Author(s): Greg Smith

Business

Every December, credit card spending in Australia reaches its annual high as Australians spend up big for Christmas. Last December, over $22 billion (source RBA) was spent on credit cards alone (up 24% on the corresponding period in 2005). Despite the good intentions of New Year's resolutions: many of which may include "this year I'm going to get control of my money" or "this year I'm going to pay off my credit cards". Millions Australians find themselves in a spin when it comes to paying off their credit card in January in full when their December statement arrives. According to the Greg Smith, 72% of Australians (source Lifestyle Money) are currently living from pay-to-pay regardless of their income level. This means that millions are simply spending more than they earn and therefore find it a challenge to meet their monthly commitments. It is little wonder therefore many Australians are supplementing their income by using credit cards. Worse still 73% of Australians do not pay back their credit card in full each month. Building even greater debt mountains.