How are Bradford people fcaing up the 'Credit Crunch Christmas'?

The financial downturn means banks are becoming more cautious about lending and consumers more conscious about how much they are spending.

We are in the middle of the festive spending spree, yet most of us are feeling the pinch, thanks to the escalating costs of everyday living.

I ventured out on to the streets of Bradford to find out whether the credit crunch is forcing shoppers to change their seasonal spending.

Dawn Naughton, a purchasing manager who works in Bradford, said she would certainly be watching the pounds this Christmas.

Gavin Waddell came up with a sensible spending strategy he has already put into practice – buying presents during the year to spread the cost. “We bought a lot of presents through the year and have only a few to buy,” said Gavin.

Gaynor Muff, a lifeguard at Richard Dunn sports centre in Bradford, is conscious of seasonal spending during the credit crunch, and has prioritised when buying presents.

“I won’t be buying as many. I’ve told my friends I’m not buying for them this year, Christmas is just for the kids,” she said.

While the majority of people I spoke to were cautious about seasonal spending during the credit crunch, others were carrying on regardless.

One woman I spoke to was pushing her child in a pushchair laden with shopping bags. “I think I’ve spent more because my little boy is getting older,” she smiled. But she admitted the high cost of energy bills is having an impact on daily living costs.

Striking a balance seems to be the wisest way to survive the festivities. “We never go mad at Christmas anyway because it’s too commercialised, but Christmas is Christmas so you do have to splash out,” says receptionist Gillian Taylor from Bradford.

While shoppers are exercising caution with their seasonal spending, trading remains buoyant for some retailers.

Debbie Boylen, regional manager for the British Heart Foundation, which has a shop in Ivegate, Bradford, said: “We have always represented good value for money, and not just because of the credit crunch, and we are very aware of that at the moment.

“We have gifts for Christmas from £2.99. We also have a range of accessories from 99p, things you would spend a lot more on in the high street, and Christmas cards. All profits go to the British Heart Foundation.

“Even though times are hard, people still want to go out and look and feel nice,” she added. “You can probably get a party outfit for £10 so you can’t really go wrong. People still have to look nice and still want to give a good present, and you can do all that under one roof at a very reasonable cost.”

Bradford’s Kirkgate shopping centre – home to several well-known high street names – is still buzzing with shoppers eager to bag those pre-Christmas bargains.

Manager Catherine Riley says the centre’s visitor numbers ares holding up despite the economic climate, but she is aware that shoppers are spending prudently.

“They are being cautious and they are looking for bargains – we all are – and there are plenty of bargains out there,” she said. “They (customers) are also not wanting to go far afield, which is great for us.

“Everybody, particularly at Christmas, wants Christmas to be right. As a parent myself, I know that children don’t understand the credit crunch, but you may have to be a little bit cleverer about the way you shop. I think that is what is happening, people are being canny.”

Those who do overspend could well be counting the cost in the New Year.

Alex Bohdanowicz, specialist services manager with Bradford Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB), advises people who are struggling to take action and seek help as soon as possible, rather than ignoring the problem.

“It’s a stressful time for many people struggling to keep up with their housing costs and fuel bills, never mind thinking about the extra cost of Christmas,” says Alex. “Our advice is don’t ignore any debt problems you have – they will still be there in January when Christmas is over.” Alex says Bradford CAB is already witnessing the visible impact of the credit crunch through the dramatic rise in clients. Appointment waiting times are now running at approximately five weeks.

Alex’s advice is to seek help as soon as possible. Those who are concerned about debt can go to their local bureau or contact a telephone-based service such as the National Debt Line on 0808 8084000.

“Many people are saying they have ‘cancelled’ Christmas,” she says. “In one way it is a good year to reassess how you approach it. You won’t be alone if you make things rather than buying them, or arrange with family to not buy each other things, or ask everyone to help contribute by bringing something for Christmas dinner.”

For advice contact Bradford Citizens’ Advice Bureau on 0845 1202909.

How we can party like it's £19.99

New Year’s Eve may be billed as the biggest party night of the year, but it also ranks as a huge anti-climax.

Unless you have a gilt-edged invite to a swanky bash or your name is on the guest list, the last night of the year can be a massive rip-off.

Paying through the nose for a set meal, a bottle of plonk, and a streamer can leave even light-hearted revellers feeling slightly peeved.

India Knight, author of The Thrift Book, agrees. “An ordinary evening out now costs so much money that it has become prohibitive. It’s also led to a huge rise in swizz syndrome, where you come home with the annoying feeling that your evening cost too much money and wasn’t that much fun,” she says.

So with the economy unravelling and money getting tighter, why not make this the year to party like it’s £19.99?

Party planner Kim Einhorn, who organises high-end gatherings for the rich and famous, says it’s perfectly possible to have a great night in.

“Hosting a party for family and friends is always a great way to see in the New Year,” she says.

“Organise everything well in advance so that you can relax on the night and circulate. Be a guest at your own party,” she advises.

To make sure your New Year’s Eve goes with a bang, the first thing to do is decide on your budget.

“You need to know how much you want to spend so that you don’t end up having to cut back later on the things that you’ve set your heart on, and are important to you,” says Kim.

To pick up the best bargains, start thinking about your shopping list now. But try to wait until a week before Christmas before buying anything. The sales will be starting earlier than usual this year, and there will be loads of stuff people want to get rid of.

If your budget can stretch to it, props work well and party paraphernalia is easily available for hire. Even if you can only afford one thing, it can make a huge difference.

“Feather boas are always fun for girls and guys to wrap around their necks, and fancy dress is an amazing ice-breaker,” Kim says.

Her favourite low-cost theme is Back To School.

“It’s fantastic because half the boys want to dress as girls and all the girls can wear mini skirts! It just breaks down every barrier.

“Everyone can be given little notebooks and all you need is chalk and a big blackboard. People can write little messages all night and you can have a lot of fun.”

When it comes to creating the right atmosphere, music and lighting is a must. Decide on what music you want to play for different stages of the party. And don’t forget Auld Lang Syne.

“It’s absolutely essential for people to have a countdown, and for girls to know when they can start kissing all their favourite blokes!”

Deciding what to serve is always the biggest dilemma. Everyone wants to be the host or hostess with the mostess, even on a tight budget.

Depending on numbers, there’s no harm in asking friends to bring something along to eat and making a big bowl of punch.

“There’s something rather Desperate Housewives about the idea of people turning up with rice salad in a Tupperware box, but don’t knock it,” India says.

“You can get an instant meal without having to lift a finger.

“The other thing about getting people to bring stuff is that it immediately makes them a participant, not an observer, which is what you want at a party.”

If you want to go rather more sophisticated than a punch, she suggests making cocktails.

“A bottle of vodka and a couple of mixers can work out at about £2 a head, or £3 if you want to go really mad!”

There are hundreds of cocktail recipes available online, and India advises that you pick one and stick with it. “Otherwise you’ll feel like death the next day if you mix and match,” she warns.

For a sit-down meal, Einhorn suggests serving pasta with a choice of sauces.

“But for a stand-up, people always like to have easy-peasy finger food,” she says.

“If you’ve got the ability, it’s possible to make some incredibly cheap things with pastry. You can use all sorts of toppings, put them in the oven and have all the work done beforehand.”

Both women agree that there’s nothing worse than going to a party and the booze has run out. So make sure you have plenty on the go for when it’s time to ring in the New Year.

Kim recommends serving fun fizz. “I can’t see any reason in the world why people need to buy champagne,” she says.

“There are the most amazing Italian proseccos and Spanish cavas around. You can pick up a bottle of prosecco from most supermarkets for about £4 and make a wonderful and classic champagne cocktail.”

When it comes to timings, Kim’s general rule is that guests should arrive at 9.30pm, with food served at around 10.30pm. “Most people don’t like a long, drawn-out evening,” she says.

“If you know you’re going to be drinking until midnight and partying until the early hours, that’s about the right time.

“Don’t start too early, otherwise some guests may not make it ‘til midnight!”

Tips to follow

Top tips from Bradford Citizens’ Advice Bureau on how to cope with the credit crunch this Christmas.

1) Write down how much you have coming in each week and how much goes out. Don’t forget to include rent, gas, electricity, food, transport and existing credit payments.

2) Try setting a limit on how much you are going to spend on each person. With some close friends and adults in the family you may be able to make a ‘no presents’ pact. Or agree to exchange only token gifts with a fixed limit on what you spend.

3) Shop with cash only then you can’t spend more than your budget. If you can afford to pay for your goods outright, don’t be persuaded to take out credit unless it really does work out cheaper.

4) It’s easier said than done, but try not to feel pressurised by children into buying expensive presents or other items you cannot afford. Explain the situation to them and don’t be tempted to buy toys from catalogues unless you’ve no other option - they can often work out more expensive.

5) Avoid store cards – some are poor value and charge high interest rates.

6) Look out for interest-free deals if you decide to use credit, and check the time limit on repayment. You may find that you cannot repay it in time and the interest is too high.

7) When using credit, check that the monthly instalments are within your budget, and the total charge, before signing on the dotted line.

8) Shop around – you may find it cheaper elsewhere.

9) Try saving a little bit each week with your local credit union. That will help you for next year.

10) If you have more money going out than you have coming in either before or after Christmas, remember some outgoings like rent or mortgage, council tax, gas and electricity are more important than others because of the consequences if you don’t pay.

11) Finally, if you do need more cash, then don’t run up an overdraft without talking to your bank.