Staying in with the Joneses

As more and more Brits are choosing to stay in and make their own entertainment - it is helping to bring friends and neighbours closer together, according to research from Halifax Home Insurance.

People across the UK are ditching expensive nights out on the town in favour of entertaining at home, and they're rediscovering - or in some cases getting to know for the first time - their neighbours, as they get together to share money saving nights in.
Paul Birkhead, spokesman for Halifax Home Insurance, said: "When you take into account travel, food, drink and entertainment, the cost of a Saturday night out can soon add up, and Brits are choosing to Stay In With The Joneses, and invite friends and neighbours round instead for a night in. However, more home entertaining can mean more risks of spills and breakages, so it's important to make sure your home insurance includes cover for accidental damage around the home."

Those who like their Saturday nights in with the Joneses to be full of thrills and spills may wish to consider taking out additional accidental damage cover to protect against common domestic mishaps such as spilt wine, broken ornaments or damaged furniture.

The Halifax Home insurance research also reveals that the vast majority of Brits (84%) are consciously trying to save money MORE than they were 12 months ago - and around three quarters (73%) are sharing money saving tips or bargains they may have spotted with friends and neighbours.

Nearly one in seven (15%) are also considering making joint trips to the supermarket with neighbours to cut down on fuel bills.

Regionally, ‘Girlie Nights In' are most popular in the North East, Themed Movie Nights with DVDs and popcorn are most likely to take place in the South West, and home Bingo Nights are most popular in Northern Ireland.

People in the East Midlands are the most likely to be telling friends and neighbours about bargains they've seen - while nearly a third of Londoners (30%), more than anywhere else in the country, say they've got to know their neighbours better in recent months.

In the battle of the sexes, women are the most likely to be looking at ways of saving EXCEPT when it comes to petrol, with men the most likely to be teaming up with neighbours for joint trips to the supermarket to save money.

Paul Birkhead added: ‘They say Brits are at their best when times are challenging, and our research clearly shows we're being resourceful in watching the pennies while looking to have a good time - and it's bringing people together."

For more tips and advice on saving money and taking care of the home, visit the Halifax Home Insurance Virtual Home at halifax.co.uk/virtualhome.