Queensland residents 'should spend responsibly'

With Christmas just two days away, Australians are advised to spend their money carefully over the festive period.

As the festive season continues, those in one area of Queensland are urged to manage their money carefully.

Speaking to the Queensland Times, Diane Bos, general manager of Lifeline Community Care's Ipswich and West Moreton Division, points out her organisation is seeing an increase in the number of people struggling with credit cards, mortgages and other financial commitments.

"Individuals and families in the Ipswich and West Moreton region must spend responsibly over the holiday period to ensure they're in a comfortable, confident financial position to take them into 2010," she notes, claiming consumers unwittingly put their finances in a dangerous position due to the spending frenzy of the festive season.

Ms Bos adds that February is often the firm's busiest time of year as people attempt to make Aussie credit repayments following Christmas spending and manage school-related expenses.

Earlier this week, Tasmania minister for corrections and consumer protection Lisa Singh claimed that while it an be "tempting" to use credit cards to fund expenditure over the festive period, any money owed should be paid back in full as soon possible.

By Joe Letts