Kiwis are experiencing a post-Christmas debt anxiety after spending more than they planned to, according to research from Opinion Compare.

The national survey found that New Zealanders spent an average of $769 across a variety of financing methods, including buy now pay later services, in the lead up to Christmas.

While almost a third of consumers (31 per cent) used their own savings to fund the purchases, many more used external financial aids.

24 per cent of Kiwis surveyed used a buy now pay later option during the holiday period, while 15 per cent applied for a credit card. 10 per cent applied for a personal loan to fund their Christmas presents, while another 6 per cent utilised traditional lay-by services in-store.

5 per cent borrowed money from family and friends.

“[Christmas] can be a stressful time of the year and the repercussions are evident in this research with anxiety about post-Christmas debt,” said Opinion Compare managing director Gavin Male.

Of the 523 people surveyed, 57 per cent said the debt incurred during the holidays had led to anxiety in the new year.

“The good news is that there’s determination to get rid of the debt by being more frugal throughout the year.”