~Stay out of debt this Christmas holidays with tips and advice from DebtSafe~
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 4 October 2011: As the 2011 Christmas season tiptoes closer, consumers start turning their minds to thoughts of celebrations, buying and receiving gifts, decorations and travelling to holiday destinations across the country. During this time, financial overindulgence seems inevitable and a severe spending hangover may last well into the New Year.
“It’s all about planning,” says Hein du Plessis, Managing Director of DebtSafe, a leading debt counselling and debt review company in South Africa with one of the best customer service and customer success rate. “Following a few simple steps will ensure you that your new year starts on a clean slate – free of any unnecessary financial burdens from the festive season”.
Compile a budget and stick to it Work out how much all your regular expenses cost you each month (house, car, groceries), and subtract the total from your take-home pay. The amount left over and budgeted correctly, is what you can safely spend on other spoils, such as Christmas gifts and celebratory dinners.
Set Spending Limits Once you have examined your monthly budget you can calculate how much you can realistically afford to set aside to purchase gifts for loved ones. Your intentions may be good, but the reality is that most people have a depressing amount of debt because they buy expensive gifts which in the end they battle to repay.
Decide where to shop It is important to decide what you are buying each loved one and imperative that you take your time to compare costs of products for retailers. If you leave your shopping to the last minute you will be rushed for time and more than likely, choose a gift that is easily accessible, but overpriced.
Or…
Why not improvise and create your own gifts:
• Cards Make your own Christmas cards – especially if you have children – it’s a great way to spend time with them and get them to learn whilst being creative. Also, recycle old cards by cutting out the images on the card and using them as gift tags; or find festive images on line and print this on coloured paper.
• Biscuits Find your grandmother’s old gingerbread biscuit recipe and use recycled glass containers like jam jars wrapped in ribbon or colourful paper.
• Scrapbook Collage Create a special collage for a friend or parent by collecting photographs and mementos and using scrapbooking elements to create a memorable gift.
• Craft ideas Learn to mosaic, pewter, decoupage, grow seedlings, pottery, frame making and make special gifts for friends and family that more often than not, they appreciate even more than something purchased from a store.
Once these easy steps are implemented this holiday season you will feel in control of your financial situation and avoid the uncomfortable feeling of having to pay off mountains of unnecessary debt.
The DebtSafe Philosophy
DebtSafe believe in new beginnings and continuously aim to negotiate settlements that are acceptable to both debtors and creditors. DebtSafe has introduced a Six Step Solution and throughout the process, clients are guided towards a future of personal growth and financial stability.
DebtSafe offices are based countrywide and aim to provide the best possible result for each individual. For more information visit DebtSafe at: www.debtsafe.co.za.
