Staying in is the new going out
Monday, 11 Aug 2008 00:01
More people are staying in to save cash
The credit crunch is persuading people to spend nights in with friends and family rather than expensive nights out, research has shown.
Nearly two thirds (60 per cent) of people surveyed by Halifax said they now spend Saturday nights with friends and family at each other's homes, rather than going out to pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Paul Birkhead, spokesman for Halifax Home Insurance, said: "When you take into account travel, food, drink and entertainment, the cost of a Saturday night out can soon add up, and Brits are choosing to 'stay in with the Joneses', and invite friends and neighbours round instead for a night in.
However, more home entertaining can mean more risks of spills and breakages, so it's important to make sure your home insurance includes cover for accidental damage around the home."
The Halifax Home insurance research also reveals that the vast majority of Brits (84 per cent) are consciously trying to save money more than they were 12 months ago - and around three quarters (73 per cent) are sharing money saving tips or bargains they may have spotted with friends and neighbours.
Nearly one in seven (15 per cent) are also considering making joint trips to the supermarket with neighbours to cut down on fuel bills.
Regionally, 'girlie nights in' are most popular in the north-east, themed movie nights with DVDs and popcorn are most likely to take place in the south-west, and home bingo nights are most popular in Northern Ireland.