New data shows that more Kiwis will have to take on debt ahead of this coming Christmas season.

A nationwide survey by MYOB showed 35 percent expected to feel financially better off in a year's time, while 38 percent expected to be about the same, and 24 percent believed they would be worse off.

Personal finance expert Mary Holm says more Kiwi households will be struggling to afford presents for their kids, but there are workarounds.

"There's buying only op-shop gifts or second-hand books, which could be quite fun, going and rummaging around bookshops to find the right gift for people."

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