Save long and prosper?
Savings levels down on 2008 with a quarter of adults not putting money aside.
Key statistics
• 21pc of the UK population do not have any existing savings at
all, compared to 16pc in 2008
• 25pc of the UK population are not currently saving
• 38pc of the UK's working population could not survive beyond one
month on savings alone
• 65pc of the UK population are more concerned about their
financial situation now than they were 12 months ago
• 41pc of the UK population don't think their financial situation
will have improved in 12 months time
• 45-54yr olds are most concerned about their financial situation
with 70pc saying they are more concerned now than they were 12
months ago
• 25-34yr olds are the worst at saving with 52pc not being able to
survive beyond one month on savings alone, compared to just 25pc of
over 55s
• 38pc of people have either reduced the amount they have been
saving over the past six months or stopped saving all
together
• 12pc of the UK population has stopped saving over the past six
months and started dipping into financial reserves to meet monthly
outgoings
Independent research commissioned by credit reference agency Callcredit has revealed that over a fifth (21pc) of the UK population have no savings to their name, compared to 16pc in May 2008.
Worryingly, the number of people who don't save at all has increased from 19pc in 2008 to 25pc today. 12pc have had to stop putting money aside altogether and start dipping into their savings to help meet their monthly outgoings.
Owen Roberts, head of CallcreditCheck.com, comments, "The recession is affecting consumers up and down the country and having a significant impact on our attitude towards saving. It is a worrying trend that 38pc of people have either reduced the amount they have been saving over the past six months or stopped saving all together. With lower disposable incomes and the cost of living increasing, financial habits are changing and less money is being put aside."
An increasing number of people not saving, it's not surprising that 38pc of the UK's working population would not be able to survive beyond one month on savings alone. The 25-34 year olds are most at risk with 52pc claiming that they could not survive beyond one month on savings alone, compared to just 25pc of over 55s.
The same research shows that 65pc of the UK population are more concerned about their financial situation now than they were 12 months ago and 41pc don't think it'll get any better over the next year.
Owen Roberts continued by saying, "In order to help stay afloat, we advise consumers to take an active role in managing their debts and to start this off by getting a clear overview of everything they owe. Getting a copy of your credit report is the best first step you can take to better understand your finances and improve your situation.
"If people are concerned about their debt levels they should talk to their lender before things become unmanageable or speak to an independent organisation such as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service to work out the best way forward."
Budgeting tips from Callcredit
1. Work out what your income is, and balance that against
realistic outgoings
2. Set a budget and stick to it
3. If you are taking out new credit, think carefully about how you
would manage the repayments if interest rates start to rise again,
or if you suddenly find yourself out of a job. This is especially
important in the case of mortgages and secured loans where your
home is at risk
4. Check your credit report regularly at websites such as www.callcreditcheck.com -
a snapshot of all your financial commitments will show you where
you can improve your credit rating and save money
5. If you are worried about your financial situation, seek advice
from a professional organisation such as the Citizens Advice Bureau
or Consumer Credit Counselling Service
ENDS
Research information
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total
sample size was 2030 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd -
6th April 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have
been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged
18+).
About Callcredit Check
• Callcredit Check is the consumer arm of credit reference
agency Callcredit, providing consumers with instant online access
to their credit report and services to help them monitor their
credit status.
www.callcreditcheck.com
• Callcredit is the UK's most innovative and customer-focused
Credit Reference Agency, with an established reputation for service
differentiation; focusing on listening to clients and creating
innovative solutions that deliver real business value. Find out
more at www.callcredit.co.uk
• Callcredit is one of six core businesses that form the
Callcredit Information Group (CIG). CIG brings together experts
across the fields of credit referencing, marketing services,
interactive solutions and consultative analytics to enable our
client base of businesses and consumers to make informed decisions
using our innovative products and services. www.callcreditgroup.com
The group is made up of two complementary divisions:
- Credit Solutions, encompassing Callcredit, Legatio and DecisionMetrics - specialists in credit risk, ID verification services and tracing tools.
- Marketing Solutions, providing specialist knowledge in customer analytics, consumer targeting, database building and hosting, marketing communications, business modelling and market analysis through three market leaders in their own fields: EuroDirect, Broadsystem and GMAP Consulting.