Browse > Home / News / Responsible bonus spending tipped

Responsible bonus spending tipped

Posted on November 18, 2008, 7:07am

South East retailers may be preparing for a boost when families receive their Federal Government bonus payments shortly before Christmas, but according to welfare organisations the majority of people are planning to spend it responsibly.

Spokespeople from both Lifeline and Anglican Community Care said many clients had sought advice on how to spend the one-off payments wisely, and had vowed to pay debts or to replace old furniture or worn-out household items such as washing machines.

Lifeline financial counsellor Michele Osmond said clients who sought advice had been encouraged to replace old fridges with energy-efficient units, to replace old washing machines with four-star water rating machines so they could get the $200 government rebate or to pay off credit card debt.

Other advice, compiled by Lutheran Community Care, encouraged families to pay a year’s car insurance or registration in advance, to stock the pantry, pay for prescription glasses, save for emergencies or to pay for a SA Ambulance membership.

Essential clothes and shoes for the family, catching up on overdue bills and saving the money for a rainy day, were other suggestions.

“I am sure a small number of people will waste it away, but there is strong indication that most people will use the money responsibly,” Ms Osmond said.

One-off bonus payments from the Federal Government will be paid to families and pensioners in December.

Tags: , ,  

Comments

Comments are closed.