Managing the Christmas Hangover: A Smarter Way to Save
- CLEVR Team

- 1d
- 2 min read

Christmas is a wonderful time, but it often comes with a "festive hangover" that has nothing to do with mince pies and everything to do with bank balances. If you’ve spent more than you anticipated this month, you aren't alone. However, starting 2026 with a mountain of debt can make the rest of the year feel like an uphill struggle.
The Debt Trap
When we overspend, it’s tempting to reach for a credit card or a high-interest payday loan. While these seem like quick fixes, the interest adds up fast. Before you know it, you’re trapped in a cycle where you’re paying off last year’s tinsel well into the summer.
At CLEVR Money, we believe there’s a better way. As a credit union, we are a not-for-profit financial co-operative. Our priority isn't making money from you; it’s helping you manage yours. Whether you are in Blackpool, Preston, or anywhere across West Lancashire, we are here to provide the tools you need to stay in control.
Small Steps, Big Results
The secret to avoiding debt isn't a massive lifestyle change. It’s about consistency. Think about the cost of a single cup of coffee or a pint at the pub once a week. If you set that small amount aside, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it grows.
By saving a little each month, you create a safety net for:
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Those dates that always seem to sneak up on us.
School Holidays: When the cost of keeping the kids entertained starts to bite.
Unexpected Bills: For when the car fails its MOT or the boiler plays up.
You Are the Mastermind
We provide the tools—like our easy-to-use app where you can access your savings 24/7—but you are the one in the driver's seat. Having your savings visible on your phone means you are always in control of your financial journey.
Planning for Christmas shouldn’t start in December; it starts now. By joining a credit union like CLEVR Money, you’re choosing a fairer way to save and borrow. We cover areas from Lancaster in the north down to Chorley in the south, ensuring local people have access to low-cost loans and secure savings.
Let’s make 2026 the year you break the cycle of debt. Start small, stay consistent, and take the stress out of next December before it even arrives.























