Canadians expect to spend an average of $652 but impulse purchases by majority could lead
to overspending for many
TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - As the holiday season
approaches, Canadians say they plan to spend an average of
$652 on holiday shopping this
year according to the latest poll by CIBC (TSX:CM) (NYSE:
CM). That's a significant 26 per cent increase from last year when
a similar CIBC poll found that Canadians had planned to spend
$517 on average.
While the majority of Canadians (94 per cent) have a
budget for their gift giving, more than half (55 per cent)
admitted their holiday budgets aren't set in stone and because they
tend to favour convenience over price, they might buy on
impulse.
"It's easy for expenses to creep higher at this time of year,
adding to the stress of the season but what people actually want to
do is enjoy the holidays and not worry about money," says
Veni Iozzo, Senior Vice President,
Deposits and Client Solutions, CIBC. "Whether your holiday shopping
list is long or short, having a realistic budget with a small
buffer for contingencies can reduce some of the worry and let you
enjoy the holidays."
Key findings of the poll include:
- $652 is the average amount
Canadians say they will spend on holiday shopping in 2015
- How Canadians describe their approach to holiday shopping:
-
- Disciplined - 39 per cent say they set a spending limit
and stay within it
- Mindful - 55 per cent have budgets that are not set in
stone, see convenience as a priority over price, and might buy on
impulse
- Carefree - 6 per cent don't bother with holiday budgets
and are often still paying for those expensive silver bells
long after the snow has melted
- 22 per cent acknowledge they spent more than they
planned to last year
The poll also found that the older you are the more you're
likely to spend:
- Canadians 55 years and older have the highest average holiday
shopping budgets at $758;
those aged 35-54 years averaged $706 while 18-34-year-olds' budgets were
significantly lower at $464
- 18-34-year-olds were more likely to blame dining out in
restaurants, travel and activities like skiing as costs that push
them over their budget compared to older age groups who said
entertaining family and friends was the main culprit
"Sometimes it's not the gift-buying that derails our budgets,
often it's the stuff that we don't factor in such as new
decorations or having extra food, drinks or gifts on hand in case
the neighbours drop by," Ms. Iozzo says. "Having a list and
checking it twice is good practice to help keep your budget in
check and offset your holiday hangover when January arrives."
Canadians say they are avoiding holiday-related debt
Looking back on their holiday spending last year, the poll found
that just 22 per cent of Canadians spent more than they had
planned. The poll also found that many Canadians are trying to
manage their holiday-related spending:
- 58 per cent say they pay as they go
- 32 per cent say they pay for everything when their bills
come in January
- Only 9 per cent say it will take them a few months to
pay off their holiday debt
"Paying as you go or paying off credit card balances as they
come due are both good practices but one of the best ways to stay
jolly throughout the season is to keep your spending within your
means," Ms. Iozzo says. "Avoid dipping deeper into your savings
than you're comfortable - you don't want to still be feeling the
financial effects of the holidays long after they are over."
KEY POLL FINDINGS:
Average amount much Canadians say they plan to spend on holiday
shopping this year, by age:
18-34 years |
$464 |
35-54 years |
$706 |
55 years and
older |
$758 |
Average amount Canadians say they plan to spend on holiday
shopping this year, by region:
All Canadians |
$652 |
British Columbia |
$557 |
Alberta |
$649 |
Manitoba/Saskatchewan |
$709 |
Ontario |
$759 |
Quebec |
$450 |
Atlantic Canada |
$867 |
How Canadians say they approach their holiday budget:
Disciplined - You set a budget limit and do
what it takes to stay within it. You might shop all year, make a
list and check it twice. You avoid paying full price for
anything, use loyalty rewards and look high and low for the best
deals. You don't worry about blowing your holiday budget
because you shop for the season with a plan. |
39% |
Mindful - You have a holiday shopping
budget in mind but it's not set in stone. Convenience is often a
priority over price and you might make a few impulsive purchases
but you don't mind in the moment. When January hits, you cringe a
little when you check your bank account balance and make a New
Year's resolution to do better next year. |
55% |
Carefree - What budget? Your main goal is
to ensure the season of giving is a success but your holiday
hangover lasts well into the New Year. Your generosity and relaxed
attitude toward budgeting mean you might still be paying for those
expensive silver bells when the snow melts. |
6% |
What puts Canadians over budget during the holidays, aside from
buying gifts:
|
All
Canadians |
18-34
years |
35-54
years |
55 years
and older |
Entertaining family and friends (food &
alcohol) |
54% |
49% |
55% |
56% |
Dining out |
32% |
46% |
27% |
24% |
Activities (skiing, skating, movies) |
19% |
34% |
19% |
4% |
Holiday decorations |
15% |
19% |
17% |
10% |
The perfect outfits for the holiday season |
10% |
16% |
8% |
7% |
Travel |
14% |
20% |
14% |
10% |
Other |
16% |
12% |
14% |
21% |
When Canadians say they will have paid off their holiday
spending:
Immediately - I pay as I go |
58% |
January - I pay everything once the bills come
in |
32% |
It will take me a few months |
9% |
How Canadians feel about the amount spent on last year's holiday
shopping:
Spent too much - more than planned |
22% |
Spent just the right amount - stayed on
budget |
71% |
Didn't shop enough - would have done more if I
could |
7% |
From November 16-17, 2015, an
online survey was conducted among 1,503 randomly selected Angus
Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error - which measures sampling
variability - is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies
in or between totals are due to rounding.
About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution
with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our
three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth
Management and Capital Markets - CIBC offers a full range of
products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking
network, banking centres and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. You
can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our
Media Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.
SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce