SOUTHEND residents are being urged to keep their finances in check over the festive period to avoid being caught out with debt.

Trish Carpenter, manager of Southend Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “People might not necessarily have a credit card, but may not keep any money behind for the following months so that is when the financial car crash hits.

“We all want to have the best possible christmas and to do that it’s important to make sure you’re aware of what you’re spending and how to be more savvy when you shop.”

A top tips leaflet, created in partnership with Barclaycard, has been delivered to more than 6,000 South Essex Homes households, and is also available for anyone to pick up from the Citizens Advice Bureau office in Church Road, Southend.

Amongst the advice is obvious tips such as planning early and budgeting accordingly, shopping around to get the best deal but only buying from authorised traders and getting your priorities in order and not forgetting everyday bills.

For those who do need to rely on credit cards, they are advised to read the small print and shop around to compare terms.

Once christmas is over, people who found this year a struggle are urged to start planning and saving in preparation for next years festivities.

Trish Carpenter added: “If people come to us we have to be realistic, so hopefully we can at least stop them making the same mistakes again in 2012.”

Anyone wanting confidential advice should contact Southend Citizens Advice Bureau on 01702 456352.