Managing your money this Christmas

MABS has some killer advice & support!

Crimbo can really bite into your dosh like Santa into a cookie. If you are dealing with money worries before crimbo anyway, it can seem even more overwhelming at this time of year. This is where MABS comes to the rescue.

What is MABS?

MABS is a free financial advisory service. It helps people to sort out debts, payment plans, budgets or those in need of any general financial advice. The service is open to anyone and advisors are trained in financial matters.

MABS offices are located around the country and details of their location can be found at www.mabs.ie

You can also telephone the MABS helpline on 1890 283 438. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.

MABS has some top tips for money savings this Christmas:

Set some money aside for bills in January. This way, you won't get to the 3rd of January and realise that you can’t afford heat or lighting.
Don’t assume that you will get bonuses or overtime payments. You may not get them every year.
Make a Christmas budget and include all your normal household bills, food costs etc. This way you balance the present buying with the essentials.
Use the MABS Christmas budget tool.
Try to shop as early as possible to snap up bargains – it may be a bit late for this now; but don’t leave it till Christmas Eve!
Make a list of the people you are gonna buy presents for and what you will spend per person. This is a more accurate way of keeping track of spending than buying pressies on a whim is.
Use cash instead of credit or debit cards. This way you will not be tempted to over spend and you will not have to pay interest fees.
Be realistic about groceries – the shops are not gonna be closed for a week! You don’t need to buy enough food to feed an army stuck in a nuclear fallout shelter. Plus, many corner shops are open on Chritsmas Day and the majority open on St. Stephen's Day.

Further Information:

Website: www.mabs.ie/

Contact: www.mabs.ie/contact_us/contact_us.html

Phone: 1890 283 438