Three quarters of people aim to keep their 'future self' happy, with more than seven in 10 saying they think they will need to get ahead of high energy bills this winter.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 77% believe that by starting small, positive habits today, they’ll be able to make their lives more straightforward further down the line.
Small habits, big savings
Ways in which people try to help their future selves include building up loyalty points with favourite brands (47%) and planning meals in advance to make ingredients go further and cut down on waste (41%).
Meanwhile, 23% have considered switching banks for better deals, and 17% round up and save the difference each time they make a purchase to build up a small savings pot. But six in 10 said it can be hard to think too far ahead - because of unexpected expenses (46%).
Technology helps planning
Technology is helping many people plan ahead, with 28% revealing they use tech to keep track of household spending. Television presenter Anthea Turner, an expert on practical living and home organisation, said: “Life can be busy, so it's always satisfying when you've done something that makes things a bit easier for yourself further down the line.
“Whether it’s planning meals, switching from an analogue prepay meter to a smart meter so you can top up from home or shopping around for a better deal on insurance, small decisions can add up over time. The research shows how many people are already taking steps to help their future selves. It doesn't have to be big changes. Sometimes it's the small habits that can make a difference later on.”
Preparing for winter
It also emerged, with winter typically bringing higher energy costs alongside extra spending at Christmas, 73% think it's important to start preparing for the season ahead of time. Research carried out through OnePoll found 63% are most concerned about their energy bills in the winter months, with 84% already taking practical steps to build a financial cushion ahead of the colder months.
These include buying Christmas gifts when they see them (30%) or building up emergency savings (28%). Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said: “The findings show many people are looking for simple ways to stay one step ahead and feel more prepared for what's around the corner. If you prepay for your energy, upgrading to a smart meter can help.
“Smart prepay meters enable you to top up from home rather than having to make a journey to the shops, and the display helps you keep track of your remaining credit. Having a clearer view of your energy use and credit can make it a bit easier to plan ahead and stay in control, especially when managing household budgets.”
Five small actions to help your future self
Anthea’s five small actions which can help your future self:
- Plan meals a few days in advance: A simple meal plan can help reduce food waste, make ingredients go further and cut food shopping costs.
- Get smart with your energy: If you have an analogue prepay meter, consider upgrading to a smart prepay meter. They enable you to top up from home and the in-home display helps you to keep track of your remaining credit.
- Check for better deals on household bills: Spending a few minutes comparing tariffs, insurance, subscriptions or banking products could unlock savings later on.
- Build up loyalty points and rewards: Collecting points on regular spending can help offset the cost of future purchases.
- Buy seasonal items early when possible: Picking up Christmas gifts, school essentials or other planned purchases in advance can spread costs and reduce financial pressure later.
