmas might not seem like much time to get saving, but you’d be amazed how much you can save yourself if you just stop, think and budget.

“This way you can enjoy all the charms of the festive season, but without the stress and, importantly, without credit.”

The centre is run as a partnership with Telford's Anglican churches, but offers help to anyone in the town regardless of their background.

Since it was launched three years ago, it has helped more than 100 people, with 20 so far becoming debt free.

Mrs Preston said so far this year she and her team of volunteers had visited 35 individuals and families in the Telford area who were affected by debt.

Every person is visited in their home, while specialist teams at the charity's head office negotiate with creditors and create a workable budget enabling each person to go debt free.

Mrs Preston said: “Every year we see a flood of people coming to us in January who have spent more than they can afford at Christmas.

"We know that if more people started saving just £5 per week from today that would give them £70 to spend on presents and food come December.”

The charity's Telford debt centre is one of more than 300 around the UK providing long-term help and support for some the country’s most vulnerable people.

Mrs Preston added: “If you know that before Christmas comes your finances are not in good shape and you struggling to pay the bills, don’t struggle on, one phone call could be the difference between a merry Christmas or a miserable Christmas."

People living in the Telford area who are struggling with debt should telephone 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org