For many people in Moray and throughout the nation it is the biggest festive hangover of them all as millions are at risk of falling further into the debt trap this month.
According to the Money Advice Trust, who operate the National Debtline service aimed at helping people facing financial crisis, one in eight people are likely to see their finances slip into trouble this month.
That, they say, is caused largely by overspending at Christmas – and with six million Britons expected to be suffering as a result the charity believes that many will leave any action too late and so their position will deteriorate further.
Money Advice Trust chief executive Joanna Elson said: “If you are dreading the arrival of that first credit card bill in a couple of weeks then now is the time to act.”
The charity has outlined three financial resolutions for the New Year:
- Set a budget for 2015 by sitting down now and working out how much money you have coming in every month and what you require to spend.
- Open all statements – ignoring the problem will only make it worse – write down a list of your debts together with outstanding balances and repayment dates.
- See free advice early – the earlier you seek free advice the quicker you will resolve the problem.
For further information on where to find help visit the Money Advice Trust online.