Cheap - Financial Rethink 'Could Help With Money Management'

More consumers are looking to get to grips with their finances, a new study reveals.

Research conducted by Friends Provident indicates that a third of Britons are aiming to reanalyse their fiscal standing. It was suggested that the continued effects of the global credit crunch are pushing more individuals to see if they will be able to save money by switching to more cost-effective financial products. By revaluating the monetary offers and deals they have, some 75 per cent of people think that they can save money. Out of these respondents more than a fifth (23 per cent) state they could be more than 500 pounds better off. Findings from the firm also showed that 13 per cent of people are to cut up their credit cards to help get to grips with spending.

For those consumers looking for an effective way to handle plastic card debts and other financial demands, however, a low-rate loan for the purposes of debt consolidation may prove to be of assistance.

Meanwhile, creating a budget was revealed to be the main objective of those wanting to sort out their money management. Such consumers account for 41 per cent of people questioned. In addition, one in ten will be on the lookout for a job offering a higher rate of pay. The study also indicated that 14 per cent of consumers will spend less time and money on socialising and their hobbies in an attempt to reduce their expenditure.

Commenting on the figures, James Ward, director of marketing at Friends Provident, said: "The credit crunch is already impacting on consumers, both financially and psychologically. Our research found that 40 per cent of people are worrying more about their finances because of the credit crunch. The trick is to harness this heightened awareness and to do something positive, like overhauling your finances, budgeting effectively and investing your money in a way that makes it work smarter for your needs."

In an attempt to get to grips with their spending, the firm revealed that 7.5 million Britons will look to borrow money from a friend or family member. However, it was suggested that this may not be advisable, as 85 per cent of people state that lending cash to or from a loved one can put a strain on relations. They study also showed that 28 per cent of consumers never saw the money again which they gave out.

As such, getting a personal loan from a reputable financial services provider may help those concerned about their money management avoid falling out with their loved ones.

Whether they are looking to reduce their levels of debt or finance home improvement plans, applying for a loan may be of assistance to many Britons. However, before taking out such a product, it is advisable that consumers should make sure that they are getting a competitive rate of interest on their borrowing. Speaking last month, Cesarina Holm-Kander, financial columnist and Channel 4 television presenter, claimed that people should be proactive in ensuring that they are receiving the best possible monetary offers possible. She stated by sticking with uncompetitive deals, the typical household is wasting 5,000 pounds every year.