Last-minute Xmas shoppers 'should be wary of debt'

Last-minute Christmas shoppers may go into 2010 with the prospect of credit card repayments hanging over them if they fail to rein in their spending, according to one debt organisation.

The Debt Advice Foundation's managing director David Rodger has suggested that Christmas can be a time when good money management practices are not always adhered to.

He noted: "Many resort to credit and store cards to fund it [Christmas], but this can lead to worry and regret when the bills arrive in January."

Mr Rodger's organisation is now offering seasonal shoppers a range of advice, which could help people to spend within their means.

It believes that consumers should be aware of the implications that store cards can have, and has stressed the potential benefits of online retail.

MoneyMagpie.com founder Jasmine Birtles has also recently noted how useful it can be for UK households to carefully manage their money and credit card debt.

Written by Tom Burroughs.