Many families will worry how they are going to make ends meet at Christmas. Extra expenses could break the bank for those already struggling with debt.
A family on an average income spends £564 on food, drink, decorations and the like on Christmas Day alone, and that doesn't include presents.
Christmas debt can mean a choice between not eating or having the power cut off when the January bills arrive. But this doesn't have to be the case.
Getting help with claiming the right benefits and professional help planning Christmas finances can avoid your becoming one of more than 6.6m people already behind on payments.
Legal aid pays for a free helpline - Community Legal Service Advice on 0845 345 4345.
Advisers can help you claim welfare benefits and tax credits and create a budget to plan debt repayments as well as pay for Christmas costs.
Anyone worrying about the cost of Christmas can contact the helpline or visit the website www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk Geoff Mountjoy, Regional Director, South and West Legal Services Commission
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