Savvy Brits are shopping around for Christmas

In a bid to save money in the run up to Christmas, Brits are being a lot more savvy about how they spend their money.

A survey by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks revealed that almost half of Brits are shopping around to get the best deals, rather than just buying items in the first place they see them.

Women seem to be more keen to bag a bargain, with 52 per cent claiming they look for the deals, compared to just 40 per cent of men.

However, 57 per cent of people said that Christmas has made them more aware of how much they are spending, while a third have admitted they are trying to save more money.

Some 15 per cent claim that their finances have not been affected by Christmas at all.

With a total of 44 per cent claiming to be more focused on saving money, the south east may be in for the most frugal Christmas, while the west midlands is a bit more extravagant with just 28 per cent cutting back.

Plus almost two-thirds of those in Wales are shopping around for bargains, compared to just 40 per cent in the east midlands.

"But despite … two-thirds 66 per cent of our own customers saying that they wouldn't be spending anymore on their Christmas celebrations than they did last year, the UK's festive spirit needn't be dampened because knowing you've found a bargain makes giving that present a little more special come Christmas Day," said Steve Reid, retail director for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

Defaqto recently suggested that people should make the most of their savings in 2012 so that they don't feel the pressure of funding Christmas at the end of the year.

David Black, Defaqto's insight analyst for banking, urged people to look around for the best savings interest rates so that their money was doing more for them.

Moneyextra.com recommends you take independent financial advice before acting on any article

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2011-12-08 17:12:17 © Moneyextra.com