At the risk of sounding prophetic and sounding like the Grinch, next year is likely to be tougher than 2015.

This is the last week before Christmas and perhaps there is still a chance to take control of that urge to splurge.

Here are some things to consider:

Put on the brakes
If you haven’t already maxed out the credit card and still have some cash to spare then take stock and think wisely about next year. Who knows what 2016 has in store for us. So, the last thing you need is to have to chase down expensive debt in the new year.

Don’t turn a blind eye
The way forward in your financial planning is to live under your means, not above them. If your debt is increasing things are getting worse especially in the face of rising interest rates. It simply means you are getting poorer. So don’t take a holiday to avoid things. Face them now as things don’t get better by themselves.

Shop wisely
Perhaps a way forward is to consider online shopping where you can. It has the benefit of saving on parking and petrol and queuing for that matter. You also get to choose more wisely as you surf through the product catalogues. You can compared prices more logically and avoid getting trapped up in the mall experience where everything is aimed at enticing you to spend.
Prevention is better than cure and next year will have a tough start. So change your sails whilst you can… there’s a storm brewing.