Budgeting And Women Combine For An Efficient Household
Budgeting systems are at the core of UK household management, with women firmly in the driving seat. The publication today of a new report* from TV Licensing -- "Putting off or putting by?" -- shows that when it comes to paying the bills, the emphasis is on the woman of the house as the financial controller, with the nationwide preference to pay -- at least something -- now rather than later!
As a nation, we have a responsible attitude to paying our dues, with few of us inclined to simply put our heads in the sand or walk away from our debts. A total 75% of householders interviewed for the report said they believe in budgeting, with two thirds admitting that they actually manage their commitments better because they spend time budgeting each month.
The research indicated that most householders adopt a budgeting system, which enables them to keep on top of their household expenses most of the time. The most popular methods are a series of Direct Debit payments; a dedicated budget account; sums of money set aside via different means or use of various "pay as you go" systems such as stamps and cards.
TV Licensing is committed to helping its customers by providing a range of easy ways to pay for a TV licence, which will suit even the most ad hoc budgeting system. Television owners can pay for their TV licence by post, at any post office, or by Direct Debit. For those who tend to leave everything until the last moment or have a tendency to forget, TV Licensing has introduced payment by debit card, credit card and Telephone Direct Debit.
There is a clear relationship demonstrated in the report between the choice of budgeting system and the level of available household income. The well organised, higher income households are prone to opt for either Direct Debit or a budget account. In lower income households, the emphasis is more on the "pay-as-you-go" systems.
Whilst no household is the same, the report reveals that regardless of its size or location, the household environment has a major role to play in people's attitude and ability to paying bills and controlling the household budget. Those living fairly settled lives with a partner or family, are exposed as being far more likely to keep on top of everything than those living alone.
Central to the financial stability of all households, however, is the role of the woman, who generally prefers to avoid trouble by paying bills regularly to enjoy a "quiet life" without the threat of fines or prosecution.
Men on the other hand, are prone to a more carefree and laid back attitude to paying their way, with more than a quarter agreeing that they have very little involvement in the management of the household expenses.
The decision as to which are the priority payments that must be made no matter what, is shown by the report to be more of a consideration when there is insufficient money available to meet all a household's obligations.
As a bare minimum, the majority of people agree they have to ensure they have a roof over their head, as well as gas, electricity and water, because without these services life is viewed as simply unbearable.
Interestingly people are also shown to often relate the urgency of paying bills to the penalties related to non-payment. Most of those questioned said they would not consider not paying for a TV licence because they didn't want to be hit with a large fine or run the risk of prosecution. In fact 40% said being prosecuted and going to court would be the biggest prompt in getting them to pay any outstanding bills they may have.
"Budgeting is a universal concept adopted throughout the UK as a useful housekeeping tool. What our report shows us, is that despite the transition of the woman to the role of money provider and manager, no one person or household is the same. TV Licensing is committed to helping all its customers by providing a range of easy ways to pay, to suit even the most ad hoc budgeting systems" said Mick Hill, Director, TV Licensing.
Technical details
* The report is the result of a nationwide study commissioned by TV Licensing with MORI conducted between 12-17 November 1998, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research.
