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Support for worry-free festivities

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The festivities are approaching, and while many people love this time of year, others worry about how they will pay for it.

However there are things you can do to ease the financial worry and not put yourself under too much pressure.

* Start early – if you know what you’ll be buying start looking early to bag the best bargain. This can also help spread the cost.

* Presents aren’t the only Christmas costs – remember to factor in food and nights out or celebrations.

* Don’t overbuy – set yourself a limit and stick to it. Others will be in the same position and may be grateful for the limit.

* Have a pre-Christmas clear out – your unwanted items might be just what someone is looking for! Make some extra cash and clear some space.

If you’d like help managing your finances at this time of year, speak to Citizens Advice Knowsley – call 0344 826 9694, email money@citizensadviceknowsley.org.uk or call in to their Huyton or Kirkby offices.

You may be tempted to borrow money to help pay for Christmas, but be wary of illegal money lenders. Often known as ‘loan sharks’, illegal lenders offer little or no paperwork and can increase the debt or add extra charges without warning. If you have information about a loan shark, you can report it anonymously on 0300 555 2222 or www.stoploansharks.uk

Visit the ‘financial advice’ www.knowsley.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-grants/financial-advice-and-support page on the Council’s website for details of local and national organisations who offer free and confidential advice. Whether you’re looking for debt or money advice and want to talk to someone in person or over the phone, there are services that can help.

Cllr Jayne Aston, Cabinet Member for Resources, said “I know that this time of year can be demanding and challenging for a whole range of reasons, but the important thing is that help and support is available. Seek that advice before you make decisions and end up paying for them way after Christmas. Help can be just a phone call away.”

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