It`s emerged that one-in-five Scots are still in debt from Christmas 2012, as the Scottish government seeks to offer people alternatives that won`t exacerbate the matter.

A Money Advice Service survey found that Scottish consumers will spend £1.56 billion on festivities this year, with six per cent likely to turn to payday loan companies and a third expecting to be in debt once the clocks chime midnight on New Year`s Day.

To try and stem the tide, the 12 Days of Debtmas campaign is encouraging people to turn their backs on expensive loans and look at much more affordable options instead, which don`t only help to pay for Christmas, but also ease your finances as time progresses.

Ideally the best option is to save throughout the year and avoid the cash blow of Christmas entirely. However if you are looking to improve your cashflow generally at First Choice Finance, you could find alternative ways to fund Christmas and deal with your cashflow through a remortgage or a debt consolidation loan. By taking out a single secured loan against your property, you can reduce your monthly outgoings to a more manageable amount and spread the costs out, although you may end up paying more interest in the long run.

To discuss the finance options available through us without obligation visit firstchoicefinance.co.uk, or get a quote by calling us on 0800 298 3000 or, from a mobile on 0333 003 1505.