Festive advice from Magenta Living
Magenta Living is working in partnership with other Merseyside based housing associations to provide support to tenants over the festive period.
Christmas can be a fun and magical time, but it can be extremely expensive too. It’s estimated that the average family spends around £800, most of which is spent on food, drink, decorations and presents. Last year, National Debtline received 61% more phone calls from people asking for advice after overspending.
Helping tenants enjoy Christmas without falling into money troubles is Magenta Living’s priority. Here are some great tips to avoid overspending during the festive period:
- Make a list – buying on impulse can be dangerously expensive.
- Time your heating, so it’s only on when you are at home.
- Switch to LED Christmas lights to reduce your energy consumption by up to 90%.
- Turn your fairy lights off when you leave the house, this will save on your bills and reduce the risk of fire.
- Avoid illegal money lenders at all costs and don’t cancel Direct Debts because you will incur charges.
- Give an IOU – Why not wait until the sales to purchase big gifts.
The 'Merseyside Housing Associations Working Together' group was formed following the introduction of Welfare Reform, as a collaborative effort to support customers through the changes imposed.
Fellow members include: Crosby Housing Association, Halton Housing Trust, Helena Partnerships, Knowsley Housing Trust (First Ark Group), Liverpool Mutual Homes, One Vision Housing, Plus Dane Group, Regenda Group, Riverside, SLH Group, Steve Biko Housing Association, Symphony Housing Group (BBCHA, Cobalt Housing, Liverpool Housing Trust), Pine Court housing Association, Wirral Methodist Housing Association and Your Housing Group.
Call Magenta Living on 0808 100 9596 or the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000.