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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-12-04, Page 60People pay for Christmas for many months More people face serious financial pro- blems in the months following Christmas than at almost any other time of year, say consumer experts. "Many consumers end up paying Christmas bills right through till Easter," says Ann Rowan of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. "We all know how tough it can be to have overspent our credit. But it can be disasterous for families already living on the edge of a tight budget. And it's a difficult trap for most people to escape." If they spend the first part of each year paying off debts from the previous Christmas, families can't save any money towards gifts for the coming holiday season, Rowan explains. And because many Christmas expenses are paid with credit, the interest charges add to the burden. Every year, the number of people seeking free financial advice from Ontario's Credit Counselling Services increases during the post -Christmas season. "The back -to -school season and Christmas are the two busiest times for us," says Ronald Mason, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Credit Counselling. Services. "Christmas is often the icing on the cake for families who have been experiencing financial trouble throughout the year." Anyone having serious trouble with debts might benefit from a trip to the local counselling office before Christmas hits. The numbers are listed in the phone book, under "Credit Counselling." For consumers who are not in serious debt, a bit of cost-cutting along with a cpm - mon sense budget might do the trick, says Rowan. Creative suggestions for ways to save money on gifts abound at this time of year. Some families pick names to decide who will exchange gifts, cutting down on the number of presents required. Others give friends and relatives personal "coupons", offering their help on chores such as house cleaning , or car, washing. A coupon might read, "Good for one lawn mowing session." A book of six coupons costs little more than your time and can be a much -appreciated gift. Regardless of the amount you manage to save by being creative and shopping carefully, Christmas will cost money. "The only way to make Christmas affor- dable and avoid overspending is to know how much you can afford," says Rowan. "For example, if you've got $100 left after buying food, paying the rent and taking care of all the necessities, then that's all you should spend on Christmas this year. That's really the bottom line." "Once you overspend, you' could find yourself in that trap for• years to come. - always paying off debts and never being able to save for next Christmas." Mason agrees, adding that, "budgeting is the only practical way to manage Christmas expenses:" After calculating a total gift budget, set aside 10 per cent, Mason suggests. Divide the rest by allocating a certain amount to spend on each person. "The ten per cent you set aside can be us- ed on things you've forgotten about ... I always forget something," says Mason. The ministry has produced a brochure called Credit and You, offering information on handling loans and creditcards throughout the year. For copies or informa- tion about other consumer issues, contact the Consumer Information .Centre, 555 Yonge St., Toronto M7A 2H6; (416) 963-1111 or (toll free) 1-800-268-1142. Residents with an (807) area code can call the ( 416) number collect. Dollar for Dollar Your Best Clothing Values this Christmas are at... 32 West Street, Shoppers Square 9oderirh, 524-4312 Men's & Ladies Fashions Purchase Any Tweed or Blazer Style SPORT COAT And Receive a FREE PAIR OF D R ESS PANTS Outstanding Value Now through Dec. 24 Make your choice from our entire selection of handsomely styled Tweed Sport Coats or our best selling Ail -Wool Flannel navy or Black Blazers. Priced from $165. Famous quality, timeless styling and the Dress Pants are a BONUS. A Value of up to $55.00 At No Extra Charge. ALL.DRESS SHIRTS Make your selection from such famous makers as Arrow, Gant and Cline. Poly Cords Regular $42.50 Long wear life, srgart styling and super colour tones are just 3 reasons that make pants such a great value. Even more now with $13.0Q off. WINTER COATS AND JACKETS Choose from McGregor, Croydon, and Deacon Brothers Tweed and Poplin Overcoats and Wool, Cotton mixed Jackets. Style. Quality. Value...At David White's you can have it all!