RUNCORN, England — It's official, 2008 is fully upon us. Not a big surprise there, even though many consumers in the UK are still being surprised by 2007. After the first two weeks of the year have crept by, the bills from last year's holiday season are creeping right in, providing nightmarish thoughts to individuals who remember their holiday spending as trim, rather than grim.

Steve Rhode, chairman of Myvesta UK, a not-for-profit social enterprise which helps people facing financial crisis, says this time of year is often a wake up call from a season of overspending. Mr Rhode said:

"As the last of the holiday bills arrive in the post, spending amnesia kicks in. People think they spent one amount over the holiday season and are now faced with a much larger reality. For those who were already experiencing financial difficulties towards the end of last year, a mounting debt load continuing on from overzealous holiday spending can just be downright depressing."

Mr Rhode advises people to shake off any thoughts about last year and take advantage of the new one by developing a plan now for a financially fit 2008. He said:

"You can't go back and change what you've spent in 2007, but you can look forward into 2008 and take charge of your situation. You can only plan a course of action when you know exactly where you stand so it's time to tally up those debts for the past year.

"Obtaining copies of your credit reports should be a top priority as well. Credit reports could very well be the most important documents in a person's financial life, yet so many people never review them. When developing any plan to pay down debt, or just as a regular yearly check-up, obtaining copies of your credit reports should be a top priority. If you feel overwhelmed about your situation don't hesitate to reach out for professional assistance to take control of the problem before it's out of control."

More information on debt resolution and credit reports can be found online at the Myvesta UK web site, Myvesta.org.uk. Visitors to the site can chat free with online advisors about their situations, obtain copies of their credit reports, access credit report frequently asked questions and watch credit report videos. For more information visit Myvesta.org.uk online.