Nationwide Building Society has issued an update regarding a change in customer payments, as new data reveals a shift in holiday spending habits. The group also directed members to helpful resources within its app for managing their finances.
£100 Bonus and Spending Data
The update comes shortly after Nationwide paid a £100 bonus to millions of customers. The building society has now published details of customer spending data, indicating key changes in people's habits influenced by global events.
Summer Holiday Plans Affected by Global Concerns
Research by the building society suggests that people are altering their summer holiday plans due to concerns about the Iran conflict and its potential impact on fuel shortages for air travel and other parts of the economy. The data shows that the average customer spend on holidays between January and April 2026 was £492, down by £6 from an average of £498 during the same period last year.
A poll of 2,000 customers conducted in May found that nearly a quarter had changed their holiday plans because of worries over global events. Among those who changed their plans, almost 30% said they were delaying decisions. More than a fifth opted for a holiday in the UK instead of traveling abroad. Some chose cheaper trips, while 15% cancelled their holiday plans entirely. Another 15% switched to day trips instead of a full holiday.
Expert Comment on 'Delaycation' Trend
Mark Nalder, payments director at Nationwide, commented: "Our latest research shows that uncertainty this year is having a clear impact on people's holiday plans. It could also be we are seeing the rise of the 'delaycation' as many choose to delay booking holidays, while a growing number are cancelling plans or opting for UK staycations to keep a tighter grip on their finances and budgets."
Mr Nalder also highlighted the availability of online help: "Quick transfer features and budgeting tools like those on our app can be a big help when balancing spending and manage money when plans change." The Nationwide website also provides guidance on how to set up a budget.
Steps to Create a Budget
The guidance begins with working out your monthly income. Sources of income to include are:
- Your take-home pay (wages minus taxes and employer deductions like pension contributions and student loan repayments)
- Any benefits or tax credits you receive
- Extra money from other sources (like selling second-hand items)
- Dividends from any shares you hold
Once you have calculated your monthly income, the next step is to determine how much you are spending regularly. Nationwide explains: "Some like to go through their paper statements, others prefer spreadsheets and some like to keep it within an app. It's up to you as long as you're able to be as accurate as possible."
It is important to note all parts of your spending, such as:
- Rent (or mortgage)
- Bills
- Subscriptions
- Eating out spending
- Impulse buys
The 50-30-20 Rule
Nationwide recommends the 50-30-20 rule as a "great way to plan out your spending." The idea is to allocate:
- 50% on musts – fixed outgoings and essential living expenses
- 30% on wants – day-to-day spending and things you enjoy
- 20% on savings or debt – paying more than minimum payments or putting money into a savings account, ISAs, or investments
For example, if your after-tax income is £1,500 per month, you could split this into £750 on musts, £450 on wants, and £300 on savings or debt repayment.
