Tackling financial pressures this Christmas

While Christmas is a time of joy and giving that we very much look forward to, it’s safe to say it’s not without its financial pressures for many. From gifting to socialising throughout the festivities, it’s no surprise that the month of December is one of the most expensive months for households on the calendar.

For those who struggle financially during the year, Christmas is more than often a time of high anxiety and stress when it comes to managing finances. Cork MABS, Cork City the money advice and budgeting service is encouraging the public to be mindful of their realistic spending budgets and to reach out to MABS to speak with a Money Advisor or to avail of their useful financial planning tools and information on www.mabs.ie for advice.

Commenting on the financial pressures brought about by the festivities, Ursula Collins, Regional Manager, South Munster MABS said, “For so many people, Christmas can be the most demanding month when it comes to managing their personal finances. From the added pressures of buying the biggest and best gifts to socialising during the festive season, it becomes all too easy to overstretch the budget, putting people in difficult and stressful financial situations, especially going into the new year which no one wants. At MABS, we are here to help and support the public in better managing their particular financial situations and making those expensive periods during the year that little bit easier.”

For the month of December, MABS has launched a nationwide social media campaign to help the public this Christmas. The campaign titled Boss Christmas with MABS, meaning, Budget, Online and Offline Spending, Shopping, and Saving is targeted at those who want to take control of celebrating Christmas and aims to empower people with skills, tips, and life hacks to make celebrating Christmas a little easier.

Cork MABS, Cork City is encouraging those who will find this period financially stressful to make sure they stick to a plan of realistic gifting and socialising expenses to avoid going over budget and spending unnecessary money on last-minute gifts. MABS strongly advises against borrowing money to spend on gifts and Christmas expenses which will put individuals under even more pressure in the new year.

For more information on MABS and to find your local office, visit www.mabs.ie or call their helpline on 0818 07 2000, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm.