Budgeting blowouts common over Christmas

Michelle Nahu from Family Focus Rotorua says some people don't pay their rent or stop automatic payments during the Christmas period. Photo/File

Not paying rent, stopping automatic payments and suffering the consequences in January is how some locals deal with Christmas, social agencies say.

Family Focus Rotorua building financial capability services team leader Michelle Nahu said as soon as its doors opened in January staff dealt with the aftermath of the silly season.

''Work and Income pay out early and people overspend ahead of their budget which can leave them struggling for the next month or two. Then there are others who don't pay their rent for three weeks as they think the landlord will be on holiday and we have to go through mediation and the tenancy tribunal.''

Meanwhile skipping automatic payments over the holiday period to provide a wonderful Christmas was also common.

''It's very illogical thinking...but the temptation is there and I don't blame the families.''

Nahu said Family Focus ran a Christmas planning programme from March which encouraged participants to put aside a small amount each week, join a supermarket Christmas Club and set a budget and stick to it.

Rotorua Budget Advisory Service manager Pakanui Tuhura said in his view Christmas had been overtaken by commercialism.

He warned people against emotional and impulse buying.

''Consider what you can afford and if you have to take out a loan don't buy it.''

Traditionally demand for its service increased in February when bills arrived for things bought on credit, hire purchase and loans.

Often the best presents were doing something together as a family, Tuhura said.

''Christmas is about making good memories and that is what kids will remember in the future.''

Salvation Army Rotorua lieutenant Kylie Overbye said it encouraged people to start planning early, saving up where they can to be prepared for Christmas and get creative.

''There's a lot of pressure on people to provide a certain type of Christmas for their families.

''Sometimes people try to live up to the image of Christmas that is advertised and in doing so put themselves in debt to provide this elusive Christmas.''

Christmas gifts that meant the most to people were often the gifts that cost nothing, she said.

''When we reflect on our Christmases of the past most often it's not the presents we remember, but the time spent with loved ones - create memories with your families this Christmas, and discover the real gift of Christmas.''

The Rotorua community worked together at Christmas.

''We are providing Christmas hampers in conjunction with the police to about 200 families this year. These food hampers come from the generosity of the community's donations over the Christmas season."

Regional Commissioner for Social Development Mike Bryant said it was paying out some benefits in advance.

Clients that were due to be paid on Tuesday, December 26 would be paid on Friday, December 22, Wednesday December 27 on Saturday December 23, January 2 on December 29 and January 3 on December 30.

Anyone that needed help throughout the holiday period, including public holidays could apply online, he said.

Christmas catering tips
* Ask everyone to contribute
* Divide up the shopping and cooking
* Make Christmas goodies rather than buying
* Grow your own veges for the Christmas meal
* Share the workload and cost
* Be realistic about food and drinks
* Many NZ families are moving away from the traditional hot meal in favour of a barbecue Source: Family Focus Rotorua

Christmas present tips
* Talk about setting a maximum limit
* Consider buying for the children only
* Consider a Secret Santa type idea
* Be creative
* Take advantage of complimentary gift wrapping services
* Instead of sending cards, phone your friends or send a Christmas email
Source: Family Focus Rotorua