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Santa Set to Deliver £2.4 billion in Financial Gifts This Christmas

It looks like Christmas stockings this year will be stuffed with 2.4 billion pounds worth of cash, cheques and vouchers as new research reveals half of Brits are planning to give financial gifts.
Finance, Leisure - 17 November 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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This Christmas Santa looks set to deliver a record breaking £2.4 billion in cash, cheques, vouchers and gift cards as over half of Brits (57%) are planning on giving financial gifts this festive season.

An interesting generational divide has been revealed from the research as over 55s emerge as the nation’s most generous group. 65% of them are set to shell out £116 on an average monetary gift, more than double compared to 18-34 year olds who will part with only £51. The younger generation are more likely to unwrap cash, with two in five (39%) planning on asking for money for their Christmas gift, and almost half (48%) of those planning to give financial presents saying they will give money to family members in this age group.

Whilst almost a quarter (23%) of Brits have no reservations about asking for a financial gift from their friends and family, interestingly over half (54%) rule it out for fear of spoiling the surprise.

. Introduction:

This year it looks like Santa’s sleigh will be full to the brim with cash as Brits are set to receive over £2.4 billion in cheques, cash or vouchers this Christmas. New research has revealed that it looks as if the younger generation are the ones to receive bundles of cash and other financial gifts with many planning on asking for it, but interestingly are the least likely to give it out with the over 55’s emerging as the most generous age group.

So, is receiving a fat cheque really spoiling the surprise?

Joining us to discuss this further is Neil Aitken from Pay YOUR Way.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about giving money as a present in our area?

Why is money such a popular present?

Does asking for money really spoil the surprise of Christmas?

How can you choose the right payment when giving a gift of money to friends or family?

What advice do you have for anyone planning on giving financial gifts or otherwise this Christmas?

Where can we find out more information?