The group said help is available in the Nationwide app
Nationwide Building Society members have received an important update regarding a payment change. The organisation has also directed members towards help they can get through their app.
This announcement follows the savings giant’s recent distribution of a £100 bonus payment to millions of customers. Nationwide has released details on customer spending patterns showing significant shifts in behaviour influenced by global events. Analysis by the building society indicates people are changing their summer getaway plans amid growing anxieties about the Iran conflict and its potential effects on jet fuel supplies and the wider economy.
The figures reveal that average customer expenditure on holidays between January and April 2026 stood at £492, representing a £6 decrease from the £498 average recorded during the corresponding period last year. A survey conducted by Nationwide involving 2,000 customers in May discovered that nearly a quarter had changed their holiday arrangements due to concerns about international events.
Among those who modified their plans, almost 30 per cent said they were delaying their decisions. More than a fifth opted for domestic UK breaks rather than travelling overseas.
Some customers selected more budget-friendly options while 15 per cent abandoned their holiday arrangements completely. A further 15 per cent switched to day excursions instead of extended breaks.
‘A clear impact’
Mark Nalder, payments director at Nationwide, commented on the findings: “Our latest research shows that uncertainty this year is having a clear impact on people’s holiday plans. It could also be we are seeing the rise of the ‘delaycation’ as many choose to delay booking holidays, while a growing number are cancelling plans or opting for UK staycations to keep a tighter grip on their finances and budgets.”
Mr Nalder also highlighted that assistance is readily available online. He told customers: “Quick transfer features and budgeting tools like those on our app can be a big help when balancing spending and manage money when plans change.”
Further budgeting advice can also be found on the Nationwide website.
Income check
The recommended starting point is to calculate your total monthly income. Some sources to factor in include:
- Your take-home pay (your wages minus taxes and employer deductions like pension contributions and student loan repayments)
- Any benefits or tax credits you receive
- Extra money you get from other sources (like selling second-hand items)
- Dividends from any shares you hold.
‘Go through your paper statements’
After you’ve worked out your monthly income, the next step is to calculate how much you’re spending on a regular basis. Nationwide explains: “Some like to go through their paper statements, others prefer spreadsheets and some like to keep it within an app. It’s up to you as long as you’re able to be as accurate as possible.”
It’s crucial to record all aspects of your expenditure, including:
- Rent (or mortgage)
- Bills
- Subscriptions
- Eating out spending
- Impulse buys.
50-30-20 rule
Nationwide suggests the 50-30-20 rule as a “great way to plan out your spending”. The principle involves allocating:.
- 50% on musts – your fixed outgoings and essential living expenses
- 30% on wants – your day-to-day spending and things you enjoy
- 20% on savings or debt – paying more than your minimum payments or putting some money into a savings account, or into ISAs or investments.
For instance, if your after-tax income is £1,500 a month, you could divide this into £750 on your musts, £450 on your wants and £300 on contributing to your savings or clearing debts.
