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0% credit cards could help with Christmas

0% credit cards could help with Christmas
Debt levels will increase this winter as people splash out on 0% credit cards for Christmas, but spending will be more restrained that last year.

This is the view of Andrew Hagger, spokesman for moneynet.co.uk, who claimed that with Christmas festivities fast approaching, there is not much time left to make savings to help finance the festivities but suggested that making small changes could help in the next couple of months.

He said that people should make use of vouchers and money-off discounts, as well as using up any food they already have in their freezers to cut down on the weekly food shop.

"But with only eight weeks left perhaps it is a bit too late to do anything really worthwhile. It is probably worth thinking about saving now for the following Christmas. Perhaps start putting something aside each month and this time next year at least you won't find yourself having to drastically cut bills to afford Christmas," Mr Hagger advised.

He said that given the tough economic climate, a rise in debt around Christmas is inevitable as people do not have the savings put aside, so they turn to 0% credit cards.

However, he conceded that people are becoming more restrained with their Christmas spending this year than previously.

In addition, Defaqto has claimed that with the right credit card deals, people can actually benefit from using the plastic to finance Christmas.

"Although Christmas is an expensive time, the right type of credit card can help you earn while you spend," said David Black, Defaqto's insight analyst for banking.ADNFCR-2088-ID-800782828-ADNFCR

Moneyextra.com recommends you take independent financial advice before acting on any article

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2011-11-01 13:02:55 © Moneyextra.com

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