Consumers advised to focus on debts for New Year

Industry experts are advising consumers to focus on their debt issues once the New Year comes around in order to avoid having to spend another year struggling with their finances, particularly given that the economy and job situation is still very challenging and fragile. Many people will have been struggling with debt for some time, whereas others may accrue temporary debt over the Christmas period. Either way, experts are suggesting that they tackle their debt problems head on once 2011 hits.

For many people in debt it is all too easy to bury their heads in the sand and try and forget about their debts until they spiral out of control to the extent that action has to be taken either by the borrower or their creditors. Many people are using, or have already used, their credit cards to fund their purchases over the festive season this year, and this could lead to spiralling debt levels for many people.

Tackling debt can be difficult but officials believe that by kicking the New Year off in the way that they mean to go on consumers are able to tackle their debt issues more effectively by streamlining their finances and getting things into order. Some are advising consumers to go through their budget with a fine toothcomb and go through their income and outgoings to see where they can make cutbacks to save on the amount that they pay out each month and avoid further debt.

One official said: “Another option for consumers when the New Year comes around is to consider taking out a consolidation loan and wrapping all of their various debts into one lower interest one, as this could save them money and the hassle of dealing with different creditors.”

Tags: debt consolidation, job, job situation, festive season, time

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Tags: repayment, borrowing, christmas credit cards, Daskaloff credit card rating system, consumer, Credit Cards, purchases, festive season

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Tags: Business Finance, tighter credit conditions, switch credit cards, credit card debt, interest, balance transfers, New Year period

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Tags: festive season, risk, year, industry, recession, sales, retail, research