Despite the best of intentions, many people get carried away at Christmas and spend too much money. This is a situation a lot of us find ourselves in to a greater or lesser extent and each New Year, the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading sees an increase in people getting in touch asking for debt counselling help.
At the time of writing, there are only 42 days (or just two paydays!) until Christmas.
To help make this Christmas less stressful and to help avoid distress in January when you realise how much you have spent, it’s really worth taking the time to do a little forward planning. The OFT has a few tips to avoiding headaches and stress about money. In addition, the Office has a series of interactive money management tools to help consumers.
The Top Tips and Money Management Tools can both be accessed on the OFT’s website www.gov.im/oft or from its office in Lord Street, Douglas, telephone 686500. People can also obtain copies of budget sheets from the OFT to help them draw up and keep an eye on their budget this Christmas.
If you find yourself in a situation where debt is a worry, tackling money problems early is always the best way to resolve problems. Debt Counsellors at the Office of Fair Trading deal with people from all walks of life and can offer support and guidance to those in financial difficulties. They can be contacted for confidential advice and support on telephone number 686510.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
