LoansLess Brits Managing to Save as a Result of Recession
AXA is claiming that more than 20 million Britons do not have enough income to be able to save as a result of the current economic climate.
According to the insurer, this proportion of people have resorted to whittling away at their savings since the beginning of the year, while only the top 20 per cent of wage earners throughout the UK have been able to avoid spending beyond their means. The group insisted that new savings ratio statistics showed that the minimum income on which people can put money aside now stands at 70,000 pounds, equivalent to 52,785 pounds after tax and benefits.
Furthermore, it noted that in the wake of the global credit crisis, it is important for consumers of all income brackets to be able to rely on sound financial practices which will help them to stay afloat as the economic storm clouds gather. Only with tangible solutions to financial hardships will consumers be able to overcome the anxiety of entering a recession, AXA claimed.
As a result, the firm invited people to participate in the yearly My Budget Day, whose aim is to emphasise the importance of working to a budget. Taking place on November 20th, the event will have particular significance in light of recent financial turbulence, the insurer said.
Regarding the current issues facing "real Britain" today, Steve Folkard a spokesperson for AXA claimed: "If only the richest members of society are managing to cope with their spending then we really need to consider how to improve the day-to-day financial health of British households. Talking about global issues is important but they need to be put in perspective with tangible solutions being offered to individuals. People are anxious about how to deal with their finances. You need to get into the habit of regularly reviewing your financial situation and My Budget Day is about kick-starting that habit."
He added that people only need to spend an hour each month reorganising their finance and in doing so they will be able to put themselves on a much firmer footing. On the other hand, according to Mr Folkard, many Brits do not know where to turn for financial guidance. He warned that while many people are feeling the pressure, those who do not pursue a remedy could end up feeling disengaged and dejected, which in turn could lead to further financial problems.
Those people that have seen their disposable income eroded recently, one solution may be to take out a consolidation loan and reduce their monthly outgoings. Meanwhile, for those who have found their access to money dwindle as the crunch has rumbled on, applying for a bad credit loan may allow them to begin making regular repayments and repair their credit history and get back on better terms with their creditors.
As more people are now starting to struggle with their finances since the beginning of the year, according to childrens charity Ray of Sunshine, one positive result of the credit crunch is that communities and families are pulling together ot reduce the effect of the credit crunch.