New Study Reveals Twenty-Somethings are ‘Generation Sensible’

twenty somethings, sensible, millennial, average twenty something 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

average twenty-something

Top 10 Unobtainable Dreams For Young People

“We’ll Never Achieve Our Dreams,” Say Three Quarters of Young BritsMillennial have it hard, that is common knowledge. Tuition fees are higher than ever, houses are too expensive, and, if you are lucky to go to university or buy a home, the debt will be huge. Sadly, it seems that three quarters of young Brits feel like they will never achieve their dreams. It is not true of course. Everyone can and Frost will be publishing lots of finance and work articles to help you achieve your dreams. We want to give people the power to take hold of their own lives. Contact us to let us know what you want us to cover, or how you feel about your life in general. Meanwhile, let us now if you agree with the latest stats below.

 

Having a successful career, going to university and owning a house are seen as ‘fantasies’ for millions of young people, according to new research.

 

Three quarters of Brits aged 16-25 are also unconvinced they’ll ever be able to land a job they love – something which was far more achievable for the previous generation.

 

Eight in 10 young people said they fear other people going for the same positions as them are stronger candidates with better CVs and better experience.

 

One in 10 don’t think they’ll be able to go to university, while owning a house is considered to be completely unobtainable by 40 per cent of respondents.

 

Living debt free, being able to cope without relying on parents for financial support, and earning more than the average British salary of £26,500 are also seen as unattainable.

 

While the study of 1,500 16 to 25 year-olds, conducted by vInspired to mark the end of Volunteers’ Week 2016, also found out 42 per cent consider travelling the world to be a pipedream.

 

Jessica Taplin, CEO of vInspired, the UK’s leading youth volunteering charity, said: “The results highlight the pressures young people face today.

 

“Access to the job market, uncertain financial futures and mental health issues are all problems we see young people come up against first-hand.

 

“However, we believe that there are other ways young people can gain valuable experience and make them more employable despite some challenging economic circumstances.”

 

Many young adults don’t think they’ll ever be able to move to a major city such as London or Manchester due to high living costs, competition for jobs and house prices.

 

A further 15 per cent say they have no hope of ever buying their own car, and 17 per cent say having a family seems unrealistic at the moment.

 

Going to University feels unachievable for 13 per cent of those aged 16 to 25, while 16 per cent don’t feel like anyone would ever want to take a chance of them.

 

When it comes to securing their ideal job, seven in 10 people polled said the competition nowadays is so intense they would need completely new qualifications in order to stand any chance at all of success.

 

Yet 87 per cent of respondents said the high cost of gaining an education is massively impacting their chances of getting the job they’ve always wanted.

 

But three quarters of people polled recognise that doing voluntary work would make them more employable.

 

Perhaps as a result, 77 per cent of respondents are currently volunteering or would consider doing so in the future.

 

Two thirds of Brits aged 16-25 said volunteering could inspire them to pursue a career they may not have otherwise considered.

 

And around 80 per cent of participants think volunteering can teach you things a degree or other postgraduate qualifications might not, thus making them more employable.

 

Two thirds of respondents said voluntary work meant they could “make a difference”, while over 56 per cent said it gives you motivation and half says it makes you more open-minded.

 

Jessica Taplin said: “We know that the skills young people gain when volunteering help increase wellbeing and lead to employability.

 

“So we’re delighted to see from this survey that so many young people really value their volunteering experience.

 

“vInspired is all about supporting young people into volunteering and enabling them to better harness the benefits of this.”

 

Nine in 10 respondents think it is harder now than ever before to standout from other job candidates.

 

TOP 10 UNOBTAINABLE DREAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

1. Travelling the world

2. Owning a house/getting on the property ladder

3. Earning more than the average British salary (£26,500)

4. Being debt free

5. Reaching the top of your career ladder

6. Getting a job you love

7. Not having to borrow additional funds to get by

8. Not having to depend on other people such as parents for financial support

9. Having the opportunity to gain experience in pursuit of your dream job

10. Moving to a major city such as London or Manchester