The festive season can leave more than just happy memories behind, with Christmas spending sometimes creating a financial hangover that stretches well into the New Year. This article explores the risks of using credit to cover post-Christmas expenses and the importance of understanding your financial position before a short-term solution becomes a long-term problem.

Included in this document:
• Vlog Script
• Social Media Post
• 20 Hashtags

{tab title="Introduction"}

Christmas is over, the decorations are coming down, and the credit card bill has arrived.
Sound familiar?

After weeks of presents, parties, travel and entertaining, January can be a bit of a financial shock. The money that seemed to stretch a little further in December suddenly has to cover the usual bills – plus all those Christmas expenses that haven't disappeared just because the holidays have.

For some households, the temptation is to reach for the credit card or a personal loan to get through the month.

But before you borrow your way out of a short-term problem, take a moment to think about where that borrowing could lead.

{snippet alias="article-message"}{/tabs}

This article explores the allure and pitfalls of post-Christmas sales, highlighting the importance of discernment and strategic planning when making purchases. It advises readers to focus on essential items, set budgets, and consider long-term financial goals, encouraging wise spending and financial responsibility in the new year.

{tab title="Introduction"}

We've all experienced it… the undeniable allure of post-Christmas sales.

No sooner has Christmas wrapped up for the year than the frenzy of Boxing Day Sales descends upon us. Every store window beckons, and our inboxes overflow with promises of unbeatable discounts.

But before you indulge in some festive leftovers and make a beeline for the air-conditioned wonderland of sales, let's take a moment to pause and ponder...

{snippet title="Article Subscribe Message"}{/tabs}

After the adrenaline and excitement of the holiday season is over, many people struggle with the post-Christmas blues. This article describes the symptoms to look out for and discusses ways to reduce the impact so you can start the new year off in a positive way.

{tab title="Introduction"}

The days leading to Christmas, holidays and celebrations are exciting, frenetic times. They’re a whirl of parties and social engagements, gifts and food to be purchased and travel arranged. The rush to get things organised builds into a great festive crescendo then…well, it’s over.

If you’ve ever awoken on New Year’s Day feeling a tad flat, you’re not alone. Don’t beat yourself up; the Post-Christmas Blues is a well-documented condition.

{snippet title="Article Subscribe Message"}{/tabs}

While the holiday season brings joy and happiness, it also brings enormous physical and financial waste. This jolly article provides six tips for a sustainable Christmas to help both the environment and your hip pocket.

{tab title="Introduction"}

Just as the Grinch stole Christmas, excess spending can rob us all of yuletide happiness. Seasonal credit card splurges can create ballooning long term debt, while unnecessary consumption inevitably leads to a blow-out in rubbish bin waste.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia estimates $11 billion is spent on presents each year, including some 20 million unwanted gifts. At the same time, seasonal celebrations boost landfill rubbish by a massive 30 per cent.

{snippet title="Article Subscribe Message"}

{/tabs}

The holiday season is a magical time, but it can also be a time of stress for many including overwhelmed charities. This article describes the work that charities do around this time of the year and explains how people can lend a hand.

{tab Introduction}

Summer and the festive season is a time we all look forward to, representing, balmy evenings, relaxing holidays and social get-togethers. Like a beacon on the horizon, it provides something to aim for as we work, play and navigate our way through twelve, long months.

Our modern world is busier and more stressful than ever, and for many the holidays, also represent a time when feelings of isolation, worries over work, finances and family conflicts, seem intensified. A time when more families than ever seek the assistance of charities.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

When we get to the end of another year, we often feel the stress and events of the last 12 months weigh on us. As we head into the holiday season, the overwhelming pressure and strain of spending can take a toll. Here, we take a look at the impacts that the expense of Christmas can have on our mental health and how to enjoy the festive season without going overboard.

{tab Introduction}

When we get to the end of another year, we often feel the stress and events of the last 12 months weigh on us. As we head into the holiday season, the overwhelming pressure and stress of spending can take a toll.

You don't need to keep up with the Jones' at Christmas, or any other time of the year

We live in a world driven by consumerism. New smartphones are released every year or two, the temptation to upgrade to a fancier car when your current lease ends lingers and our social media feeds, while sometimes a source of inspiration, can tend to celebrate material possessions.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

Christmas in Australia is unique for our climate and outdoor lifestyle, but who hasn’t dreamed of experiencing Christmas European-style? This article rounds-up a small selection of the Christmas markets in Europe – something to delight and inspire a Christmas holiday next year.

{tab Introduction}

Ever dreamed of a white Christmas? While there’s something so very Australian about a sweltering southern-hemisphere celebration, the lure of snow and mulled wine is something else again.

Imagine the scene: horse-drawn sleigh, pink-cheeked children, fir trees and snow – Christmas card stuff!

But there’s more to a European Christmas than that – and it’s pure magic! We could write a book about these magical places but as we’re limited by space, here is a sampling of three.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

Buy now pay later services are a growing trend. This article gives some tips on keeping your BNPL spending in check and avoiding a holiday headache this silly season.

{tab Introduction}

Move over debit and credit cards; consumers are flocking to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services. Afterpay, Zip Pay and several similar payment solutions allow shoppers to take home their goodies now while paying them off via a few weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. There’s no interest payable as such, although fees are charged for late payments.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

A good trivia article for your Christmas edition that explains how the current calendar evolved.

{tab Introduction}

A new year is a time to look forward and plan new ventures and goals. But why does the New Year start in January? It hasn’t always been this way. So, where did our calendar originate?

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

This article is focused on making big changes in life. Even though it has a New Year theme, with some minor editing it can be used any time of the year. It lists 4 steps to inspire change.

{tab Introduction}

Another year has swiftly vanished into history. How were the past 12 months for you? Did you make the changes you’d planned or did your resolve for something different this year peter out by February? Don’t worry, there’s another 12 months ready and waiting for you!

If you’re not happy with the way your life is playing out, here are a few steps to help you take a whole new direction.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

This article outlines five different ways to spend Christmas Day to make it a little more memorable than previous years. This is also available as an infographic INFOG012.

{tab Introduction}

These days Christmas appears to be more of a retail festival than a religious event, and while it can be a season of joy for many, it is a time of stress or loneliness for others.

If the ‘Xcesses of Xmas’ have been getting you down, or if you just want to shake up your usual routine, here are some ideas to help you re-write the rules, create a new meaning or start a new tradition for doing Christmas Day your way.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

This article highlights the amazing amount of money average Australians waste on food. It provides three simple suggestions to use food more effectively to inspire your readers to save money on their groceries and put it to better use elsewhere. It is similar to the LIFE044 article but has been modified for use in Christmas newsletters.

{tab Introduction}

As we approach Christmas, the season most celebrated with food and beverages, it’s a good time to take stock of just how much we spend, and subsequently waste, on food throughout the year. Budgeting for Christmas party catering is the perfect place to start creating better shopping habits allowing us to enjoy culinary treats without skimping on portions or breaking the bank.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

Some tips and insights to help your readers get ready for the gift-giving and celebrations of Christmas.

{tab Introduction}

It seems to arrive earlier and earlier every year. Just when you thought Christmas was only weeks ago, suddenly it’s only weeks away! While children count down the days, Christmas for many adults can be a difficult time.

The stress involved in organising and preparing meals, buying gifts or arranging a Christmas party can have the opposite effect to what most of us would like to achieve at this time of year. And the financial anxiety that can eventuate when credit card bills arrive in January can be a most unwelcome reminder.

The good thing is that you get another chance each year to do things differently so you can have a different and much better Christmas this time around. Here are some ideas:

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

This article uses a new version of a Christmas carol verse to introduce a discussion about the habits of spending leading up to the “silly season” and strategies to overcome New Year debt. It is the same as DEBT012 but easier to find for your Christmas newsletter.

{tab Introduction}

From early November retailers have been telling us what we can’t live without and what our kids must have if they are to still love us on Christmas Day. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum. Of course, the downside is you end up with the post-Christmas blues when the credit card statements arrive. This may mean that wealth plans get scrapped because you have to pay off the debt first.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}

This article describes how different cultures celebrate Christmas around the world. A nice inclusion for your Summer (pre-Christmas) edition.

{tab Introduction}

Beyond the rush of shopping, parties and the anticipation of holidays, Christmas still has the power to bring people together in the spirit of goodwill.

{snippet alias="article-message"}

{/tabs}