Are you “changeaphobic” – or happy to roll with the punches and go where life takes you? This quiz will find out if you're stuck in a rut, or willing to make the change where needed.
It was created after a study of 2,000 adults found a fifth admit they are “too lazy” to shop around for the best deals – which could be costing them a small fortune.
And 37 per cent will complain about the price of services like utilities – but then do nothing about it.
The top excuses for not making a change include “it’s boring”, “it’s confusing”, and “I don’t believe the effort is worth the reward”.
However, adults who do spend time shopping around believe they save a whopping £208 each, per year, as a result of their thriftiness.
And when it comes to phone contracts, more than one in five (22 per cent) don’t think they’ll get a better deal.
A spokesman for mobile network provider, SMARTY, which commissioned the study, said: “Switching isn’t always the best move – but it usually is. We know that finding the best deals can save people money.
“In this research, 41 per cent of Brits are telling us they feel stuck in a rut in their day-to-day lives – maybe it’s time to embrace change and switch things up.”
The research also found that 11 per cent have never looked around for a cheaper energy provider, despite April’s bills increases hitting households across the country.
And 33 per cent haven’t changed mobile provider in over five years, with 31 per cent feeling loyal to their current mobile provider – and not wanting to change for fear they may be “cheating”.
It also emerged that, despite potential savings, 25 per cent don’t believe the effort to switch such services is worth the reward.
Of the 41 per cent of people who have started to shop around for a better deal on a utility service – and then given up – 38 per cent got bored, and 27 per cent distracted, preventing them from switching.
But 15 per cent of those that dislike shopping around for utilities say they simply don’t like change, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Life coach, Rachel Coffey, said: “As humans, we are incredibly adaptable. Making appropriate lifestyle changes will help you feel happier, more confident, and in control.
“Even the smallest of changes can have a positive impact, and you’ll start to see it trickle into other areas of your life.”
When it comes to being too lazy to shop around for deals, people working in accounting and finance are among the top offenders (45 per cent).
But 83 per cent of those in insurance and pensions will always look for a better deal on their car insurance.
The study also showed a third of Brits actively enjoy looking for the best deals on services and utilities.
SMARTY’s spokesman added: “Some people find shopping around a genuinely enjoyable experience and love the thrill of bagging a bargain, while others fear it will be a time-consuming and tedious experience.
“Being passive can save time, but end up costing you financially – so it all depends on your personality type really, and what your priorities are.”
LIFE COACH RACHEL COFFEY'S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR MAKING A CHANGE AND GETTING OUT OF A RUT:
- Think holistically. One small change may not seem important, but when you look at the impact of all your small changes put together, it can have a big impact.
- Stop making excuses. Instead ask yourself what’s stopping you, make that decision, and get it done.
- Think long-term. Putting the effort in now can save you a lot of time, money, or stress long-term. Make a change today, and reap the rewards tomorrow.
- Share the love. If you manage to change a habit, let people know. Their positive reaction will help keep you on track – and who knows, maybe they’ll join in too.
- Be money mindful. Unused subscriptions? Old contracts that are just rolling on? Take a look at what’s new and refresh. You’ll feel lighter, brighter, and better off.
