Citizens Advice – Cost of living newsletter

As we transition into the colder months, this November-December edition brings you a wealth of practical advice to help you navigate the winter season while staying warm, healthy, and financially secure.

Inside, you’ll find:

With the festive season upon us, we’re also sharing creative gift ideas and DIY tips to help you make this Christmas special without overspending.

Whether it’s cutting costs, accessing support, or planning for a brighter new year, our newsletter has you covered. Dive in for actionable advice and a happier, healthier winter!

Reduce your outgoings:take control of gambling

With the cost of living rising, many people are looking for ways to reduce their spending. For some, gambling can become an expensive habit, leading to financial strain and stress. Safer Gambling Awareness Week, which ran from the 18th-24th November, reminded us of the importance of making informed choices about gambling and seeking support if it starts to feel unmanageable.

If gambling is affecting your finances or wellbeing, it’s important to know that help is available. Citizens Advice Wirral offers a specialist Gambling Support Service that provides confidential, non-judgmental help for anyone impacted by gambling, whether it’s you or someone you care about.

How our service can help

Our team can:

Tips for safer gambling

Contact us for support

Our Gambling Support Service is here to help you take control. Visit Citizens Advice Wirral Gambling Aftercare to find out more and get support.

By taking small steps toward safer gambling, you can free up money for other priorities and improve your overall wellbeing. Let’s work together to help you stay in control.

Stay warm, stay healthy, save money

Keeping warm is essential for staying healthy during the colder months. Here are some simple steps inspired by the Winter Wellness Fact Sheet from Energy Projects Plus, to help you stay cosy and well this winter:

Enjoy regular hot meals and drinks to maintain body heat.
Keep hydrated with plenty of warm beverages.

Stay active, even if it’s just walking around the house or popping the kettle on. Movement helps generate body heat.

Use heating controls to preheat your home in the morning and turn off the heat 30 minutes before bed.

Bleed radiators if they have cold spots, and service heating appliances annually for efficiency.

Draught-proof doors, windows, and gaps to retain warmth.

Layer up with dressing gowns, fluffy slippers, or thermal underwear.

Use oil-filled radiators for focused heating in your living spaces.

Keep throws or heated blankets handy for extra warmth on the sofa.

Use electric blankets, self-heating mattress toppers, or a winter duvet to stay warm through the night.

Taking these steps can help you stay warm, reduce heating costs, and protect your health during the colder months.

For even more ideas on how to save money heating your home check out the advice on our website. 

Unlock pension credit and winter fuel support

Claiming Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 could unlock vital financial support for pensioners, including this year’s Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300.

Why Pension Credit matters

Pension Credit is often overlooked, but it’s a gateway benefit that can open the door to additional support, such as:

Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s worth checking. Unlike some other benefits, having savings or a small pension doesn’t automatically rule you out. If your income is limited, you could still be eligible.

Key deadline: 21 December

To qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, you need to apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024, with your eligibility backdated to cover any date between 16 and 22 September 2024.

Helping someone else

Not everyone has the digital skills to check their eligibility online. If you know a family member, friend, or neighbor aged 65 or over, encourage them to check their eligibility—or do it on their behalf. It could make a big difference to their financial wellbeing this winter.

How to check eligibility

Don’t miss out on this vital support! Checking your eligibility for Pension Credit is simple—and it could provide much-needed help to keep you warm and well this winter.

 

*Self help terminal locations – 

CGL Market Wells – 84 Market Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6HB

Spend Smart

The festive season can put financial pressure on families, making Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services appear tempting. However, these schemes, which allow you to delay or spread payments for purchases, carry significant risks if not managed carefully. Here’s what you need to know before using BNPL options and how to stay financially healthy through the Christmas holidays.

The pitfalls of BNPL:

Unregulated risks: Although progress is being made towards regulating BNPL, the lack of immediate oversight means that many consumers don’t fully understand what they’re signing up for. Hidden terms and fees can result in unexpected costs.

Mounting debt: While spreading payments might seem manageable, failing to budget for BNPL commitments can lead to defaults. Missed payments often result in debt collection fees, which can spiral into larger financial difficulties.

Impact on essentials: People turning to BNPL are often left unable to cover essential expenses like bills and groceries, with many needing additional support from us, such as food bank referrals.

Emotional pressure: Companies use marketing strategies to encourage spending beyond means, making it easy to lose track of how much you owe.

Tips to avoid BNPL debt

Budget before you buy: Plan Christmas expenses in advance. Determine what you can afford without borrowing.

Avoid impulse purchases: BNPL can make unnecessary spending tempting. Focus on essentials and meaningful gifts that fit your budget.

Read the fine print: If you use BNPL, ensure you understand the repayment terms, late fees, and interest rates.

Set reminders: Keep track of BNPL repayment dates to avoid missed payments and penalties.

Explore alternatives: Consider saving in advance or looking for sales and discounts to manage costs without borrowing.

Plan ahead for a debt-free new year

The joy of giving doesn’t have to mean starting the New Year in debt. By planning carefully and avoiding high-risk borrowing, you can make Christmas enjoyable without compromising financial stability.

For more guidance on managing holiday spending or debt, visit Citizens Advice or contact Citizens Advice Wirral.

Cut you Christmas food shop spend

Christmas dinner is the highlight of the season, but it doesn’t need to cost a fortune. By planning ahead, getting creative, and embracing cost-saving tips, you can prepare a delicious Christmas meal that’s both memorable and budget-friendly.

  1. Plan your menu and stick to it

Avoid overspending by deciding on your menu in advance. List every ingredient you’ll need and check what’s already in your cupboards before heading to the shops. Focus on dishes that use simple, affordable ingredients and avoid adding unnecessary extras.

  1. Go for cheaper cuts of meat

Turkey is the traditional choice but frozen turkeys are often cheaper than fresh ones.  For smaller gatherings, consider a turkey crown or alternative options like chicken, pork shoulder, or even a nut roast. These can be just as festive and delicious—at a fraction of the cost!

  1. Shop smart

Buy frozen: Frozen vegetables, meat, and desserts are often cheaper and just as tasty.

Look for re getting the best deal.

Shop at discount stores: Aldi, Lidl, and local markets often offer better value for fresh and frozen produce and pantry essentials.

  1. Make it yourself

Pre-prepared foods like stuffing, sauces, and desserts are convenient but more expensive. Try these DIY alternatives:

Stuffing: Combine breadcrumbs, herbs, and onions for a simple homemade version.

Gravy: Use the meat drippings or a stock cube for a rich and flavorful gravy.

Desserts: Whip up a trifle, crumble, or sponge cake using pantry staples instead of buying pricey puddings.

  1. Cut down on food waste

Reduce costs by only preparing what you need. Use portion guides to avoid overbuying, and plan for leftovers to stretch your food further. Ideas include:

Bubble and squeak: Use leftover vegetables for a tasty Boxing Day dish.

Soup: Turn turkey bones or unused vegetables into a hearty post-Christmas soup.

  1. Potluck Christmas

If you’re hosting, consider a potluck meal where each guest brings a dish. This spreads the cost and effort while creating a diverse and enjoyable dinner.

  1. Budget-friendly alternatives

Side dishes: Swap expensive ingredients like pancetta for budget-friendly bacon in Brussels sprouts or make mashed potato instead of gratin.

Drinks: Serve festive non-alcoholic punches or mulled apple juice, which are cheaper than alcohol but still feel indulgent.

Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be extravagant to be special. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can create a festive feast that delights your guests and keeps your budget intact.

For more tips on managing costs this holiday season, visit our website or contact Citizens Advice for free and confidential advice.

Spreading joy this Christmas

Christmas can be a challenging time for families and individuals experiencing financial hardship or loneliness. Across Wirral, there are initiatives to provide support, from food and toy banks to community meals and events. Here’s a roundup of local services and resources to help make Christmas a little brighter for everyone.

Toy and food banks

Many local organisations are working hard to support families this Christmas by providing essential food items and gifts for children:

Community Christmas dinners

For those who might otherwise spend Christmas alone, the following events offer a warm meal and company:

Churches across Wirral offer welcoming Christmas Day services, providing an opportunity for reflection and connection. Check with your local church for service times and details.

These initiatives aim to ensure no one in our community feels left behind this Christmas. If you or someone you know could benefit, please reach out early to book or get further details. Let’s make Christmas special for everyone.

Affordable Christmas

The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but it can also bring financial stress. With some creativity and planning, you can celebrate a magical Christmas without breaking the bank. Here are tips for budget-friendly shopping, affordable gift ideas, and fun DIY crafts.

Creative gift ideas under £10

You don’t need to spend a fortune to show someone you care. Here are thoughtful gift options that won’t exceed £10:

Personalised mugs: Buy plain mugs and decorate them with ceramic markers for a unique, heartfelt gift.

DIY hampers: Fill a small basket with themed items like hot chocolate sachets, marshmallows, and biscuits.

Photo frames: Add a cherished memory to an affordable photo frame for a meaningful present.

Handmade candles: Purchase a candle-making kit and create bespoke scents for friends and family.

Books and puzzles: Charity shops often have a great selection of nearly new books and puzzles at low prices.

Homemade decorations and family crafts

Getting crafty with your decorations is an excellent way to save money and spend quality time with loved ones. Here are some ideas:

Paper snowflakes: Use recycled paper to cut out intricate snowflakes for windows and walls.

Salt dough ornaments: Mix 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of flour, and 1/2 cup of water to create your ornaments. Once baked and painted, they make wonderful keepsakes.

Jar lanterns: Clean old jars, paint festive designs, and add a tea light for a cozy glow.

Pinecone decorations: Collect pine cones from your local park, spray them with glitter, and use them as tree ornaments or centerpieces.

Recycled wrapping: Use old maps, magazines, or brown paper for wrapping gifts. Add a string or sprig of greenery for a rustic touch.

Money-saving tips for Christmas shopping

Plan and budget: List who you’re buying for, allocate a spending limit per person, and stick to it.

Shop second-hand: Thrift shops, online marketplaces, and preloved sales are treasure troves for unique and affordable items.

Utilise sales and discounts: Look for Black Friday and pre-Christmas sales, and use cashback apps or loyalty points where possible.

Set expectations: Be honest with friends and family about budget constraints—agree on a spending cap or suggest Secret Santa.

Make memories, not debt

The magic of Christmas isn’t in expensive gifts but in the memories you create. Whether it’s crafting decorations, baking festive treats, or enjoying a cosy movie night, meaningful experiences bring the greatest joy.

For more tips and support during the cost of living crisis, reach out to Citizens Advice or visit our website for resources. Wishing you a festive and stress-free holiday season!

For more fabulous festive savings, check out Martin Lewis’s 48 Christmas money saving tips.