27 Dec 2013

Christmas debt worries

9:51 am on 27 December 2013

A budgeting advisory service is worried that spending in the holiday season will push some families into debt.

Paymark reported record sales rates on Sunday and Monday before Christmas Day.

The Federation of Family Budgeting Services says January and early Febuary are the busiest times of year for budgeting services.

Chief executive Raewyn Fox says many families feel pressured to spend heavily before Christmas and then find they cannot pay their bills.

Instead of spending money on expensive presents, Ms Fox says families can instead offer vouchers to do things for each other.