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Editor's Note

You know the end of the year is coming when you start to hear Mariah Carey echoing through the shopping centres, and you start getting bombarded by Black Friday deals on all your social media accounts.

The end of the year presents us with a much longed for change of pace and for many a chance to take a break (even if for just a few days). And I don’t know about you, but I feel like my battery is running a bit low and could do with a good charge. Maybe a few days with family and friends or just time spent at the beach or doing something fun. But…we have to get there first. So, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

‘the end of the year…can blow your budget if you are not careful’

And the end of the year (especially Black Friday and Pre Christmas) can blow your budget if you are not careful, getting you to spend money you don’t really have or have not budgeted for. So, if you plan on spending more on gifts and treats, be sure to cut back drastically elsewhere, or you will throw your debt repayment obligations into chaos. Please be careful.

Let’s talk about this issue. When I was younger, my dad had a big client who just didn’t pay him for work done and overnight, our family finances changed dramatically.

So, this month’s feature article feels close to home. We look at how you can communicate with your kids about debt and changes it brings. How much should you or shouldn’t you tell them? – that sort of thing. We hope it is helpful to all the parents out there who are doing the right thing and sorting out their debt obligations through debt review.

We also talk about the hidden side of debt and how it can put you under pressure. It will reinforce your desire to get out of debt.

And if you have been making those debt repayments and pushing through the tough times this year, then well done on making it this far. If you can make it through the next 2 months, then you will be set for 2026.

But planning now for those end of (or start of) the year expenses and activities is probably a good idea (if you have not already been planning for some time). Don’t stumble blindly into the end of year, or you may face challenges that are hard to overcome.

But let’s not be negative. The end of the year is coming. Let’s focus on the break that lies ahead. One final push and you will be there relaxing, recharging, spending time with those closest to you (or at least earning double pay for working on holidays).

To those with kids, we know you are doing the best for your family. Well done. Keep it up. Soon, your patience and planning will pay off, and you and your entire family will benefit from you being debt free.