'Cash not credit' is the Church of England's Christmas message to get shoppers through to 2010 without a mountain of debt.
'Cash not credit' is the Church of England's Christmas message to get shoppers through to 2010 without a mountain of debt.
The Church created three videocasts, along with a spreadsheet planner, giving moneysaving tips to help people budget credit-crunch festivities.
It said paying in cash draws immediate attention to how much is spent, rather than putting it off to the New Year.
The planner and online videos form part of a scheme called Wishing you an affordable Christmas - itself part of the Church's debt initiative.
Dr John Preston, Church of England national stewardship officer, said in the first videocast: "Whether we spend £10 or £1,000 on a credit card, it is one slip, and one signature, whereas with cash, you really feel the difference."
"With Christmas just a few weeks away, the shops are full of present ideas and Christmas shoppers. Millions and millions of pounds will be spent in the run-up to Christmas on gifts and food.
"In fact Christmas Day, one survey shows, costs an average of £564 per family, and that does not include any presents."
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