DECEMBER is an expensive time of the year, but Citizens Advice has released a list of tips to help keep the costs down during the festive season.

Citizens Advice Isle of Wight has released a list of 12 tips to help guard against the heavy toll the festive season can take on family finances.

In the past 12 months, advisers at the charity helped 744 people with debt problems, 239 of whom needed advice between January and March — traditionally the busiest months for the charity dealing with money issues.

Paul Savill, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Isle of Wight, said: "People can feel a lot of pressure on their finances over Christmas, however, there are some simple and practical steps people can take to guard against a festive debt hangover, including early planning."

The twelve tips of Christmas are:

1) Plan early

Plan how much you are going to spend on each person and stick to it. Manage expectations about what you - or Santa - can give.

2) Don’t forget everyday bills

It may be Christmas, but keep on top of priority bills, such as rent and council tax. The consequences for non-payment can be severe.

3) Think twice about overdrafts

Don’t run up an overdraft without first chatting to your bank - or it could be costly.

4) Keep it simple

Pay for your goods with cash or a debit card if you can. Don’t be persuaded to take out credit.

5) Shop around

Look for the best price and buy only what you want, not what others say you need. Be wary of extended warranties - often the cost of repair is less.

6) Avoid unauthorised lenders

Loan sharks may seem friendly at first but borrowing from them is never a good idea – even if you feel you have no other option.

7) … and unauthorised traders

Whatever the deal, don’t buy from unauthorised traders - it may prove to be more expensive in the long run.

8) Read the small print

Check credit agreements for hidden extras and work out the total amount to repay. Interest-free deals have a nasty sting if you miss a payment.

9) Do your own credit checks

If you plan to use a credit card, shop around - some charge high interest, but may have lengthy interest-free periods.

10) Be organised

If you’ve borrowed, repayment will be due before you know it. Make sure you make at least the minimum repayment, or you’ll be hit with charges. Put payment dates in your diary or set up a direct debit.

11) Start planning for Christmas 2020

It may sound crackers, but just after Christmas is the best time to learn what went well this year, what didn’t, and start saving.

12) Get help if you’re worried

Citizens Advice can give you free and impartial debt advice online, over the phone and face-to-face.

You can call Citizens Advice IW on 03444 111 444.