Mary Holm: personal finance expert on the growing number of Kiwis facing financial pressure this Christmas

New data shows that more Kiwis will have to take on debt ahead of this coming Christmas season. A nationwide survey by MYOB showed 35 percent expected to feel financially better off in a year's time, while 38 percent expected to be about the same, and 24 percent believed they would be worse off. Personal finance expert Mary Holm says more Kiwi households will be struggling to afford presents for their kids, but there are workarounds. "There's buying only op-shop gifts or second-hand books, which could be quite fun, going and rummaging around bookshops to find the right gift for people." LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.