A new study has found that most Brits spend the dark winter days saving for the summer months.
According to research, two in five adults save almost £500 throughout winter to help cover the cost of summer expenditures like beach trips, barbecues and summer clothing.
Day trips were found to be a key summer expense, costing the average Brit £131, while a further £44 is spent on barbecue supplies.
Around £70 is splashed out on summer clothing, £23 on inflatables for a jolly to the beach and even £14 on ice creams.
Greg Tatton-Brown, from online casino Casumo.com which commissioned the study, said:
Summer can be an expensive time of year, and it is tempting to overspend when the sun is shining after the long winter months.
It’s good to read so many are preparing for the warmer weather with a ‘hot pot’ fund, so the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun finally shines.
However, the research also found that overspending is a concern for many, as 43 per cent of Brits worry about the unchecked purchases they indulge in when the hazy summer days kick in.
In fact, a third of adults asked admitted they have a more care-free attitude towards their bank balance when the sun is shining.
Of the big spenders, 42 per cent think the summer months allow them to go out and indulge in more exciting – and expensive – activities. While two thirds believe the brighter weather has a direct impact on their mood, which makes them less likely to worry about money.
Despite this, 32 per cent of adults generally consider winter to be the most expensive season, as the numerous Christmas parties, and the big day itself, mean costs ramp up easily.
One in five of those surveyed admitted they keep a strict budget throughout summer, to make sure they don’t overspend in the beer garden. But it also emerged that 38 per cent drop an average of £918 on holiday travel alone.
That doesn’t include spending money, as a typical holidaymaker saves almost £560 for their summer trips.
Greg added:
We know the coming months can be an expensive time and that every penny counts to maximise the fun over the often-fleeting British summertime.
Casumo.com are hosting a 20 day raffle, from May 14 to June 2, with a daily £5,000 cash prize draw to give Brits the chance to win an extra treat for summer.
To enter, head to casumo.com
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Charlie Cocksedge is a journalist and sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated from the University of Manchester with an MA in Creative Writing, where he learnt how to write in the third person, before getting his NCTJ. His work has also appeared in such places as The Guardian, PN Review and the bin.