The simple way to avoid debt at Christmas

1. Spend less than you earn.
2. Don’t spend money you don’t have on things nobody needs.

These tips, like many aspects of managing money, are rather simple, and yet I can guarantee there will be thousands, perhaps even millions, who ignore this sound advice and get themselves into all kinds of financial problems throughout the year, and especially over the Christmas period.

I don’t want to come across all bah humbug, but the excessive levels of consumerism have tainted the value of Christmas. The value of Christmas is in spending quality time with your family, not the absurd six-week advertising and shopping nonsense.

Who really cares how many presents are under a tree and the quality of the Christmas Crackers?

Personally, I would like to see everything closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day so everybody can have some much needed rest and quality time with their family and friends.

Forget deals, forget sales, forget the must have Christmas item. Just enjoy a day or two with your family and keep your money for better uses.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a merry christmas and a happy new year.