Day: December 12, 2015

Charity offers top five frugal festive tips!

Christians Against Poverty’s (CAP’s) three Edinburgh debt centres in Tollcross, Edinburgh North and Wester Hailes have joined forces to release their top five ways to have a perfect Christmas without resorting to credit.

The team have compiled the advice so families can avoid seasonal slip-ups that can result in a miserable New Year where debts can spiral.

Edinburgh North CAP Centre Manager Claire Baggaley said: “We’ve put out this advice because we know what huge pressure there is to buy lots at this time of year and we want to be a voice saying that it’s OK not to spend loads – especially if money is already tight.

“None of your family and none of your friends want you to struggle through January and February with essentials like paying your household bills because you spent lots on them.

“If you are thinking of a Christmas loan or maxing out the credit cards or overdraft, please re-consider and take action to avoid worry in 2016.”

Wester Hailes CAP Centre Manager, Margaret Farquhar added that if anyone is already struggling with debt to seek help from one of the free debt agencies.  CAP is one of these and can be contacted on 0800 328 0006.

1. Talk to friends and family as soon as you can. Set a limit on what you spend, agree to do a family secret Santa where you all only buy one thing or agree to buy just for the children. If a child has their heart set on one big present, see if relatives will club together with you.
2. Be bold if you’re doing the cooking this year and ask family if they would contribute something. Ask, “Can I leave you in charge of bringing the Christmas crackers/cake/pudding/drinks?”
3. If there are people you really want to thank with a gift, consider making them something: Christmas biscuits, tablet, mince pies or home-made decorations for the tree. A home made gift and a thank you card will go a long way.
4. Gift your time or talents in the form of a home-made voucher promising to bake their favourite cake on demand, do an hour’s ironing, babysitting, car wash or winter car check.
5. Grasp every free activity going in your local community. Be there for the local Christmas lights switch on; attend the nativity at your kids’ school; see what your local church has on offer. See what you can do to help others and share the Christmas spirit.