Brits optimistic for 2007
January 22, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Banking
January 22nd 2007 has been labelled Blue Monday, with experts calling it the unhappiest day of the year.
However, despite the bleak predictions, a major psychological study says that most Britons are optimistic about the year ahead.
The reason may surprise many, but our sense of optimism is down to a firm resolve to get a grip on our finances.
According to the Freestyle Happiness Index, which looks at the top ten ways to be happier people, Britons rate managing money above marriage, children and retirement.
“The research shows a really positive shift in attitudes towards financial management,” said Ashley Ramsay, marketing manager at Standard Life Bank.
“Whereas previously it ranked pretty low on people’s agendas, people are recognising that financial security would make them feel happier.
“While people acknowledge that money won’t buy happiness, they’re realising that it can get in the way. In fact, 70 per cent of people say that its money, not time, that’s the biggest obstacle to happiness for them,” she added.
Clearing debts was ranked as the third best way to improve our happiness, while achieving financial security was voted fourth and paying off the mortgage came in at sixth.
The number one method of improving happiness was voted as beginning a new hobby, followed by having more fun at work.
