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Millennials are most worried about post-lockdown spending (Picture: Getty)As exciting as getting back out to pubs, bars and restaurants with friends and family is, there\u2019s still that awkward issue of splitting the bill.
\nMake it a group of six gathering and you\u2019ve either got to uncomfortably make your waiter do the rounds, calculating the value of each meal, or get one person to take on the bill in the good faith that everyone will transfer their share.
\nBut to split it equally, regardless of what was consumed, or to pay your part only is where Brits are still divided.
\nA study by comparethemarket.com found that 34% of those who took part in a survey believe you should go Dutch, splitting everything including the tip straight down the middle.
\nBut 36% think each member of the group should pay specifically for what they had.
\nWith this fairly equal difference of opinion, it\u2019s no wonder that nearly half feel awkward when it comes to approaching a bill after a meal out.
\nAround two in 10 people would even go so far as to say that a negative experience over this issue would affect or put them off continuing to dine out as restrictions relax.
\nThe unease that comes with this situation clearly affects us as a nation, as 42% have agreed to pay more than they wanted to avoid a rift or to save face, while nearly one in five will leave a bigger tip to balance out a disagreement over splitting the bill.
\nMeanwhile two in 10 have admitted to taking on the bill entirely to avoid the conversation \u2013 blame the stiff British upper lip.
\nThough Brits haven\u2019t always remained silent on the issue, as half have felt embarrassed by the actions of their fellow diners on things such as whether to tip,13% have fallen out with someone over a bill, and 29% have apologised to staff over how long a bill has taken to resolve.
\nMore: Food<\/p>\n
Separately, certain age groups are more concerned about post-lockdown spending than others.
\nMobile money app Monese found that millennials (25-34 year olds) are\u00a0the most\u00a0concerned about spending as things reopen, with 72% thinking about this.\u00a0
\nThe things they expect to spend on the most are restaurant meals, shops and retail centres, pubs, bars and hair salons.
\nWith some indoor venues due to reopen on May 17, it\u2019s likely that spending anxiety will continue in the foreseeable.
\nThese are the brand\u2019s tips for managing your post-lockdown spending.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tHow to keep an eye on your post-lockdown spending\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Start by looking at your income and your essential outgoings (including any money you regularly transfer to savings) so you can see what you have leftover for little luxuries. Getclear about what your budget is.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Figure out what you\u2019ve been spending on non-essentials, such as takeaways and TV streaming services during lockdown. Think about what luxuries you want most as restrictions are easing \u2013 if you want to go to the pub with friends, do you have enough cash to do this and pay for your streaming services,\u00a0or do you need to swap out one for the other?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Track your spending consistently, and make a note of what you have leftover. This will give you a good sense of your spending habits over time.<\/p>\n
Try not to dip into savings unless you\u2019ve specifically set these aside for post-lockdown fun. <\/p>\n
Pace your spending and don\u2019t try to do everything at once. You might want to head to the pub, get a haircut and go for dinner\u00a0all in the first couple of\u00a0weeks,\u00a0but is that realistic? What budget will that leave you to enjoy until your get paid again? Spreading things gives you something to look forward to and means you\u2019re less likely to go over your budget.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Do you have a story to share?
\nGet in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/p>\n
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