Spending Habits
Dating expectations in 21st century take financial toll on men
Men are facing a big financial hit from 21st century dating, according to the latest NS& I Quarterly Savings Survey, which reveals old-fashioned expectations among men and women.
The death of the takeaway and other treats
Almost nine out of ten Brits (89%) are keen to cut spending on non-essential items this year to safeguard against a looming recession, according to leading independent personal finance website Fool.co.uk.
Gas and electricity price rises fuel inflation
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the consumer prices index (CPI) annual inflation – the Government’s target measure – was 2.5 per cent in February up from 2.2 per cent in January.
Elderly hit hardest by high food and energy costs
Alliance Trust’s independent study of age related inflation has found that the inflation rates facing all five of its identified age groups increased in February. In each case the rate of inflation recorded is higher than the official headline rate of 2.5% released today.
The pound in our pocket is shrinking 8% a year
An overwhelming nine out of ten (93%) British consumers disagree with the Government’s inflation figures. Fool.co.uk’s Inflation Index reveals that consumers believe the true rate of inflation is 8.1%, and not 2.2%.
Brits cast doubt on the impact of climate change
Research has today revealed a laid-back attitude towards the threat of climate change amongst some Brits, with many questioning the extent to which it will have an impact on them. In addition, one in three people (30 per cent) don’t believe that personal action will make a positive difference.
Parents give in to pester power
A generation of ‘mini-moaners’ are pestering their parents into buying them everything from toys to mobile phones, with parents making considerable cut-backs in order to afford what their kids want, according to new research from Engage Mutual.
uSwitch.com: Severe gales and coastal flooding
Ashton Berkhauer, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, the independent online price comparison and switching service, comments on the severe gales and coastal flooding currently hitting Britain:
Brits spend record amount on European holidays
M&S Travel Money has worked out that the amount of money spent by British holidaymakers in Europe last year would be equal to stacking the Eiffel Tower on top of itself nearly 2,000 times.
One in five shoppers check environmental impact before buying
One in every five shoppers regularly stop to check the environmental impact of a product or service before deciding to buy, according to a new report from Virgin Money.
UK smokers burning a hole in their pockets
UK smokers who’ve carried on puffing since ‘National No Smoking Day’ in March last year have seen almost £12.5 billion of potential savings go up in smoke.
The financial expectation of a ‘hopeful’ generation
NatWest has published the first report from the MoneySense Panel – the most extensive research project ever conducted in Britain, which focuses on young people and their financial attitudes and behaviours.
Average wage goes up by 3.4%, but cost of living shoots up by 9%
Two days before the budget, a new report by independent price comparison and switching service, uSwitch.com, reveals the average pay rise in the UK this year is only 3.4% against a 9% rise in bills.
Family finances are a joint affair but mother often knows best
While men continue to be the primary income earners in the majority of families (74%), new research from Norwich and Peterborough Building Society has revealed that women appear to take the lead in family finances.
Brits fear we’re already in a recession
Credit crunch chat and talk of a looming recession has got the nation into a state of panic; one in six Brits (17%) believe we’re already in a recession, while one fifth (20%) find the slightest suggestion ‘fills them with fear’.