Debt advisors urge households to plan Christmas spending before Black Friday

Charity Barnardo's reports that some parents are skipping their own meals to ensure their children have a full Christmas dinner with sides. The charity says this squeeze on household budgets is intensifying as the holiday season approaches.

Debt advice group StepChange is releasing a list of financial tips for households ahead of the holiday spending rush. The organization advises people to create a complete budget now rather than waiting until December paychecks arrive.

The plan calls for tracking all holiday costs, not just gifts. StepChange lists food, drink, travel, parties, postage, and decorations as essential line items in a realistic budget. The group suggests checking cupboards and freezers before major food shopping trips to avoid buying duplicates.

StepChange recommends making a shopping list before Black Friday, which falls on November 27. The charity notes that a sale price is only a discount if the item was already on a planned list. It also suggests booking train tickets in advance to secure lower fares.

Vikki Brownridge, chief executive of StepChange, said the holiday season puts pressure on household budgets. "Christmas is a time when we want to enjoy ourselves and make things special for the people we care most about," Brownridge said. She added that taking steps now is key to avoiding financial stress in January.

The group advises setting spending caps on social events and discussing gift budgets with family and friends. For items bought on credit, StepChange asks consumers to confirm they can afford the repayments. It also reminds households to verify they are receiving all eligible benefits and grants through the MoneyHelper website.

Fraudsters are active during this period, according to the charity. StepChange warns that financial pressure makes households more vulnerable to scams. The group suggests seeking free debt advice early if the holiday season is expected to leave a family in debt.