Amanda McSorley

By Amanda McSorley amandamcsorley

Even the most sensible of us are tempted to spend a bit extra at Christmas, but splashing out in December may have consequences far into 2014.

The real cost of yuletide celebrations may only become apparent in January, when other bills need paying and the knock-on effect could still be felt next Christmas.

These are Lincoln and District Citizens Advice Bureau’s 12 steps to avoid debt this festive season:

1. Agree with family and friends not to give presents. or give a gift that costs no money, such as agreeing to walk a friend’s dog
2. If you are buying presents, agree how much you’ll spend and think stick to that budget
3. Take a list with you when you shop, and don’t be tempted by other offers
4. Shop around to find the cheapest price for what you’re looking for. Use a site that compares prices of goods online, known as ‘shopbot’ sites
5. Don’t forget to pay other important bills – rent or mortgage, council tax, utility bills, food and existing debts
6. If you can’t manage without an overdraft, speak to your bank before you get one – it’ll cost you more if you don’t. Avoid payday loans — you’ll end up paying much more than you borrowed
7. If you borrow money make sure you pay the minimum back on time to avoid further charges
8. Pay for goods outright with cash or a debit card, and don’t be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements
9. If you do take out a credit agreement, read the small print to work out how much you’ll be paying in total. Make sure you can afford the monthly repayments before signing
10. If you’re going to use a credit card, shop around to take advantage of interest-free periods or discounts. Budget for any money you spend and put dates in your diary to pay
11. Beware of extended warranties – the cost of a repair could be less than the cost of a warranty
12. Buy from reputable traders – if you don’t, the savings may be a false economy if goods turn out to be unsafe

If you do over-indulge, get help straight away from Adviceguide.org.uk or Lincolncab.org.uk.

Amanda McSorley joined the Research and Campaigns Team at Lincoln and District Citizens Advice Bureau in February 2013. She is a former journalist and newspaper editor, with 30 years’ experience of covering the issues that impact people’s lives.

By Amanda McSorley amandamcsorley

A used car bought over the internet had broken down as the new owner had driven it home – that was the first session I observed when I joined Lincoln and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

The young driver was given advice about her rights and where to go for help to get her money back. She left happier than when she had come in, but had some work ahead before resolving the issue and was still without a car.

We’re hoping to help people avoid such problems by steering them in the right direction before buying a second-hand car.

In November the bureau is running the “Check It – Don’t Regret It” campaign to urge drivers to ensure used vehicles are safe, legal and value for money.

CAB’s Consumer Service receives 6,000 calls a month to its helpline about dodgy second hand vehicles – more than any other issue – with faults being the most common problem.

So we know whether you have £500 or £5,000 to spend it can be difficult to make sure the car you buy is in the condition described by the dealer.

Half of faulty cars displayed problems within a month of being bought, and nationally drivers spent more than £363m on fixing the vehicles they had complained about.

It is not just about expense, as some of these vehicles were not roadworthy so drivers and their passengers could have been at risk.

Our Consumer Service looked at 2,519 complaints about second-hand cars made in the first two weeks of September 2013, and 83% were about faults, with 53% developing within month.

Four out of five cars needed essential repairs and 139 vehicles were only fit for the scrapyard. Other problems experienced by used car buyers were substandard services, misleading advertising and incorrect information.

There are some simple steps drivers can take to make sure that the vehicle they are buying is safe, legal and what it seems:

• Check MOT certificate – indicates if car is roadworthy
• Check service history – shows if car has been maintained
• Check V5 registration document – shows if car is stolen
• Check if car is a write off – helps you know what you are buying
• Check finance history – ensures car doesn’t have an outstanding hire purchase agreement
• Test drive and walk around check – for signs the car isn’t what it seems
• Get engineer’s check – shows condition of car and any hidden dangers
• Check price value guide – indicates reasonable price to pay
• Check the car is not recalled – find out if the car was recalled for safety reasons by manufacture

If you have a problem with a second hand car, you can get help from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or online.

Amanda McSorley joined the Research and Campaigns Team at Lincoln and District Citizens Advice Bureau in February 2013. She is a former journalist and newspaper editor, with 30 years’ experience of covering the issues that impact people’s lives.