Editorial: Be sure to keep it local this Christmas in Kilkenny

It’s an oft-repeated refrain, particularly at this time of year, but that is precisely because it’s so important to remember: Keep it local. 

The festive season is very much upon us, and December can  see people’s  budgets  stretched very early on in the month.The past two Christmases have been very strange, with the pandemic and restrictions playing havoc with the traditional festive routines.

One thing that hasn’t changed is that many local businesses rely on this period — of just a few short weeks — to bring in a lot of their revenue for the year. With the disruption of the last two years, now is a great time to support local business and spend locally.

 One way to help is to consider the  Kilkenny Gift Voucher scheme  — a good  solution for both employer and employee.   They don’t have an expiry date, they don’t lose their value and they are accepted in over 150 shops and businesses in Kilkenny.

In the past, many people had their tradition of going to Dublin or wherever to buy gifts, but it would make so much of a difference to spend that money locally. More and more people are turning to online shopping and retail giants such as Amazon, and the problem is being compounded.

Another important thing to bear in mind at this time of year is to stick to genuine, trusted  local  instutions when it comes to borrowing.

Predatory money lenders know the pressures  everyone  is  under this time of year. They target vulnerable people, offering them what sounds like quick, easy money that will solve a  problem. But the interest rates can be outrageous and when it comes to time to pay back, their recovery methods can be less than pleasant. 

Local credit unions offer flexible Christmas loans of all sizes. Borrowers can pay off  a loan early or increase   repayments,  without  penalties — and  it’s loan from a lender at the heart of  the community.

For spending, borrowing, and giving someone your custom this Christmas, local is always best.