Delfi survey: most readers are saving more amid the rising cost of living

A reader survey by the Latvian news portal Delfi on how the cost of living affects everyday life drew 78 respondents. Of them, 60 said they had been saving more than before over the past year: 29 considerably more and 31 slightly more. The results show that for some people, cutting back still does not allow them to build up savings.

Where price rises are felt most

Food was named by 57 respondents, fuel and transport by 49, and housing and utility payments by 40. Respondents could choose several answers.

In the shop, on the road and at home

Sixty-two respondents changed their food shopping habits over the past year. The most common step, reported by 54, was cooking at home more and eating out less. Forty-one make a shopping list, the same number buy promotional items, and 40 plan meals several days ahead. Thirty-five shop at lower-price stores, and 15 have reduced their consumption of meat, fish or other more expensive products.

Because of fuel prices, 13 respondents drive less often, while 29 said their habits had not changed. As for utilities, 43 respondents have begun monitoring bills more closely; the most common measure is reducing electricity use (35 answers), and 25 have lowered the heating temperature.

What people give up

Spending on entertainment and leisure was cut by 56 respondents, and on clothing and footwear by 49. Restaurants, cafés and bars were limited most often (50 answers). The hardest areas to save on are housing and utilities (41), food (38), transport and fuel (34) and healthcare and medicines (33).

How much is saved

Fourteen respondents save more than €200 a month, eight save €101–200 and ten save €51–100, while 15 are unable to put money aside. Savings or borrowing are used for everyday expenses sometimes by 26 respondents and regularly by nine; 41 have not had to do so.