A money-saving expert is urging shoppers to consider one thing this weekend to prepare for the festive season.
With Christmas spending taking a hit this year, projected to drop from last year’s £625.57 to £593.90, many households are finding it harder to stretch their budgets amid rising living costs. Yet, despite the financial squeeze, people are still planning to shop this festive season, turning to smart strategies to make their money go further.
Fiona Peake, money expert at credit card provider Ocean Finance, says that the time to plan your spending is now. “December can be a really expensive month, so it’s good to start planning your budget early. A credit card can be a helpful way to spread costs, and by applying now, you could secure a competitive 0% APR offer ahead of the festive season.
Once you’ve been approved for a new credit card, it can take around 10 working days for it to arrive in the post – sometimes even longer during busier times like the run-up to Christmas. Applying sooner gives you much more time to plan and budget for your Christmas spending.”
Fiona highlights that applying now could help avoid any last-minute challenges: “As December approaches, the most attractive deals may be harder to find. You could even find your application being declined – lenders often tighten their approval criteria closer to the big day to avoid lending to financially stretched borrowers.”
7 Reasons Why Using a Credit Card Could be a Smart Choice This Christmas
Introductory Offers: “Many credit card providers offer introductory deals in the lead-up to Christmas, including 0% APR on purchases. This allows you to manage your budget and avoid a financial hangover in January.”
Manage Cash Flow: “Christmas can stretch household budgets thin. A credit card can provide flexibility, allowing you to make purchases now while spreading the cost over the following months. Just remember to spend wisely and make sure you can afford the repayments in the new year.”
Rewards and Benefits: “From cashback to points for travel, choosing the right card could mean you get more for your money. Just be cautious: always pay off the balance to avoid interest (which could be more than you earn in rewards).”
A Golden Hello: “Some credit cards offer welcome bonuses to new cardholders, such as cashback or points after meeting spending requirements. These perks can boost your holiday savings.”
Build Your Credit History: “Make your Christmas shopping work harder for you. Use your new card responsibly— making payments on time and keeping your balance low can unlock better deals on future loans and mortgages. But, if you’ve had issues with credit in the past, it might be best to hold off on applying for a new card and focus on paying down your debts.”
Purchase Protection: “Credit cards offer built-in protection for purchases over £100, thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If something goes wrong, whether it’s a faulty item or a retailer going bust, you can claim your money back. Some even provide added benefits like extended warranties, so it’s worth checking the small print.”
Covering Unexpected Costs: “The holiday season often brings unexpected expenses, from last-minute gifts to urgent travel plans. Having a credit card can help manage these costs without having to dip into your savings or go over budget.”
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