MABS Urges Cork Families to Start Christmas Planning Now to Avoid Festive Financial Stress

Ireland's Money Advice & Budgeting Service is encouraging Cork households to begin Christmas planning now, offering practical tips to help families avoid the seasonal spending trap that catches many off guard each December.

With just over three months until Christmas, MABS advisers say early preparation is the key to enjoying the festive season without facing a financial hangover in January. The free service, which supports people struggling with debt and budgeting concerns, has released comprehensive guidance to help families take control of their Christmas spending.

Karl Cronin, MABS Regional Manager and national spokesperson:

"Christmas is one of the biggest spending periods of the year. For many, it brings joy, but it can also be a time of anxiety and financial stress, especially when it comes to buying gifts and hosting family. Planning early gives you time to build a budget, make a shopping list, and set up a savings plan that works for you."

Rather than viewing September planning as premature, Cronin suggests reframing the approach. Karl Cronin: "Instead of thinking, 'I'm getting ready for Christmas', try reframing it as 'I'm planning to get ahead'."

The MABS guidance recommends using last year's Christmas spending as a baseline, then dividing that amount by the number of pay packets remaining before December. Families should create comprehensive lists covering gifts, food, clothes, entertainment and those inevitable last-minute expenses that catch many unprepared.

For those who didn't track spending last Christmas, the advice is simple: start now. Karl Cronin: "If you didn't keep a list last year, start one now; you'll thank yourself next year."

Michael Laffey, MABS adviser:

"Save for Christmas throughout the year. Even a small amount from each pay packet adds up. Having something set aside makes budgeting easier."

The service provides practical examples: saving €10 weekly from January would generate €480 by November's end, whilst €20 weekly from mid-September could still accumulate €240. Christmas savings clubs and supermarket cash-back vouchers offer additional opportunities to spread costs.

Laffey suggests a particularly clever local tip: Michael Laffey: "Put the money you are getting back from the bottle and can Deposit Return Scheme onto a gift card for your local supermarket – a clever Christmas budgeting tip."

Michelle O'Hara, MABS adviser:

"Try not to be tempted by sales or special offers – unless it's on your list and you can tick it off. Remember, it is not a deal if you don't need it or won't use it."

O'Hara warns against store cards, credit purchases and instalment plans, which often cost more long-term. She also emphasises checking terms and conditions on Buy Now, Pay Later schemes.

Early family discussions about hosting arrangements and implementing Secret Santa systems with spending limits can significantly reduce costs. For families with children, Cronin recommends the "four gift rule": Karl Cronin: "Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read."

Experience gifts often provide better value than individual presents. Karl Cronin: "Give them the gift of an experience – a post-Christmas family trip to the cinema will create lasting memories as opposed to individual gifts for everyone."

Michael Laffey:

"Christmas should be more about presence and less about presents – that's what they'll remember when they grow older. They appreciate your time as much if not more than lots of new toys."

The MABS helpline operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, on 0818 07 2000. Local office details are available at mabs.ie.

MABS advisers say early planning isn't about being a Christmas Grinch but rather ensuring families can enjoy the festivities without January regrets. With just over 100 days until Christmas, September planning could be the difference between seasonal joy and New Year financial stress.