Majority of Brits are putting money aside for ‘little pleasures’ despite feeling the pinch

DESPITE millions feeling the cost-of-living pinch – Brits will not compromise quality time with loved ones, their love of books and owning a car.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 85% have had to make lifestyle adjustments because of the rising prices – but of these, 63% say they are still putting cash aside for life’s little pleasures.

Brits are still saving time and money for life’s little pleasures

Some of those in the top 10 include spending quality time alone or with loved ones, catching up with friends and watching the latest films.

And one in six ensure they’re still taking a trip to the cinema every month or more. 

Long walks, haircuts and good quality toilet roll were other absolute non-negotiables according to respondents.

The research was commissioned by Vue Entertainment to coincide with its Super Saver tickets – available under a fiver when booked online – for use at more of its screenings than ever before.

A spokesperson from the big screen entertainment operator said: “It has been interesting to see what pleasures and treats people are still choosing to prioritise even though many are cutting back on luxuries at the moment.

“The research has revealed a real variation of responses, but also how many of these are because they provide a real boost in difficult times?

“And the stats also show how many of these boosts aren’t big things, but it’s the small everyday treats that keep people going.”

More than half (55%) said the changes they’ve had to make have impacted their lifestyle as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, with 45% saying their personal life has been affected, and for 27% their social life.

Though respondents have an average of four ‘non negotiables’ with 42% believing they’re important for mental health and a third said life would be more boring without them.

And 61% get a real boost from little pleasures with 43% believing these to be more impactful now at a time when money is tight.

It also emerged 29% now place more value on everyday occurrences since the cost-of-living crisis began.

While 53% of those polled via OnePoll would be inclined to watch films on the big screen were there a reduction to ticket prices at certain times.

Screen and sound quality as well as comfortable seats were what people enjoy most about going to the cinema, with a quarter enjoying the opportunity to completely switch off.

And it’s a family affair for 31%who take their children, while 58% go with their partner.

The spokesperson from Vue Entertainment added: “The main “non-negotiable” for those responding to the survey was spending time with loved ones, with sense of community and “me time” also being on the list.

”The big screen can provide all of these and more, not to mention people’s desire to watch the latest films, a pleasure that features in the top 10 responses.

“We want to ensure that people can still enjoy a trip to our venues and can do so on a budget that suits them.”

Brits top 40 ‘non-negotiables

Spending time with loved onesReading booksOwning a carGoing for long walksEating out once in a whileMe timeSeeing friendsHaircutsGood quality toilet rollWatching filmsCooking myself a treatExploring nearby placesHaving a good smartphoneTrips to the beachBuying a certain brand of chocolateMy favourite takeawayGoing to the pubBranded baked beansBuying makeupFollowing my favourite football teamTrips to the cinemaUsing the tumble dryerBranded ketchupA glass of something fizzy on a Friday nightSports channel subscriptionMusic subscription e.g. SpotifyBranded mayonnaiseGoing for runsGoing to gigsGym membershipOrganic fruit and vegetablesWriting in a journalGoing campingPracticing yogaVideo game subscriptionMagazine subscriptionGetting my nails doneGoing wild swimmingBuying vinyl recordsPosh milk

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk