Citizens Advice Ipswich urges careful Christmas spending as families face mounting pressures
With only a few days to go, they're encouraging people not to go over budget
With just days to go until Christmas, Citizens Advice in Ipswich is urging people to think carefully about how they spend money over the festive period, as many households continue to struggle with rising costs.
Nelleke van Helfteren, Communications Manager at Citizens Advice Ipswich, says planning ahead, where possible, can help reduce financial stress at a time when budgets are already stretched.
“My advice to people is make a list of things that you need for your family at Christmas,” she said. “Whether that’s food and drink, or gifts.”
She warned against impulse spending, particularly during last-minute sales and online promotions.
“A bargain is only a bargain if you actually need the item,” she said. “For example, with Black Friday and all the other opportunities to buy, buy, buy, it’s only worth it if you actually needed or intended to buy it in the first place.”
Citizens Advice says it is increasingly seeing people who are unable to budget at all for Christmas, because they simply do not have spare money.
“There’s a lot of people who quite honestly aren’t budgeting for Christmas at the moment because they haven’t got any money to budget with,” Ms van Helfteren said.
She suggested alternatives to expensive presents, including contributing food to a shared meal, setting spending limits, or using Secret Santa arrangements, while being mindful of those who may be struggling.
“Some people can’t afford anything,” she said. “And just because you can, you don’t want to put other people in the situation of being embarrassed.”
As families prepare to host gatherings over the festive period, Citizens Advice is also reminding people to be mindful of heating costs and winter wellbeing.
“Make sure people are comfortable, especially older members of your family,” Ms van Helfteren said. “They get colder quicker and need to be warm enough.”
She encouraged households to gather in one room where possible to reduce heating use, and to check in on neighbours and relatives who may be vulnerable during cold weather.
“Have a look at your neighbours. Check they’re OK,” she said. “Just remember what it’s all about, caring and sharing and thinking of others.”