Tasmanians 'facing debt pressures'

People throughout Tasmania are developing debt difficulties in the wake of excessive Christmas spending, it has been claimed.

Significant numbers of consumers in Tasmania are struggling to get to grips with their debt, it has been reported.

As the new year gets underway, several charities across the state have seen an increase in the number of people looking for assistance in getting to grips with their Aussie credit commitments.

One of these organisations is Anglicare, as chief executive Reverend Chris Jones states that many consumers seek out assistance in the wake of heavy spending over the festive period, often borrowed to fund such expenditure.

Many people are also attempting to meet back-to-school expenses at this time of year.

"We do get concerned about people and credit cards because people do get in trouble with them. For some people it's a convenient way to shop but for others it's a pathway to debt," he tells the Mercury.

He points out that while some Tasmanians owe hundreds of dollars to creditors, some are in debt to the tune of $10,000.

Similar comments were echoed by Stuart Foster, public relations officer for the Salvation Army, who notes the weeks following Christmas tend to be busy as people search for help with money.

"It's an ongoing issue and we see new people every year," he claims.

The Anglicare executive adds that the firm's team of counsellors can help people to get to grips with their finances by drawing up debt repayment plans and budgets.

However, those seeking tips for saving may also want to acknowledge his comments that people should think carefully before using cards with high rates of interest attached to them.

Meanwhile, the Ballina Shire Advocate recently noted advice from money management author Anita Bell who claimed people should use cash as often as possible instead of borrowing.

Commenting while on a tour of the Sunshine Coast, she stated that people should attempt to create "a small regular pay-day sanity allowance" when drawing up a budget.