Residents in South Holland are being urged to seek help before post Christmas debts spiral out of control.
In just a couple of weeks, credit card bills will start falling on doormats across the district.
It is estimated nearly half of us used credit cards, overdrafts, store cards or payday loans to cover the cost of Christmas, leaving many now struggling with debt.
According to consumer experts Which? the average amount Britons borrowed to pay for food, drink and gifts was £301.
Although the report revealed 56 per cent spent less on Christmas this year than last, it also highlighted how tight people’s budgets were and how easy consumers could have plunged into debt.
John Willerby, strategic manager for the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Spalding, said volunteers were gearing up to cope with an influx of pleas for help once the bills arrive.
Mr Willerby said: “It’s important people don’t bury their heads and ignore demand letters if they find themselves in trouble. If we sit down we can work out how to prevent loss of homes or a visit from the bailiffs.
“People shouldn’t be embarrassed – we are not here to judge.”
Residents seeking help are asked to take along a list of all outgoings and details of their income.
Spalding CAB is based at the council offices in Priory Road and is open Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 4pm and Thursday and Friday from 10am to 1pm. Call 0844 4111444.