Dorset parents to 'go without essentials' to afford Christmas, say Citizens Advice
The service says families should 'stick to a budget' this year
Citizens Advice in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are urging people across Dorset to not “overspend” on Christmas presents amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Kirsty Pemberton, a team lead at the charity, told us:
“For lots of people money is really tight, so it's important to keep an eye on what you're spending.”
New figures from Citizens Advice reveal the charity is contacted by worried shoppers every nine seconds, totalling an average of over 3,400 a day.
According to the charity, some parents often go without food in the run up to Christmas in order to buy presents for their children.
They advise parents to “stick to a budget” as there are “more important things than buying expensive gifts.”
Kirsty said: “I think there is pressure to keep up with other families but it’s important to remember that the most important thing is that your family has a roof over their head, something to eat and that you're together on Christmas.”
The service also sees a spike in calls each January as shoppers seek help after problems with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and festive purchases.
Citizens Advice’s helped with complaints ranging from defective goods such as broken mobile phones or out-of-date skincare products to late deliveries or ones that didn’t turn up at all.
The number of complaints received by the charity in January 2023 grew 28% compared with the month before.
Kirsty said: “Deals on Black Friday can be really good when buying Christmas presents, but it's important to make sure you are checking other websites and you're getting it from a trustworthy seller.”
Ahead of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and seasonal spending, Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole is sharing its top tips to empower shoppers with the knowledge to shop confidently.