THREE quarters of people aim to keep their ‘future self’ happy – but say it’s not always easy to think beyond the day-to-day.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 77 per cent believe in the mantra “a stitch in time saves nine” – embracing small habits today in the hope of making life straight forward further down the line.

Anthea Turner poses with another woman next to a red postbox for a Smart Energy GB campaign in London.
Almost 80% of people believe in the mantra: ‘a stitch in times saves nine’ Credit: Will Ireland/PinPep
Anthea Turner holding an envelope addressed to "Future You" next to a red postbox.
Almost 50 per cent of people save loyalty points to help their future self Credit: Will Ireland/PinPep

Ways in which people help their future selves include building up loyalty points with favourite brands (47 per cent) and planning meals in advance to make ingredients go further and cut down on waste (41 per cent).

Meanwhile, 23 per cent have considered switching banks for better deals, and 17 per cent round up and save the difference each time they make a purchase.

But 60 per cent said it can be hard to think too far ahead – because of unexpected expenses (46 per cent).

Technology is helping many people think ahead, with 28 per cent revealing they use tech to keep track of household spending.

Television presenter , expert on practical living and home organisation, said: “Life can be busy, so it’s always satisfying when you’ve done something that makes things a bit easier for yourself further down the line.

“Whether it’s planning meals, switching from an analogue prepay meter to a smart meter so you can top up from home or shopping around for a better deal on , small decisions can add up over time.

“The research shows how many people are already taking steps to help their future selves.

“It doesn’t have to be big changes. Sometimes it’s the small habits that can make a difference later on.”

It also emerged, with bringing higher costs alongside extra spending at , 73 per cent think it’s important to start preparing ahead of time.

While the research carried out through OnePoll found 63 per cent are most concerned about their energy in the winter months, with 84 per cent already taking practical steps to build a financial cushion ahead of the colder months.

These include buying when they see them (30 per cent) or building up emergency savings (28 per cent).

Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said: “The findings show many people are looking for simple ways to stay one step ahead and feel more prepared for what’s around the corner.

“If you prepay for your energy, upgrading to a smart meter can help.

“Smart prepay meters enable you to top up from home rather than having to make a journey to the shops, and the display helps you keep track of your remaining credit.

“Having a clearer view of your energy use and credit can make it a bit easier to plan ahead and stay in control, especially when managing household budgets.”

ANTHEA’S FIVE SMALL ACTIONS WHICH CAN HELP YOUR FUTURE SELF:

  1. PLAN MEALS A FEW DAYS IN ADVANCE – A simple meal plan can help reduce food waste, make ingredients go further and cut food shopping costs.
  2. GET SMART WITH YOUR ENERGY – If you have an analogue prepay meter, consider upgrading to a smart prepay meter. They enable you to top up from home and the in-home display helps you to keep track of your remaining credit.
  3. CHECK FOR BETTER DEALS ON HOUSEHOLD BILLS – Spending a few minutes comparing tariffs, insurance, subscriptions or banking products could unlock savings later on.
  4. BUILD UP LOYALTY POINTS AND REWARDS – Collecting points on regular spending can help offset the cost of future purchases.
  5. BUY SEASONAL ITEMS EARLY WHEN POSSIBLE – Picking up Christmas gifts, school essentials or other planned purchases in advance can spread costs and reduce financial pressure later.