Nearly nine out of 10 Britons are taking steps to try to offset the rising cost of living.
About 86 per cent of people said they had made changes to save money, with these ranging from not using their car and eating out less, to taking on second jobs, according to high street bank Abbey.
Eight out of 10 said they were cutting back on no
n-essential spending, with half buying fewer CDs, DVDs and clothes, 37 per cent going to restaurants less, 29 per cent using their car less and 21 per cent taking a packed lunch to work.
A further 12 per cent said they planned to take on an extra job to raise additional funds, and 30 per cent plan to sell some of their possessions.
Others are taking more drastic action, with 4 per cent planning to be volunteers for medical research, while 3 per cent are considering selling their car due to rising fuel prices and the same proportion plan to pawn some of their belongings.
More than half of people said they had changed their holiday plans this year in response to rising living costs plus over the strength of the euro, with 25 per cent saying they would not take a holiday at all this year. Some 13 per cent will not travel outside Britain.
One in 10 said they had cut their holiday budget, and 5 per cent have chosen a destination outside Britain.
Director of Abbey Mortgages Phil Cliff said: "With over 80 per cent of Brits taking measures to save money and earn extra cash, it's clear that belts are tightening. Careful financial planning and budgeting can help combat the effects of rising inflation and everyone should ensure that they are shopping around for the best financial products."
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