Britons positive about finances

More Britons feel positive about their personal finances than last year despite concerns over food prices, bills, the weak pound and Brexit, a survey has found.

Three quarters (75%) of UK adults feel positive about their finances this year, up from 41% last year, the survey for VoucherCodes found.

A quarter (25%) feel negative about their financial outlook, citing rising food prices (62%), household bills (54%), concerns over the weak pound (38%) and uncertainty around Brexit (30%).

Some 28% believe their financial outlook will be better than last year. Overall, the survey found workers believe their disposable income will increase by 3% on average from £349 a month last year to £360 this year.

Those feeling positive about their finances this year say they have had, or are expecting, a pay rise (29%) and are planning to spend it more carefully, either by shopping around for deals (25%) or budgeting in advance (22%).

Spending priorities this year are holidays (39%) and house renovations (16%), while 14% are planning to pay off debts.

The poll found spending on expensive food is set to drop, with consumers planning to cut out takeaways (26%), meals out (24%) and premium groceries (21%).

Britons are also expecting to save more at an average of £221 per month, up 13% on last year.

Among savers, 25% are planning for a holiday in 2019 or beyond, 15% are topping up their retirement fund and 10% are saving up to buy a property.

Opinium surveyed 2,002 UK adults between January 11-12.