Spending Habits
Cash-strapped Brits to make Christmas trimmings
Nearly three quarters of people (70%) will be making cutbacks on spending this Christmas, new research by The Co-operative Bank has revealed. According to the findings, although one in four Brits (25%) are yet to start their Christmas shopping, friends and family won't be the beneficiaries this year, as nearly a quarter of people (23%) are officially tightening their purse strings when it comes to gifts.
Generous grandparents maintain their spending this Christmas
Generous grandparents are not letting the economic pinch affect their grandchildren's Christmas this year. A Saga Insurance survey of more than 13,512 over 50s shows that over a third plan to spend at least £50 on each of their Grandchildren and 53% will spend at least the same on their own children.
£6.4bn online purchases paid by credit card each month
New research from Sainsbury's Finance shows 25.4 million adults now regularly make purchases online using their credit cards. The supermarket bank is encouraging online shoppers to make sure they are receiving a reward against their spend to ensure they get the most from their purchases.
Brits not changing financial habits in response to recession
Despite claiming they are more worried and insecure about money, Britons are proving to be resistant to changing their financial habits in response to the recent economic turmoil according to the latest research from HSBC, one of the UK's biggest savings providers.
Lego and Jamie Oliver top Christmas present list for 2010
Christmas shopping is in full swing and some of the top gifts this Yuletide are Lego's City Airport and Fireman Sam's Fire Station for children, whilst adults are opting for Jamie Oliver's 30 minute meals and the latest music albums from Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole. Getting hold of sought after items can be expensive and tiring, but not so for Egg Visa Customers who avoid queues and earn money through the Egg cash back store.
Brits rein in Christmas budgets following Spending Review
The second annual money.co.uk Christmas Shopping Index has revealed the impact of the Government's Spending Review on planned Christmas spending this year. The study, which gauged Christmas plans before and after the Spending Review, found that 40% of British households will spend less than planned as a direct result of the Review. On average those spending less will cut their budgets by 32%.
Poor and proud: keeping up with the Jones’ a battle of austerity
Brits still love to keep up with the Jones', but instead of competing over having the biggest and best belongings, they're now more likely to talk about bagging the biggest and best bargains, according to new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.
Christmas shopping top tips
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) wants shoppers to remember their consumer rights when buying Christmas presents this year.
21% of Britain’s spending goes on credit cards
People are putting a significant fraction of their monthly outgoings on credit cards, according to research from Sainsbury's Finance. Its study found that on average, people are spending over a fifth (21.2%) of their monthly outgoings (excluding rent or mortgage payments) on their cards. Yet almost half (46%) of credit card users receive no loyalty points for their spending.
Not many happy returns for Brits
Christmas shoppers need to check returns policies and keep receipts when buying presents, as more than seven million Brits have experienced problems returning unwanted gifts, finds new research from consumer champion Which? Legal Service.
How to instill good financial habits in your teens
While many parents are working to educate their children, new research from M&S Money on over 3,000 under 18s suggests that some teens (14 - 18 years old) are not being given basic help on money matters by their parents.
Inflation rises to 3.2% in October
CPI annual inflation – the Government’s target measure – was 3.2 per cent in October, up from 3.1 per cent in September.
Impulsive Brits overspend by not planning ahead
Cash rich, time poor Britons are throwing away £2,256 each year by failing to plan ahead on their purchases reveals a study by direct bank first direct. The tendency towards last minute spending on everyday items can add up to a staggering £43 per week.
Consumer confidence stabilises in October
Consumer confidence remained relatively steady during October, falling by just one point to 52 over the month, according to the Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index.
Cost of living outstrips pay increases for UK families
Squeezes on the cost of living for UK families will reach their worst for many years this winter, warns Payplan.