As Black Friday sales descend and the Christmas shopping season kicks into high gear, Northamptonshire-based credit union, Commsave, is calling on consumers to reject unsafe lending options and shop smarter for the festive period.

With Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes and predatory loan sharks making it easier than ever to spend beyond their means, many shoppers risk entering 2026 already burdened by debt.

Matt Goulding, CEO of Commsave said: “Christmas should be a time of joy, but for many it is a source of significant financial stress. Too many people will still be paying off last year’s Christmas as they head into this year’s Black Friday sales. It’s a cycle that damages both finances and mental health.

We urge people to think differently – don’t be tempted by too-good-to-be-true loans or quick financial fixes, these could be decisions that will haunt you for months to come.”

The not-for-profit credit union highlights the importance of regular savings to help build financial resilience and avoid turning to unsafe lending when pressures mount. Members are supported to develop regular saving habits which are rewarded by competitive annual returns. They can create separate savings pots to put money aside for expensive moments like Christmas, an annual holiday or a new family car. Members also have access to ethical and affordable loans, a free Bereavement Fund and participation in the Commsave Lottery.

A package of financial education tools, including the Commsave Educates app, packed with money management tips and advice, helps people learn how to manage their money and make better financial choices – a cornerstone of Commsave’s approach to supporting long-term wellbeing.

With mobile, ‘ambient shopping’ having transformed the way consumers purchase goods – browsing and buying while completing other daily tasks – the temptation to overspend is greater than ever.

Matt adds: “The psychological distance between the act of spending and the financial impact of payment makes it dangerously easy to accumulate debt without feeling its burden. Loan sharks and unethical lenders prey on this desperation, offering quick fixes that come with punishing interest rates and unsustainable repayment terms.

Black Friday and Christmas are tests of our financial discipline. But they don’t have to be. With careful spending decisions, safe savings options, and access to ethical credit when genuinely needed, people can get through the season without the stress and regret that follows.”

For more information about safe savings accounts, ethical loans, consolidation options, and financial support, visit www.commsave.co.uk or call 0303 0402 660.

Download the Commsave Educates app here: www.commsave.co.uk/education

 

Notes to editors

Commsave Credit Union is a not-for-profit member-owned financial co-operative serving over 40,000 members across the UK. Commsave exists to help its diverse members achieve long-term financial wellbeing by providing safe savings, responsible credit, and comprehensive financial education – supporting people to manage their money wisely and build resilience against financial shocks.

The credit union’s vision is: ‘to see a world in which everyone is financially included, has access to responsible credit, a safe method of saving, and the financial skills to manage money wisely and achieve long-term wellbeing.’

www.commsave.co.uk