#discretionary-spending

#discretionary-spending

Remember that moment when you check your bank account and wonder where all your money went? Last month, I had one of those wake-up calls. After getting laid off and freelancing for four months, I thought I'd gotten pretty good at budgeting. But there I was, staring at my statement, realizing I'd somehow spent $847 on things I couldn't even remember buying. That's when it hit me: The problem was all those "normal" expenses that everyone just accepts as part of life.

While disposable income has risen, many UK households are making deliberate choices to prioritise long-term financial health over short-term luxuries. The steep decline in discretionary spending reflects this new mindset.