Smoking habit will worsen debt problems

With National No Smoking Day taking place this Wednesday, many smokers are reflecting on the impact of their habit on their family finances.

A 40-a-day habit will cost you around £4,500 a year, and with the price of cigarettes likely to rise yet again after March 24th's budget, smoking is only going to get more expensive.

And for people struggling with personal debt, that can make a huge difference – even without considering the health benefits of giving up smoking.

Atlantic director Vance Parsons said: "For people with debt problems and seeking acceptance of debt repayment arrangements with their creditors, their non-essential expenditure is carefully scrutinised and alcohol and tobacco are viewed as luxury items.

"After the budget someone on a packet a day will be spending over £2,250 a year that could be used to clear debt. Excessive expenditure is always discussed by the debt advisor at face-to-face meetings when assessing which debt solution is most appropriate."

So if you're a smoker with financial problems, why not kill two birds with one stone and give your finances a new lease of life by quitting?

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