Celebrating at home and staying local the top ways to see in 2009

When it comes to ringing in 2009, over half (58%) of those who plan to go out this New Year's Eve will stay local to save money. More than two-fifths (42%) are opting for low-key celebrations with friends and staying in, according to the latest NS&I (National Savings and Investments) Savings Survey.

In many cases, personal finances will be high on the agenda when considering how to see in 2009. Just over four-fifths (81%) of respondents who plan to stay home on New Year's Eve say that there are more important things to spend money on than one evening - more so for women (84%) than men (78%). However, even financial matters will not stop everyone from partying as over half (59%) of those planning to go out say they will try to save money by celebrating at free events.

The survey also revealed that 65% of people are planning to be more resourceful this festive season to make their money go further. Some are concentrating the fun, with three-fifths (60%) of those who intend to be more resourceful over the festive period saying they would be more selective with the number of parties they would attend. Of course, there are some people who disregard the need to limit their spending on New Year's Eve, with just under a half (47%) of those planning to go out saying the cost is unimportant and over a quarter (26%) saying they would pay as much as it takes to go to the best restaurant, club or bar. This attitude is more widely prevalent among men than women across both of these results.

Dax Harkins, Senior Savings Strategist from NS&I said: "It is good to see that people are finding creative and less expensive ways to celebrate in an attempt to avoid a new year hangover. The onset of the New Year is an ideal time to give personal finances a health check, to work out budgets and to set your savings goals for the year ahead."