A CHRISTMAS budget guide has been launched to help older people take control of their festive finances.Help the Aged and Barclays launched the Your Money Matters Christmas Budget Guide, after research revealed that one in four over 55s admit they get worried because of increased pressure to spend over the festive season.

A CHRISTMAS budget guide has been launched to help older people take control of their festive finances.

Help the Aged and Barclays launched the Your Money Matters Christmas Budget Guide, after research revealed that one in four over 55s admit they get worried because of increased pressure to spend over the festive season.

The Your Money Matters Christmas Budget Guide offers advice on how to plan a spending allowance, save money and reduce waste.

Rachel Corry, Your Money Matters Programme Manager said: “The festive season is meant to be about celebration and goodwill, yet many older people feel worried or anxious because of the pressure to spend money at Christmas.

By taking more control of your finances and planning a spending budget in advance, some of this pressure can be alleviated.”

Tips from the Christmas Budget Guide include:

1) Recycle unwanted gifts and give them to others as presents.

2) If you use debit or credit cards to buy goods, keep all your receipts as a record of what you've spent.

3) Plan your next budget as early as possible in the New Year by working out what you spent on weekly/monthly costs as well as Christmas costs, so you know what to spend next year.

To receive a copy of the Guide or to book a session with a Your Money Matters advice worker call 020 7239 7564 or visit www.helptheaged.org.uk.