Consumers afraid to open post
January 5, 2008
Following the rush of mad spending over the Christmas period many consumers in Britain are now shying away from opening their post, nervous about what they will find in terms of bills and statements. A survey was carried out by the Financial Services Authority in the post Christmas calm, and unsurprising many consumers who may have gone overboard on the Christmas spending are now dreading the post arriving on their doorsteps in the New Year.
According to the results of the survey about 25% of consumers aged between 16 and 44 are scared of post arriving in the New Year because of the Christmas bills that they expect to face. Nearly 2500 adults were involved in the survey, but although many are worried about the state of their finances the survey also showed that nearly 50% of those surveyed are likely to deal with weight loss or booking a holiday before thinking about getting their finances into order.
Around 23% of those surveyed had used finance such as credit cards to fund their Christmas spending, and nearly 60% had either overspent on Christmas or had no idea how much Christmas had actually cost them.
One official from the Financial Services Authority stated: “Sorting out your budget isn’t the most interesting thing you will do after Christmas, but it could be the most important. If you don’t make payments on time it can affect your credit history and at worst put your home and even relationships under pressure.”
In a bid to help those struggling with their finances the FSA has produced a guide called ‘Money Made Clear‘ which is available through their website. This offers advice on saving, budgeting, and claiming benefits.
Related Articles
- Post office will be offering broadband delivery The Post Office service in the UK has seen a rapid decline in custom over recent years, and figures and losses have become so dismal
- Pet insurance cover launched by Post Office Over recent years, with the threat of branch closures looming, the Post Office service has launched a variety of new services and products ranging from
- Thousands could be hit with late payment charges Following the latest Royal Mail postal strike thousands of consumers could find themselves being hit with costly late payment charges, as the postal service attempts
- Lenders could make fortune from late payment Industry officials are warning that certain lenders are set to make a small fortune from consumers as the result of the series of postal strikes
- HMRC had to extend deadline for returns At one of the most crucial times of the year for HM Revenue and Customs – the time when tax returns have to be filed
Comments
Got something to say?