Finances 'start to worry British women'

Women are feeling the pinch when it comes to sorting out their finances, according to a new survey charting the mood of the UK's female population.

Figures from the latest Legal & General MoneyMood Survey indicate that the fairer sex are more exposed to the current slowdown in the economy than men, with the mood among women for spending down 18 points in comparison to last month.

Among 45 to 54-year-olds just 17 per cent say they are in the mood to spend, with the 55 to 64-year-old age group seeing the biggest drop in confidence, down 18 per cent.

Julia Clayworth, Legal & General's wealth management head of marketing, said: "What is really interesting about this month’s results is that it is clear that the reported economic downturn is not having a uniform impact.

"Although it is good to see people are exercising caution with their spending, they are not changing their behaviour dramatically. It will be really interesting to see next month’s results which will be taken after the recent stock market volatility and see if this has filtered down to people’s spending behaviour."

More than 1,000 adults were used as a sample for the survey, which was conducted by BMRB - Access Omnibus Surveys.