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Payday Loan Firms And Companies Are Still Struggling In UK

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Payday Loan Firms And Companies Are Still Struggling In UK

Even though payday loans have been roundly criticised in recent times, some people still find this to be the best way for them to obtain money at short notice. However, it would seem as though this is changing and many people are turning against the use of payday loans, which is strongly impacting on the market.

The biggest payday loan company in the United Kingdom is Wonga and the firm doesn’t have its troubles to seek of late. The company has recently announced pre-tax losses of close to £65 for 2016, a figure that will make many people wince. However, the company is keen to say that it is on the up, claiming that the business has been transformed. It has certainly been a rough time in recent years for the company, with the payday loan firm previously admitting that they have lost their way. Wonga has also received a great deal of criticism in allegedly targeting vulnerable people.

The company has received huge criticism for these actions but they say are looking to provide loan products that are much more flexible these days and that they look to provide responsible lending to their clients. Given the public backlash the company, and payday loan firms, receive in general, it is no surprise to see that there has been a downturn in the firm’s fortune. Wonga seems to think that this is just a short term issue and they have announced that they expect to return to profit for the 2017 figures, which will be issued in 2018.

Wonga has struggled of late

That remains to be seen but there is no denying that the company has had to make a lot of changes in recent times. There is an almost universal disapproval of payday loans in the media, and this has changed the way that people think about this option. While it is fair to say that the loan rates associated with these companies aren’t as bad as they used to be, it is clear that things still aren’t as positive as they should be for the majority of people.

The company has also had to deal with the fact that the Financial Conduct Authority, the FCA, has brought much stricter rules regarding the payday loan sector into play. This means that Wonga and companies like them have not been able to act in the manner that they used to. A big change came with the number of times a client was able to roll their loans over, and with this having been removed it is a very different landscape in the payday loan sector.

Wonga has had to pay out a lot of money

Another issue that the company has had to deal with is a £2.6m payout. This had to be made to more than 45,000 customers and it was down to the fact that threatening letters were sent out to customers from law firms that didn’t exist. Wonga also had a compensation issue to deal when close to 200,000 people ended up overpaying down to system errors. It is not just in the UK that Wonga have struggled because the company has also had issues in South Africa. It is fair to say that Wonga has enjoyed much better times than they are enduring now and it remains to be seen what the future holds for them.

There is a stigma attached to the payday loan market that means many people are not willing to work with these organisations. Of course, if someone is looking to obtain a payday loan, they probably have a poor credit score and they need money in a hurry, which limits their options when it comes to finding a suitable loan. Thankfully though, there are still some options available to people and even people with a poor credit score will find that help is on offer to them.

An example of a loan option that will suit many people is a guarantor loan. This style of loan has received a much better level of praise and focus in the media and the presence of the guarantor makes a big difference. This is down to the fact that the guarantor offers the lender confidence which in turns helps to keep the APR to a more reasonable level. This is definitely something that people can benefit from, and it is no surprise that many people are looking for this option.

Wonga is definitely struggling but they’ll hope that the future brings better fortune for them.

Political Promises And What People Really Need In The UK

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Political Promises And What People Really Need In The UK

With the 2017 General Election now a thing of the past and seemingly a Government in place, it is time for the United Kingdom to move forward. However, you can see why a lot of people have no real enthusiasm or interest in politics these days, because there is a great deal of concern on more pressing matters at home. There is a lot of talk and promises made by political parties but when people are living week to week or day to day, it is very hard to listen to grand promises and the idea that things will become better. The worrying trend is that for many people, the situation is becoming much worse and there is no indicator or sign that things are going to improve.

Shelter is a housing charity and they have released figures that indicate more than half a million people in the United Kingdom have a job but also currently money in order to pay their rent. This isn’t people borrowing money for entertainment purposes, to go on holiday, to buy a new TV or lead a lavish lifestyle, this is people who are earning a living, taking in the benefits that they are entitled to and still being unable to pay their rent on their own. While some people are turning to family members for support, there are also people looking towards credit cards, to loan firms and other lenders. This is clearly a worrying situation because when you start to borrow on a regular basis like this, it becomes extremely difficult to break the habit and turn your life around.

Shelter cover the homeless sector well in the UK

The Shelter figures relate to one in three people who are renting and who are currently on a low level of income. When you think about the price of property in the UK, and the ever increasing cost of renting, there doesn’t appear to be any limit or level that will see people get the chance to move away from their current situation. No matter which political party you looked at in the run-up to the General Election, there was no indicator that there would be support or assistance that would make a change to the circumstances that these people face in their life. This has to be seen as a concern but it is fair to say that for many other people, policies which would help these people are not seen as a vote-winner.

Yes, there is a need to provide assistance and backing to everyone in the country but it would also be fair to say that some people need more assistance than others. This isn’t to say that anyone is more relevant than others but different people have different expectations of society and what they want from the local area they live in. This is a big factor in why many politicians and political parties will never go out of their way to provide strong support to the people that really need it most.

Many people can’t even think about the long-term options

In the long term, there are ways to move out of these issues but when you have short term problems arising all the time, it is very difficult for people to think about the long term. This is why if you are stuck looking at short term solutions, it is far better to look at short term solutions that are better for you. You know fine well that many people feel as though payday loans or even money lenders are the only options available to them, but this is definitely not the case. There are more affordable options when it comes to short term finance and a guarantor loan is an example of how people can improve their finances in a sensible manner.

It is likely that there will be increasing pressure placed on governments and politicians to bring more support and options for people, but even these changes, if they were to come, would take time. In the present day, a lot of people have to look to make decisions that impact on them now, today and this week before they can even think about next month.

There needs to be a period of political stability in the UK to allow changes and improvements to be made to give people the best chance of having a better life.

How To Save Money In A Manageable And Realistic Way

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How To Save Money In A Manageable And Realistic Way

We could all do with finding that little bit of extra money to make life a little more comfortable couldn’t we? It might not seem possible sometimes, with the rising cost of foodstuff and household items and the never-ending uncertainty over the British economy in the wake of the Brexit result of last year and the current limbo of the economic climate. There are a few things you can do to help save money however, whether for a rainy day and an emergency fund, or for your own leisure purposes.

Arm Yourself with a Budget – The first thing is to plan thoroughly and accurately from pay packet to pay packet. Put together a list of all of your outgoings and incomings financially and put together a spreadsheet so you can see exactly where your money is going and what you get for that.

Save for Something – If you are saving just for the sake of it, it’s unlikely that the habit will stick. Set a realistic goal of how much you wish to set aside each month, and have a reason in mind to entice you to do so as habit. This could be to pay off a specific debt or to save for a holiday.

Cook Meals at Home – Cut down the eating out, whether at lunchtime when you can make your own lunch and take it to work, and of an evening time (of course you should allow yourself some treats from time to time). Cooking at home will drastically cut down your spending.

Take up Walking – Whether you have your own car or use public transport, by walking whenever possible you are cutting down on your travel costs severely. This will also add to your overall health.

Be Smart with Purchases – For certain items it makes sense to buy in bulk to get a discount and save money, but for other items it is smart to pay that little bit more now for an item that will last much longer, and work more effectively as a result.

Don’t be Impulsive – Whether you are browsing an online store or a physical retail shop, if you have seen something that you like and want to buy, give yourself a time out. That way you can take a step back and think about whether the item is something you actually need or really want to buy.

Look for Free Events – During evenings and weekends it is nice to spend time with friends and family out and about. It doesn’t always have to be for drinks, a meal, or to a ticketed event. Keep an eye on your local area for free events, or locations where you can go and enjoy nature for free.

Be Careful with Borrowing – Live within your means wherever possible and if you do need to borrow money only do so after thorough research, using responsible lenders to ensure you can pay back within the agreed repayment timeframe.

It is possible to save money without living like a hermit, it just requires some patience and careful planning.

Get Out Of Debt This Spring

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Get Out Of Debt This Spring

Spring time is a great time of year for making changes or enjoying life. The winter months can seem a bit miserable so when the weather finally takes a turn for the positive, it is only natural that people feel optimistic and will look to make the most of what life has to offer. However, there are many reasons why people don’t feel optimistic or are able to grasp what life provides them with. For some people, it is poor health that slows them down but for other folk, it is their finances that cause issues and problems.

If it is money that is causing you problems, you want to think about getting out of debt this spring. This should be a key focus for you because when you have debt, it can ruin your life. Debt can negatively impact on your credit score, which will harm you when you try to obtain credit. You’ll also find that having debt causes you a lot of stress and worry. A lot of people find that they place themselves into further difficulty, perhaps harming relationships or placing their work in jeopardy. If you are dealing with debt, it can have a hugely negative impact on your life, and you need to take steps to get out of debt.

Do you need assistance in examining your finances?

One thing that impacts on people is feeling that they cannot get out of debt by themselves. This is the case for some people and if you feel as though you need assistance, it is important that you look for it or ask it. There is a great deal to be said for calling on others for support which means you need to be honest about your finances.

It would make sense to speak to a family member or friend about your finances but then again, a lot of individuals would rather they didn’t open themselves up to someone they know. This is a personal decision and it is something that every individual needs to weigh up for themselves. If you would rather not speak to someone you know about your financial situation, seek out a financial advisor or someone who has professional experience and expertise in dealing with debt. There is always assistance available and speaking to a professional can put your mind at ease.

Know what debt you have

It may sound funny but a lot of people don’t actually know what debt they have or how much money they actually owe. If you want to give yourself the best chance of getting out of debt, you need to know what debt you have. This is the starting point in making changes to your finances so go through your debt in a serious manner and make sure that you understand what you need to do to be free of debt.

Look at your finances and can you improve them

You will also find that examining your finances is a key step to take when you want to get out of debt. Knowing how much money you have coming into your account and going out will provide you with the best starting point for going forward. When you know what bills you need to pay, this lets you know the minimum amount of income you need in life and then you take it from there.

If there are bills or expenditure in life you don’t need, remove them. If you can bring in more money, do so. At this point, you should look to see if there are ways in which you can create money at the end of each month which will go towards paying off your debt.

Do you need short term help to take control of your finances?

It may be that you need to get control of your short term debt before you can make big changes in the long term. This is the case for many people and a short term loan isn’t the worst thing in the world if you find an attractive rate of APR. However, you should only take out this style of loan when it makes sense to do so and you really need the money.

Spring is a chance for a fresh start and if you want to move forward, look to move out of debt as best as you can.

The Best Finance Option For Your Needs

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The Best Finance Option For Your Needs

Given the amount of finance options that are available to choose from these days, it is inevitable that some will be suitable to you. However, you need to work out which finance options are going to be of benefit and interest to you and which finance options should be avoided as best as you can. An option that is ideal for one person will be unsuitable for another person so you will have to do some work yourself before you know which finance option is best for your needs.

One of the first things you need to have settled before you start looking for finance options is how much money do you actually need. This doesn’t mean how much money you can get or how much money it would be nice to have, it means how much money you actually need so that you can pay off whatever issue or problem has arisen.

Review your finance options

Far too many people look at their finance options, see that they can take out more money and then decide to do so. This is a silly move and it is one that actually causes a lot of problems for many people. If you would prefer to stay in full control of your finances, you’ll find that knowing how much money you really need will be the perfect starting point in determining what sort of loan you should take and who you should borrow from.

Other things to consider when thinking about your finance options include:

  • Have you reviewed your budget to ensure you are making the most from it?
  • Are you able to ask your family or friends for support?
  • What is your credit score?

These are all valid questions to ask and it may be that you can do without a loan or you can obtain a more attractive loan by considering these options. You should always look at your budget because you may be able to make savings that will release more money for you. You should also look to your family and friends because they may be happy to support you in your hour of need. You should always treat a loan with due care and respect, including loans from family members, but you’ll find that this is likely to be a loan that is more affordable than a loan from a traditional ore recognised lender.

Don’t risk falling out with a loved one over money

However, be aware that falling out with a friend or family member over money can cause major problems and could cause you a lot of hardship in life. You should only ever take a loan when you need it and you should always be confident about paying the loan back. This is the case when it comes to loans from traditional or online lenders but it is also the case when it comes to family members and friends. You should look to take the matter seriously enough that you draw up a contract outlining the terms and conditions of the loan.

If you have considered all of these options, and you know that your credit score is likely to hold you back from some loan options, you should look at the online options. There are two main options that people consider these days:

  • Payday loans
  • Guarantor loans

Payday loans are the better known of the two options but guarantor loans are the option you should consider. This is because the lending company considers the credit score of the guarantor not the applicant. This should provide you with a greater chance of finding an affordable and attractive loan, which is definitely something you should consider.

There is also a longer period of time to pay back a guarantor loan, so if you want to find the most suitable solution for your needs, this is definitely the option that is best for you.

A payday loan may provide you with money in a hurry, but it can cause a great deal of hassle and trouble for people. You should look to avoid this style of loan at all costs, even if it looks as though you don’t have too many other options. There is always a way to obtain money so make sure you know what the best finance options for your needs are.

Financial Change Doesn’t Have To Wait For New Year

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Financial Change Doesn't Have To Wait For New Year

With Halloween out of the way, we are hurtling towards Christmas and it is fair to say that many people are getting excited. This time of year is a massive thing for many people, and it can be the best time of year if you get to socialise with friends, family members and loved ones. There are many reasons why so many people look forward to the festive period and everything that goes along with it.

There is also the fact that New Year follows swiftly on from Christmas and this is also a time of year that a lot of people look forward to. There can be a great deal of excitement around a party at the Bells but there is also the fact that many people believe that a New Year wipes the slate clean and allows a lot of people to start again. If there are things in your life that are now the way you want them to be, the New Year gives you a chance to face them head on and make changes. So many people make resolutions at this time of year and if you are keen to try something new or have a different outlook on life, you’ll find that you are far from alone.

Some of the most popular New Year Resolutions include:

  • Losing weight and trying to lead a healthier and fitter lifestyle
  • Being more optimistic about what life offers or throws at you
  • Saving money or reducing the way that you spend money in a reckless manner
  • Being more committed to your work or career
  • Giving up drinking, smoking or any other bad habit that you have in life
  • Trying harder in a relationship or looking for your next love

These are all fantastic ways to make more of your life and you can see why making these changes will ultimately help you to make more out of life. Of course, you need to ask yourself if these things are important, why are you waiting until New Year to make these changes. Yes, there is the notion that the 1st of January represents a fresh dawn and a chance to reset your life but honestly, every second of every minute of every day should provide you with this opportunity. Whatever has happened in the past has finished and with every second you have a chance to move forward.

Take control of your finances today

If you want to take control of your finances, don’t wait until the January the 1st. Do it today. Do it now.

A lot of people don’t like taking this action because it can be difficult and it may force people to examine themselves and their behaviour. You may not actually want to know just how much money you spend each month but when it comes to improving your finances, it is a vital step that you have to take. This is paramount to moving forward and creating a budget is one of the most important steps you can take in your life.

Make a plan and then stick to it

Once you have your plan, you need to stick to it. This is often down to willpower and a lot of people find willpower easier to come by than others. That is human nature but no matter how weak-willed you think you are, there will be ways for you to improve, you may just need a helping hand.

It could be that calling on friends or family members for support will give you a push in the right direction. If you are looking to lose weight or be healthier, a lot of people find it helps to work out with someone else.

It could be that if you want to improve your finances, doing it alongside other people will help you to achieve your aims and goals. It may even be a friend or family member supporting you as a guarantor can make all the difference in taking positive steps forward in your life.

By consolidating your debts, you place a greater level of focus on your debt and you may be able to take stronger control of your finances. This is definitely something that will be of benefit when it comes to being happy with your finances in 2017. You don’t need to wait for the New Year to improve your finances. In fact, if you take steps now, you may find your finances will be a lot brighter come the next year.

Finding Money In A Hurry

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Finding Money In A Hurry

There are times when we all need to find money in a hurry and thankfully, there is a range of ways we can get our hands on some quick cash.

Down the back of the couch

Whenever you need money in a hurry, perhaps to have change for the bus or a parking meter, one of the places you should always check is down the back of the couch. This is where money spilling from your pocket is likely to end up, and you’ll find that this is one place where you can always pick up some much needed cash at short notice.

Of course, this isn’t likely to give you a lot of money, so if you need any reasonable amount of cash you should look elsewhere but when it comes to finding money in a hurry, there are few places better to look than down the back of the couch.

Carrying out odd-jobs

If you need money in a hurry, it may be that you can carry out odd-jobs in an attempt to raise the funds you need. This is going to be a smart way to provide you with the funding you need but you will have to work for it.

It can be difficult to promote yourself at this time but if you have skills or talents that are in demand, you should find that there are ways in which you can work to raise money at short notice.

Doing micro-jobs online

On a similar nature, there are many online sites where people can do quick jobs to get cash. You may need to wait a while for the money to clear, which is annoying, but you should consider this option if you need money in a hurry.

Applying for a loan from a traditional lender

When people are looking for a loan, it is understandable why people would look to apply for a loan from a traditional lender. These are the companies people instinctively think of when it comes to obtaining money and it makes sense you will look towards a bank or building society. Of course, these lenders are not very good at providing money in a hurry.

This is because they review all applicants in great detail and they will often take weeks to get back to an applicant. This means if you are looking to find money in a hurry, this isn’t an option that is likely to make much sense or be relevant to your needs.

Online options

As with everything these days, if you need something in a hurry, go online and you will find what you are looking for! There are plenty of companies operating online that will be happy to provide you with finance but as for the main types of loan available online, you will find these two options to be the most common:

  • Payday loans
  • Guarantor loans

It is likely that you will have heard of payday loans. This is a style of loan that has been rightly pilloried over the years as it is expensive and has caused many people to suffer further financial difficulty. The combination of needing to pay back a lot of money in a short period of time ensures that this is a loan that is better off avoided if possible.

It is correct to say that the leading payday loan companies are better than they used to be. The terms and conditions have improved and they look to provide more support for their clients. This should be seen as a positive step but it is also important to be aware that these lenders and loans are not the best option. They are still an option that should be avoided as best as possible.

If you are looking for money in a hurry and your credit score could be better, make sure you opt for the guarantor loan option. If you have someone who is willing to vouch for you, and they have a positive credit score, you’ll find that the lending company will review your loan application in a more positive manner.

This means you can obtain a loan at an attractive rate and the length of time you have to repay the option will be more attractive too. This is why you should seriously consider guarantor loans when you are looking to find money in a hurry.

This is a style of loan that is usually paid out within 24 hours and on many times, this style of loan is paid on the same day.

Be Debt Free In 2017

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Be Debt Free In 2017

While we still have the festive period to look forward to, it won’t be long until the New Year rolls around and for many people, this means making changes. New Year’s Resolutions are a fantastic way to make improvements to your life or to take steps towards living a happier or more enjoyable life. There is virtually no shortage of options that you can consider when it comes to resolutions but these are some of the most popular:

  • Losing weight and leading a healthier lifestyle
  • Leading a more active lifestyle
  • Finding a new job
  • Being savvier when it comes to cash
  • Making improvements in a relationship
  • Being more serious about finding love

These are all great things for people to think about when it comes to finances but there is no getting away from the fact that people should be looking for ways to take control of their finances. Of course, if this is something that you are keen to do at the beginning of a New Year, it is likely to be something that you are willing to do now.

Take control of your finances when you can

This is something that it is important to be aware of. You don’t need to wait for New Year to make a resolution or bring about change in your life. In fact, if this is something that you want, why wait? The quicker you take action or make decisions in your life, the quicker you will reap the rewards and benefits. It may even be that making changes now will allow you to enjoy the festive season more. If you are focused on money, make changes to how you deal with money before the most financially draining time of year. There is never going to be a bad time of year to deal with your finances, so why wait?

One of the first steps you should take when it comes to improving your finances is draw up a budget. You need to be honest with yourself but going through your expenditure items and listing all of your income will give you a great overview with respect to your finances. A lot of people don’t really know what condition their finances are in, so taking the time to review this will give you a fantastic starting point compared to people who take their finances for granted.

When it comes to improving your finances, there is a lot to be said for taking a methodical approach to life. If you want to improve your finances, the simplest method is to spend less and bring in more money. If you achieve one of these forms of behaviour, your life will improve and if you undertake both of these features, your finances will significantly improve. It isn’t going to be easy and a lot of people struggle when it comes to taking control of their finances, but it can be done.

Look at how you can improve your finances

It can be helpful to make a comparison with improving your finances and improving your weight. In that aspect, it can be as simple as consuming fewer calories while doing more exercise. If you manage one of these elements, you should see a positive impact on your health but if you manage both, your health and weight should start to move in the right direction.

Many people find it difficult to stick to these plans or to take control of your finances. This is why you should look at your friends or family members and see if this is something that affects them too, or if they can help you out. A lot of people find it easier to lose weight when they are working alongside a friend. You may find it easier to stay on top of your finances if you are working alongside a friend that is committed to achieving the same aims and goals as yourself.

It may even be that debt consolidation becomes a lot easier when you turn to a friend for support. If you have a friend who has a good credit score who is willing to act as a guarantor for you, you can obtain a guarantor loan. This can allow you to consolidate your debt and move towards a far healthier financial situation.

When it comes to improving your finances, there is no need to wait for New Year.

Get A Grip On Debt Before Christmas

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Get A Grip On Debt Before Christmas

As soon as Halloween is over, people start to look forward to Christmas. Okay, there will be some people who never stop thinking about the festive period or who get into the Christmas spirit long before any sane person would say was acceptable but this is definitely the turning point of the year for the festive market. Guy Fawkes Night may delay some people but on the whole, as soon as the door has been closed on the trick or treaters, it is full steam ahead to Christmas.

While it is good to think about festive fun and spending time with friends, family and loved ones, for many people, Christmas can be an expensive time of year. This isn’t what Christmas is about but there are so many demands and expectations around this time of year that it is inevitable that people will spend money that they don’t have spare, or don’t have at all. It is vital that you get a grip on debt before Christmas and that you don’t allow the festive period to put a dampener on your New Year.

Always consider your finances before the festive period

One of the first things you must do before you start looking forward to Christmas is to consider your own finances. There is a great deal to be said for drawing up a budget and knowing how much money you are looking to spend on people. Being clinical may take some of the fun out of the festive period for a lot of people but if you are looking to do Christmas right without placing yourself under too much financial pressure, you need to be prepared.

Work out how much money you have to spare and then determine what you need to buy. This may relate to presents or decorations, socialising, new clothes or makeup but whatever you need to create the best possible festive period, make sure that you take the time to know what you can afford to do. Yes, this isn’t quite in keeping with the festive spirit but it will certainly allow you to have a more enjoyable and solvent New Year if you take these steps.

Some things you may want to consider in the run up to Christmas:

  • Presents
  • Food
  • Socialising
  • Cost of office parties and celebrations with friends
  • New clothes
  • Hair and make-up costs
  • Taxis or even hotels around celebrations

You may only think that the cost of presents are a part of Christmas but there are many more things to take on board when it comes to the festive period. Being honest with yourself with respect to your expected spending will help you to stay on top of matters.

Don’t opt for a plastic Christmas

You also need to ask yourself whether credit card spending is suitable for you in the lead up to the festive season. A lot of people fall into the habit of putting their festive spending on plastic. This may allow for a brilliant time at Christmas but come January when the bills roll in, there will be a lot of people feeling stressed. The short term gain of a good festive season isn’t worth a lot of lot of stress and hassle in the longer term.

Again, you should look to be honest with yourself about your spending, your finances and your debt. You should be looking for solutions that will allow you to have a fantastic festive period without placing yourself under more pressure in the months to follow.

It may even be that you decide to be proactive when it comes to finances and controlling your debt. One solution that many people opt for is debt consolidation and you will have a chance to take control of your finances when you take out a guarantor loan. This is a brilliant way to consolidate all of your debts and then focus on a singular payment every month.

When you know that the festive period is a short period and the most important things are family, friends and spending quality time with the people you love, you’ll realise that it becomes a lot easier to plan for the most important things. You should never take out a guarantor loan to pay for Christmas unless you know exactly how it will all be paid for.

It is possible to enjoy Christmas in a comfortable manner but it will take some planning and honesty.