Our worst money mistakes of 2019 - what Brits regret spending on the most

As the cost of Christmas and the festive season bites, millions of us resolve to be better with money in the new year.

New figures from savings account Marcus, by Goldman Sachs, show half of UK adults have regrets over spending money on something this year while almost three people in five (57%) plan to make changes to improve their finances in 2020.

But when we look back to where our cash actually went in 2019, what do we actually regret most?

Takeaways, it turns out.

Fast food topped the list of financial regrets, with 22% of people saying they regret spending money on it.

Second on the list of things we splashed cash on only to later have second thoughts over was things for the home thinking we didn't actually need, followed by booze.

If you take away the takeaways we'd have more cash (Getty)

Younger Brits were also found to be more likely to regret spending, with 70% of people between 18 and 34 saying they spend money on something they had second thoughts about.

Marcus managing director Des McDaid said: “As we move into a new year, it’s a good time to take stock and set yourself a financial resolution that you can actually stick to.

"Simply taking a greater interest in your own savings and committing to a monthly savings goal can put you in good stead for the new year.”

10 biggest spending regrets in 2019

At the time Janet was 100% behind the order of 15 meat feasts and two portions of wedges (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

1. Takeaways and fast food (22%)
2. Unnecessary items for the home (14%)
3. Alcohol (12%)
4. Clothes / fashion (11%)
5. Restaurants / eating out (9%)
6. Taxis (9%)
7. Nights out (8%)
8. Takeaway coffee (6%)
9. Latest technology (4%)
10. Playing computer games (3%) 

When it comes to why we spent the money, influence from friends (41%), male partners (37%) and children (36%) were the most likely to result in unwise outgoings.

Social media also had the finger pointed at it, with 23% of people saying it influenced a regretful purchases - rising to 32% of under 35s.

To fix it, and enter 2021 with no regrets, one person in three plans to save more, one in five to eat out less, one in six says they'll buy fewer clothes and one in eight says they'll sell off some of their stuff.

Some 27% of younger Brits are also planning to cut back on takeaways, 20% plan to make lunch at home, 15% say they'll buy fewer coffees out and 9% plan to give up booze entirely.