THE Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) Money Management Week starts on Monday.

The week will includes talks to charities, community groups and government officials.

The OFT decided to hold the week in the run-up to Christmas as it is at this time of the year when many people feel pressured to spend more than their income allows. 

For those that have spent more than they can afford the office's debt counsellors offer one-to-one support with managing debt or if preferred people can access a self-help guide and interactive budgeting sheets on the money management pages of the website www.gov.im/oft

 
The OFT has also produced tips to help people manage their money at Christmas called the 12 Ways of Christmas. To view them click here

Copies are also available from the OFT at its office in Lord Street Douglas, ring 686500 or see the above website.

Advice centre manager Andrea Tabb said: "There are always additional financial and social pressures on people at Christmas. The economic climate this year is likely to compound these.

"The office has produced the 12 Ways of Christmas to provide consumers with practical tips on how to make their money go further this Christmas.

"Using you money wisely ensures that you're less likely to overspend and have to face big credit card bills in the New Year.

"It is easy to overspend but by using the 12 ways you can prevent a lot of grief for yourself and family come January.

"Don't feel pressurised to buy and buy. Don't be worried what others are doing, especially other family members.

"If money is tight, tell your family and friends. It saves the heartache of a stressful New Year when the bills come in.

"Please be careful - don't get carried away."