’Tis the season to spend
CHRISTMAS is only just over a month away and many people across the Far North are starting to prepare to splash out on presents for the big day.
However, new research by the RACQ shows almost 60 per cent of Queenslanders rely on credit cards to get through the festive season.
RACQ Bank spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said it was alarming because it showed a large percentage of everyday Queenslanders couldn’t afford their holiday season costs.
“It’s worrying almost 50 per cent of us said we can’t afford the cost of Christmas comfortably and are instead putting it on credit,” Ms Ross said.
“It feels good to give, but this shouldn’t mean you’re putting yourself in further debt or living beyond your means to show love to family and friends.”
Larissa Brunning is a Cairns mother who has already figured out how to save money during the Christmas season.
“Every person, I give a budget or amount for a person I buy for,” Ms Brunning said.
“Whether it’s kids, parents and other people that I buy a present for.”
She also has tips to save money if you’re the main person entertaining guests during the holiday season.
“Everyone usually brings something (which saves costs on food),” Ms Brunning said.
“We don’t go ballistic or overboard.”
Cairns-based Salvation Army financial counsellor Amanda Rees has extra tips to take your dollar further this Christmas season.
“Start planning for Christmas as early as possible,” Ms Rees said.
“Open a separate Christmas savings account and put money aside each fortnight.”