For from being the superficial, social media-obsessed narcissists that so many publications, and people, try to pretend they are twenty-somethings are actuallyy sensible. The average twenty-something earns £19,186.40 a year, has savings of £2,543 and chooses NOT to go clubbing, according to new research.
The Nationwide Savings study of ‘Generation Sensible’ shows 65 per cent of young adults would rather party at a friend’s house than spend unnecessary money at the pub or club.
Unfortunately, six in 10 people in their twenties are saddled with debts in the region of £20,000 following their stint at University.
While those who didn’t further their education still struggle to pay off debts of £4,720.
As such, while popular twenty-somethings have 15 good friends, they choose not to lavish money on expensive nights out, and only holiday in the UK once a year.
Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, Nationwide’s Head of Policy for Mortgages and Savings said: “Our research has found a generation of twenty somethings under pressure and in transition. The good news is that as a demographic they seem to be planning their futures, whether that be saving for a deposit for their first home or a holiday. In some ways this is a far cry from the free-spirited youth of the 60s and 70s.”
The study shows that when it comes to attempting to save, 32 per cent are desperately trying to get a deposit together for a mortgage, while 30 per cent are saving up for a holiday.
A further 24 per cent of twenty-somethings are saving for a rainy day, and one in 10 are gathering cash together to pay for their wedding.
And although those in their twenties earn just under £20,000 a year – working 31 hours a week – at the end of every month they have just £210.07 to spend on enjoying themselves.
According to the poll, just 16 per cent of those under 30 are married, with 16 per cent of those in a relationship meeting through work and 13 per cent via dating apps. Just five per cent regularly go on dates.
One in five respondents already have children and a further 52 per cent have pets.
The research reveals that money dominates the list of common worries shared by many twenty-somethings, with people worrying both about being able to save money, as well as having enough money to last until the end of the month.
Getting on the housing ladder is a concern for 36 per cent of those in their twenties, while landing a job worries 27 per cent.
Other common anxieties include managing the bills, health and fitness, and that they don’t seem to be achieving much in life.
Body shape and size worries four in 10 people, and 25 per cent are rightly concerned about their parents’ health.
For those in this age bracket who do drive a car, a modest Vauxhall Corsa or Ford Fiesta are the most likely models of choice.
When it comes to keeping fit, the average twenty-something exercises for three hours a week, and prefers running and going to the gym above all other sports. Swimming and cycling are the next most popular activities.
For those in their twenties who prefer to entertain themselves by staying in, rather than spending money on going out, four in 10 love binge-watching television programmes and films.
Favourite television shows include The Big Bang Theory, the Great British Bake Off and Game of Thrones.
While movies put on repeat are the Harry Potter saga, Mean Girls and Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Other activities enjoyed during their spare time include spending time with the family, travelling and 27 per cent enjoying tending to their social networking sites.
Eight in 10 people in their twenties are regularly on Facebook, while 47 per cent use Instagram and 50 per cent are on WhatsApp.
The study found 37 per cent enjoy going out for dinner with friends, and only a third like going to the pub.
Similarly, meeting new people is only a priority for seven per cent of people, while 55 per cent prefer to socialise with existing friends.
Andrew Baddeley-Chappell continues “Our research found an age group under strain, working or studying hard, and mindful of the financial pressures they are likely to face in the future.
“It’s little wonder then that friendships and relationships, conducted both in person and online have become such a focus, along with a social life that doesn’t cost.”
AVERAGE 20-SOMETHING
1. Average income of £19,186.40 annually
2. Typically work 31 hours a week
3. Has £210.07 of disposable income each month
4. Has £2,543.82 in savings
5. 29 per cent have a mortgage
6. Takes one holiday in the UK each year
7. Six in 10 go to / went to University
8. Students / ex-students have a total debt of £20,514.86 excluding mortgages
9. Non-students have a total debt of £4,720.66 excluding mortgages
10. Most likely to drive a Vauxhall Corsa or Ford Fiesta
11. Has 15 friends
12 Gets six hours sleep a night
13. 22 per cent have children
TOP 10 WORRIES OF A 20-SOMETHING
1. Saving money
2. Having enough money
3. What body shape and size you are
4. Your health
5. Getting on the housing ladder
6. That you don’t seem to be achieving much in life
7. Bills
8. Eating too much rubbish food
9. How fit you are
10. Getting a job
FAVOURITE TV SHOWS:
1. The Big Bang Theory
2. Great British Bake Off
3. Game of Thrones
4. I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!
5. Planet Earth
6. Orange is the New Black
7. Britain’s Got Talent
8. Breaking Bad
9. First Dates
10. The Walking Dead
FAVOURITE FILMS:
1. Harry Potter Saga
2. Mean Girls
3. Bridget Jones’ Diary
4. Love Actually
5. Bridesmaids
6. Forrest Gump
7. Deadpool
8. Pitch Perfect
9. Up
10. Lord of the Rings
FAVOURITE ARTISTS:
1. Ed Sheeran
2. Adele
3. Beyonce
4. Taylor Swift
5. Sia
6. Rihanna
7. Coldplay
8. Maroon 5
9. Little Mix
10. Calvin Harris
