Martin Lewis shared stark warning to families ahead of Christmas

The clock is ticking now we're less than five weeks away from Christmas day.

Many of us are probably in full chaos mode as we frantically shop for last-minute Crimbo presents, stock up on Baileys bottles and mulled wine ingredients and rush to sort the Christmas dinner out ahead of time.

So, with that said, we're probably all a tad more strapped for cash than usual during the festive season with Martin Lewis issuing a stark warning to families ahead of Xmas.

People all over, myself included, tend to go a tad overboard when it comes to spreading the Yuletide spirit, backdropped against the cost of living crisis and increased heating bills, so the Money Saving Expert's advice comes at a perfect time.

Last year, Lewis told Brits to 'think about spending less' in the run up to Christmas.

Speaking on an episode of ITV's Martin Lewis Money Show Live, he warned viewers against racking up debt over the period, telling them: "Christmas is one day.

"Do not ruin your lives for Christmas."

He went on to point out: "You know you’re not going to be able to spend like you want to.

"People have a perfect Christmas in their mind and then work towards achieving it."

10'000 Hours / Getty Images

Instead of blindly splashing the cash, Lewis highlighted the importance of setting a budget and sticking to it.

He advised: "Decide how much you are going to spend on Christmas this year and stick to it."

The financial guru went on to warn families about getting in money troubles due to over-spending, adding: "Christmas is one day, we don’t want you to be in debt in the New Year."

Lewis has since been broadcasting a whole load of money saving hacks recently in the run up to the colder months including a 2p trick for keeping warm without turning on the heating.

The expert shared advice on how we can all stay warm without breaking the bank, pointing to the likes of heated throws and blankets as one of the solutions.

ITV

According to the MSE website’s latest advice, the heated gadgets that are cheapest to run are the ones that can be charged via a USB.

The initial cost of buying the item should also be factored in.

Lewis and his team recently explained on the website that instead of reaching for the thermostat, plugging in a heated blanket would cost you just 2p per hour.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this story, you can find more information about where to get help from Turn2Us via their website