| Rosemary Mencnarowski, the organisation’s financial awareness education officer, said they were extremely busy with people coming in for general advice during the credit crunch.
She said they were booked up until January with appointments and warned Christmas is a time when people have to be extremely careful they didn’t overspend.
“Perhaps people need to look at what they need to spend and to budget and to think, ‘Do I need to spend £300 on a child?’,” she said.
“What is most important to a very small child? It’s not expensive things but spending time with them. That doesn’t cost money.”
She said she had seen a couple that had lost their home because they put buying expensive Christmas presents before paying off bills.
Ms Mencnarowski also urged people to buy what they need and make a list rather than buying on impulse.
“People should really start thinking about Christmas in March or April,” she said.
“Saving with a credit union or with your local shop or supermarket is a good idea.
“Don’t be fooled by special offers either — especially three for the price of two offers.
“Why do you need three instead of two? Okay, you might only end up spending an extra £1 but that’s a lot if you’re on a £60 a week budget.”
Ms Mencnarowski said that putting gifts on credit cards or store cards was a bad idea.
She also added that keeping an eye on utility bills could free up more cash at Christmas time.
“Look at your utility usage — it’s just little things like switching the hot water and lights off when you’re not using it. It keeps your bills lower and the knock-on effect is you have more money to spend on other things.”
Dundee CAB’s tips come as a survey from business advisory group Deloitte suggested that while 24% of consumers intend to spend less this Christmas, 57% are planning to spend the same.
According to charity Credit Action, the UK’s total personal debt stands at around £1.4 trillion.
As the credit crunch bites, Dundee City Council’s administration leader Kevin Keenan recently urged the public to ensure they get all the benefits they are entitled to.
He said the site www.dundeeadvice.org was a very useful way for people to find details on the various agencies offering benefits and money advice.
As well as providing help to claim benefits, agencies such as the CAB, the Brooksbank Money Advice Project and the council’s welfare rights team also help people to manage their money. |
