North East debt charity advice ahead of Christmas
It is less than two months until Christmas
A North East debt support charity says preparation is key to help avoid debt this Christmas.
They say for many Christmas is the most expensive and challenging time of the year.
With less than two months to go until the festive day, they are urging people to plan in advance to help reduce pressure.
Linda Stockley, debt centre manager for Christians Against Poverty in Newcastle, said: "The guidance that we're giving people is to make a list, to start early, make a list, prepare so that you know what you need to spend and how you can save for that and to spend it realistically, not go overboard.
"Everybody does something really well and a family member probably does something not very well.
"And now's a good time to say to the family members, your stuffing is absolutely fabulous. Would you bring that with you? Grandma, your Yorkshire puddings are always the best. Can you make the mix up and we'll cook them when you get here?
"Perhaps the younger children you can do shopping at the charity shops, there's toy swaps, go on, be a leader in your community, set up a toy swap because it's not just you, it's everybody who's struggling with all the Christmas stuff coming along."