 TITLE: Experian Survey: How Is the Pandemic Affecting Personal Finances? CONTENT: Some Consumers Increased Their Saving During COVID-19\n-----------------------------------------------------\nTwo-thirds (66%) of those surveyed reported spending the same or less during the pandemic than they were this time last year. Nearly a third (30%) said they saw the greatest change to their spending on eating out and entertainment. Around a quarter (23%) said they saw their spending on nonessential purchases change, and 16% saw significant changes to their travel purchases.\nWhen spending is reduced but a household income stays the same, it's conceivable those extra funds could be allocated to savings. Though most respondents indicated that they have been spending less during the pandemic, only 28% said they were actually saving more during this time.\nBroken down by employment status, respondents with jobs were predominantly the ones who were able to increase their savings. The survey found that 32% of those with full-time jobs reported saving more now than during the same period in 2019; 34% of those with part-time jobs said the same. Just 8% of unemployed survey participants said they were saving more, and 21% of retired respondents reported putting more money into savings in 2020. END