Brits stop washing cars to save cash

Friday, June 11th 2010

The rise in inflation and subsequent reduction in disposable income is forcing Brits to carry out a series of money-saving actions.

One obvious way to preserve cash during difficult times is to lower the number of meals in restaurants or visits to the pub, but the AA says there are slightly more unusual methods also being undertaken.

For example, it reveals 29 per cent of people are making an effort to use their car less and are even cutting back on visits to the car wash.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter (24 per cent) are not visiting the cinema and theatre as often as they once did.

"During times of economic uncertainty many families budget more carefully and tend to save as much as they can, just in case," explains the organisation's director of financial services Mark Huggins.

Research by Santander published this week showed those aged between 18 and 24 are most likely to save, with an average of £134 being put away each month.