Britain is a nation of tight wads who will use any excuse to avoid spending their money, it was revealed yesterday.
Among the top get out clauses to avoid giving money to charity include “I haven’t got any change”, “I already give to other charities” and “I’m on my way to an important meeting, can’t stop”.
And to get out of chipping in on work collections for Birthdays people often use the phrases “I don’t even know her” or “I haven’t got any cash, only a card”.
In fact, the study of 2,000 people shows the average person has around 18 excuses they wheel out on a monthly basis to avoid chipping in on nights out, work collections and gifts.
Seven out of 10 people admit they are now less generous when it comes to getting their wallet out.
Tracy Fletcher, Head of Corporate Communications for Skipton Building Society, which conducted the research, said: “Typically we view the term ‘tight wads’ as something negative; people who are too mean to share their money or things with others.
“Admittedly, there may be an element of this – and some of the excuses highlighted by our research are pretty creative.
“However, there is a clear underlying message, which is that Brits are simply watching their purse strings, and becoming more savvy with money, in order to keep their financial matters ship-shape.
“People are becoming clever with their cash, they are spending it more wisely and being more picky about who they give it to.”
The survey for the UK’s fourth biggest building society shows that when it comes to going out for the evening with friends, people often find excuses not to go in order to save money.
Regular excuses used include “I can’t get a babysitter”, “I’m on medication and can’t drink” and “one of the children is ill, I can’t leave them”.
When on a night out, people also try to be canny to keep costs down – using phrases such as “I didn’t have a starter”, “I’m on a diet so will skip starters and dessert” and “I’m driving so I won’t drink”.
People will also pretend to leave their wallet at home so they can borrow money off someone for a bus ticket, and will ask for a lift to work claiming their car has broken down.
To miss a friend’s birthday, and the associated present buying, some will even avoid socialising with them near the time of the big day, and one in 20 people will often pretend they have a meeting to go to so they can skip lunch with colleagues.
The poll suggests six in 10 people feel they are better with money than ever before.
Seven in 10 say that traditionally they have always been quite a generous person, but 46 per cent are now actively trying to be less generous so that they can afford to live.
When it comes to saving money, Brits now employ a number of methods to reduce the amount they spend on things.
In the supermarket, 48 per cent of people now make a bee-line for the reduced counter and 30 per cent shop in a cheaper store.
Four in 10 people now save loose change in a jar, while 15 per cent have been known to sneak their own drinks into venues on a night out.
Using home hair colour kits instead of visiting the hairdresser, threatening to leave utility companies and other service providers in order to bag a discount and ordering tap water in restaurants are just some of the other ways in which the UK population is saving money.
Commenting on the findings David Cutter, Skipton’s Group Chief Executive, added: “While some of the excuses unearthed by our survey are undoubtedly colourful, it is encouraging that people are appreciating the value of money more and doing what they can to make it stretch further.
“At Skipton, as a mutual, we believe in doing what we can to encourage people to manage their finances responsibly and save up ahead of time for the things they want
“While the current economic environment is making this more of a necessity for many people, hopefully their newfound skills in scrimping and saving will stand them in good stead for the future and make sure they are better off once things do get back to normal.”
TOP 20 ‘TIGHT WAD’ EXCUSES:
- “I haven’t got any change” – to avoid giving money to charity collection
- “I already give to other charities” – to get rid of charity collectors at the door
- “Charity begins at home” – to avoid sponsoring friends
- “I don’t even know her” – to avoid chipping in on work collections
- “I’m driving so I won’t drink” – keeping the cost down on a night out
- “I’m on a diet so will skip starters / dessert” – keeping down cost of a meal
- “I don’t get paid until next week” – can’t give to work collection
- “I’ve got too much work to do” – to avoid going out after work
- “I haven’t got cash, only a card” – can’t chip in on the round / collection
- “I’m on medication and can’t drink” – to avoid an expensive night out
- “I left my wallet at home” – can’t pay for the bus ticket
- “I can’t get a babysitter” – avoiding a night out
- “I need to get the last bus home” – to avoid paying more on a taxi back
- “I’m on my way to an important meeting” – can’t stop to donate money / help a tramp
- “My car has broken down, can I grab a lift?” – can’t afford to drive to work
- “I didn’t have a starter” – less to pay for the meal
- “Sorry I haven’t seen you for so long” – to miss a friend’s birthday
- “One of the children is ill, I can’t leave them” – cancelling a night out at short notice
- “I haven’t time to read the Big Issue” – to avoid buying the Big Issue
- “I’ve got an important meeting to go to” – ducking out of lunch at work
