Debtfree Magazine November 2018

DREADED DECEMBER
WHY IS DECEMBER
SO TOUGH?
Over the past decades marketing people have built up a false hype
around December as they have tried to drive consumers to hit the
shops and clear the shelves. Over time many have come to feel a
sense of entitlement and expectation of going on a trip in December
or getting gifts at the end of the year.
This social pressure that often comes from the greed of others (even
members of our own families and circle of friends) can drive those who are
financially responsible throughout the rest of the year to crack in December.
Rather than spending time with family and friends many of the end of year
holidays have become almost exclusively about getting gifts. Many who
travel back home during the end of year break from their jobs in the big
city are expected to come either with cash in hand or many expensive gifts
(or even better, both).
Over spending in December leaves many consumers exposed when
January rolls around and they are faced with a lot of extra annual costs
such as new school clothes or stationery items for their kids. For those
under debt review such reckless financial behavior is no longer an option.