THE SALVATION ARMY
MEDIA RELEASE
3 November 2009
RATE RISE: SALVOS URGE CAUTION THIS CHRISTMAS
The Salvation Army is urging Australians to consider the impact that interest rate rises will have on their
budget before spending this Christmas.
Head of The Salvation Army’s Moneycare financial counselling service, Tony Devlin, said the positive news
about Australia’s economy may be masking the harsh reality for many Australians.
He said: “We continue to see many people at our services harshly affected by the global economic crisis.
“There’s a real risk that people will overspend at Christmas, hoping that things are improving, then find
themselves in trouble early next year when the reality of the economic situation and rate rise kicks in.
“That’s when we’ll see even more people at our services, after the hype of the festive season dies down and
the bills start flooding in.
“We would encourage people to work out a budget now, and start their Christmas shopping as early as
possible, so they have time to plan and think through purchases in order to avoid resorting to credit.”
The Salvation Army has released a set of budgeting tips to help people manage their Christmas spending (see
attached).
The Salvation Army’s Moneycare financial counselling is a free service providing help to Australians in
financial difficulties and crisis.
To contact Moneycare, please call Salvo Care Line on 1300 36 36 22 or for more information regarding
locations and information and tips go to: salvos.org.au/budgeting
ENDS
Comment:
Tony Devlin, The Salvation Army’s Moneycare - 0412 440 060
Enquiries:
Adriana Guthrie, Media Officer - 02 9266 9820 or 0466 152 277
NEWS 
