As Lent kicks in on Wednesday this week, people around the UK may be looking to give something up in order to test their self-discipline.
Lent is a holiday that stresses giving something up that you really enjoy for 40 days in the run-up to Easter Sunday.
Running from Ash Wednesday (March 2) until April 14 this year, one of the most popular things people give up for Lent is chocolate, Hull Live reports.
Read more:
But, it may be a good idea to give up some of your other habits such as caffeine, alcohol, swearing, meat or even social media.
Giving something up for Lent could also save you a fair bit of money amid the rising cost of living.
Barclays has carried out research to present the benefits of saving money by engaging in Lent.
Here are four money-saving suggestions from the bank as well as some extras to help you out.
Wine
Barclays have figured out that skipping out on wine for 40 days could save an average of £12 a week which totals to £68 across Lent.
This figure was calculated based on a person drinking two bottles a week, and buying the UK’s favourite type of wine – pinot grigio – which comes in at £6 a bottle at the UK’s leading supermarket.
Those who like to drink a bit more in their household or prefer the fancier and more expensive bottles will make extra savings during lent by giving up wine.
Chocolates and sweets
Chocolate is no doubt one of the most popular things to give up in Lent.
With the average chocolate bar costing £1 while a bag of sweets averages 79p, you can save £7.70 a week which totals to £44.50 across the whole of Lent.
Clothing and footwear
Data from the Office for National Statistics show that the average Brit spends roughly £10.97 a week on all types of clothing from new shirts to trainers.
Based on this data, you could be saving around £63 throughout Lent that could be put away for a rainy day.
Takeaways
Ordering takeaway became an extremely popular habit during lockdown.
Data from KPMG reveals that Brits spend an average of £12.34 a week on takeaways which totals to £70.50 across Lent.
Giving up takeaway could also motivate people to cook at home more and explore making new and exciting meals.
Shop-bought sandwiches
Getting up a little bit earlier in the morning to make your lunch could save you a lot of money, rather than going straight to the shops on your lunch break and buying a sandwich.
A triple sandwich costs £3.79 from a major supermarket brand, if you buy three a week, that’s £11.37 swallowed up – and £64.97 across Lent. You’ll be so much better off with a loaf and a couple of tins of tuna.
Coffee shops
Coffee shop prices can reach eye-watering numbers, especially when you combine a latte or cappuccino with a sweet treat or toastie.
On average, you'll be spending around £5 every time you go into a coffee shop - in total, you could be saving around £85 by skipping on the caffeinated beverage.
Having a night out
A pint of lager costs £3.79 on average according to the British Beer And Pub Association’s website, while getting a round in comes at an even costlier price.
Instead of heading to the pub or club during Lent, you could try hanging out with your friends at a BYO restaurant and avoiding that heavy bar bill.
