What is Christmas for?

greendriver · 13th December 2011, 06:16

I remember when Christmas was a time for giving. Now it's a time for borrowing. How many people will borrow their way through Christmas?

We should be given credit for lending a hand, either with helping each other get about, putting shelves up for neighbours, inviting elderly neighbours around etc.

Too many people are worried about whether they can afford those toys or jewellery items etc. There needs to be some sense over borrowing too often for next payday, and then being unable to keep up with astronomical interest rates, which should have tighter controls.

If you can't afford it now, you can't afford it, people. Noone is going to hang you for not having enough money,

As a former bankrupt, I speak from experience. It was foolish, then hard.

Now can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and magical Christmas! Hope this doesn't read too much like a sermon!

Andy

Zeb · 13th December 2011, 06:50

A very timely reminder.... easily the largest % of people being seen at the Citizens Advice Bureau are those with debt problems....and that is before Christmas.

Yella Fella · 13th December 2011, 07:22

I agree. If you don't have the means, don’t go buying stuff for people. Everyone should agree on a Christmas Pre-nupp (No Unnecessary Presents Please) That means you don't buy pressies for that relative (you dont like anyway) and they don't buy you one. Cash saved.

chrissyboy · 13th December 2011, 07:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by greendriver

I remember when Christmas was a time for giving. Now it's a time for borrowing. How many people will borrow their way through Christmas?

We should be given credit for lending a hand, either with helping each other get about, putting shelves up for neighbours, inviting elderly neighbours around etc.

Too many people are worried about whether they can afford those toys or jewellery items etc. There needs to be some sense over borrowing too often for next payday, and then being unable to keep up with astronomical interest rates, which should have tighter controls.

If you can't afford it now, you can't afford it, people. Noone is going to hang you for not having enough money,

As a former bankrupt, I speak from experience. It was foolish, then hard.

Now can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and magical Christmas! Hope this doesn't read too much like a sermon!

Andy

amen

VVC-Geeza · 13th December 2011, 15:12

And please do not give pets for Christmas

AngryDog · 13th December 2011, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

And please do not give pets for Christmas

+1.

I dont get Christmas on Credit - only on whats in my bank account

greendriver · 13th December 2011, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVC-Geeza

And please do not give pets for Christmas

Quite. I get too many reports of abandoned animals I have to forward to the dog warden...

James.uk · 13th December 2011, 17:23

Bear in mind interest rates are at a silly low level, but they can't be, and wont be, held there for much longer... :xmas-smiley-014:

Last year a friend of mine was in hosp over Xmas so I was kept busy, so busy that I completely forgot to post any cards.. soo.... they can go out this year instead. lmho... <--- cheapskate innit lmho...

....

greendriver · 14th December 2011, 06:49

I have some friends who have been caught out by the short term loan nightmare and it affects the whole family, with sometimes tragic results.

Stay safe everyone!

Gate Keeper · 14th December 2011, 09:20

I am still reeling from shock and dismay when a relative told me she has bought her 9 year old daughter a Blackberry for Christmas. I thought how is so and so, also aged 9 going to feel when they open their presents together and gets a t-shirt. Hum! Another angle to all of this 'spend, spend, spend mentality.

Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves

13th December 2011, 06:16	#1
greendriver This is my second home MG ZTT 180 in Poseidon Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Croydon Posts: 3,745 Thanks: 44 Thanked 86 Times in 75 Posts	What is Christmas for? I remember when Christmas was a time for giving. Now it's a time for borrowing. How many people will borrow their way through Christmas? We should be given credit for lending a hand, either with helping each other get about, putting shelves up for neighbours, inviting elderly neighbours around etc. Too many people are worried about whether they can afford those toys or jewellery items etc. There needs to be some sense over borrowing too often for next payday, and then being unable to keep up with astronomical interest rates, which should have tighter controls. If you can't afford it now, you can't afford it, people. Noone is going to hang you for not having enough money, As a former bankrupt, I speak from experience. It was foolish, then hard. Now can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and magical Christmas! Hope this doesn't read too much like a sermon! Andy __________________ *None of my troubles are Rover*

13th December 2011, 07:22	#3
Yella Fella Nemo Me Impune Lacessit None at the moment Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Glasgow's HMP Barlinnie, 'A' Hall, 2nd Flat Posts: 5,192 Thanks: 493 Thanked 1,094 Times in 666 Posts	I agree. If you don't have the means, don’t go buying stuff for people. Everyone should agree on a Christmas Pre-nupp (No Unnecessary Presents Please) That means you don't buy pressies for that relative (you dont like anyway) and they don't buy you one. Cash saved. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

13th December 2011, 15:12	#5
VVC-Geeza This is my second home 2005 Connoisseur SE 1.8 Turbo,2004 45 1.8 Connoisseur and my beloved 1998 VVC Coupe. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Derby. Posts: 8,828 Thanks: 2,022 Thanked 1,016 Times in 739 Posts	And please do not give pets for Christmas __________________

14th December 2011, 06:49	#9
greendriver This is my second home MG ZTT 180 in Poseidon Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Croydon Posts: 3,745 Thanks: 44 Thanked 86 Times in 75 Posts	I have some friends who have been caught out by the short term loan nightmare and it affects the whole family, with sometimes tragic results. Stay safe everyone! __________________ *None of my troubles are Rover*

14th December 2011, 09:20	#10
Gate Keeper This is my second home 4X4 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Nairobi Posts: 20,153 Thanks: 8,286 Thanked 7,017 Times in 4,160 Posts	I am still reeling from shock and dismay when a relative told me she has bought her 9 year old daughter a Blackberry for Christmas. I thought how is so and so, also aged 9 going to feel when they open their presents together and gets a t-shirt. Hum! Another angle to all of this 'spend, spend, spend mentality. Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves Last edited by Gate Keeper; 14th December 2011 at 09:21.. Reason: grammar

13th December 2011, 06:50	#2
Zeb Banned MGZT V8 & ZTT 190+LPG Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 8,089 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	A very timely reminder.... easily the largest % of people being seen at the Citizens Advice Bureau are those with debt problems....and that is before Christmas.

13th December 2011, 17:23	#8
James.uk Passed Away 2002 Pale Blue. Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur auto. 170K miles Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Near the M67. Posts: 14,509 Thanks: 199 Thanked 585 Times in 397 Posts	Bear in mind interest rates are at a silly low level, but they can't be, and wont be, held there for much longer... :xmas-smiley-014: Last year a friend of mine was in hosp over Xmas so I was kept busy, so busy that I completely forgot to post any cards.. soo.... they can go out this year instead. lmho... <--- cheapskate innit lmho... ....