Is idleness costing you money?
Laziness costs Brits an average of £17,000 throughout their lifetime, says new study
Laziness costs the average British person £17,000 throughout their lifetime, simply because – as a nation – we can’t be bothered to shop around or do simple tasks for ourselves, a recent study claims.
Almost 50% of the 2000 people surveyed by British bank Aldermore said they would rather pay someone to do mundane tasks, such as cleaning the windows or washing the car, than do it themselves. Other cash drains included not cancelling direct debits and unused gym memberships, putting wet clothes in the tumble drier instead of hanging them out on the washing line and paying for canteen food instead of preparing a packed lunch.
One third of Brits never bother to turn appliances off at the wall, one in three throw out food on a daily basis and 12% say they are too lazy to shop around for insurance. Ten per cent of those surveyed said they usually go for the first deal they come across – even when buying expensive items such as a car or a mortgage – because they can’t be bothered to shop around.
“The typical adult is more likely to be too busy to sort out their finances rather than being lazy,” said Simon Healy of Aldermore Bank, which commissioned the study.
”But lots of savings can be made from very simple changes. Many people will not automatically think of the cost when using the car or cranking up the central heating to dry clothes more quickly but it will all add up.”
Of course, it’s not just in our private lives that big savings can be made: taking time to shop around can also have a significant impact on the running costs of your business. From electricity and premises rental to business stationery and mobile phone contracts, taking time to find the good offers can shave significant amounts off your outgoings.
“When looking for a mortgage or loan or even a savings account, it’s important to look for the best deal,” added Simon Healy.
“The first deal you find will rarely be the most cost effective. Although everyone has to balance time and money, if your life is so hectic that you don’t have time to shop around, it may be worth paying someone to do those things for you.”
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