The end of the month is predicted to be the busiest of the year for debt advice.

Wednesday, January 31, will be the busiest day of the year for debt advice, according to Citizens Advice South Hams.

The service which helps people in the South Hams resolve their problems has recommended that people start saving for Christmas already.

Analysis of data from the past 12 months revealed that on January 31, 2017, nationally Citizens Advice helped 2,800 people, 30 per cent above the daily average. This means that one person sought help from Citizens Advice every 10 seconds.

In the South Hams, Citizens Advice is expecting more than 700 people to seek advice on over 2000 debt related issues throughout 2018. This could include council tax arrears, credit and store card debt and applications for Debt Relief Orders.

To help start off 2018 with a stronger financial footing, Citizens Advice South Hams is sharing its six top tips to help people get their finances in order for the new year.

Janie Moor, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice South Hams explained how there is a “surge in demand” for the debt advice services towards the second half of January.

“Christmas in particular can take a heavy toll on people already struggling to make their money last and leave them with a debt burden in the new year.

“But this needn’t become a crisis; problems can be taken care of if you seek advice early.”

The charitable service is advising people to work towards a debt free Christmas in 2018 and put aside a set amount each week which could mean a lump sum available to spend at Christmas.

Citizens Advice South Ham’s six top tips to sort out your debts.

1.Work out how much you owe - Make a list of who you owe money to and add up how much you need to pay each month. If you don’t have your most recent statements, contact your creditor to find out what you owe.

2.Prioritise your debts - Your rent or mortgage, energy and council tax are called priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. These should always be paid first. Separate these and work out how much you owe.

3.Work out how much you can pay - Create a budget by adding up your essential living costs, such as food and housing, and taking away these from your income. Any money you have spare can be put towards your debts. You can access help from the Citizens Advice website by visiting southhamscab.org.uk and typing budgeting tool into the search box.

4.Paying urgent debts - You may have several priority debts and can’t pay them all. Contact all your creditors to find out if you can negotiate on how much you pay, or when you pay them. Always pay first priority creditors who are taking action against you.

5.Paying non-urgent debts - If you have any money left after paying priority debts, consider getting a free debt-management plan, advice on this can also be found on our website. You’ll make one monthly payment to the plan provider, who will handle paying your creditors. Or contact your creditors and offer them what you can afford to pay.

6.If you can’t pay your debts - If you’ve got little or no money spare to pay your priority debts seek advice from us straight away.

More information is available on the Citizens Advice South Hams website.