Self-indulgent men more likely than women to spend money on themselves

Research published yesterday indicates that men are likely to spend twice as much money on themselves as women.

Men enjoy buying themselves new clothes, shoes, CDs and DVDs, according to Morgan Stanley Consumer Banking.

During the three months to the end of July, 57 per cent of purchases made by men on their credit cards were purely self-indulgent, compared with just 37 per cent of women's. Men also spent an average of £324 on themselves, while women spent just £176 on personal treats.

Across both sexes, people spent an average of £255 on their credit cards treating themselves during the three months, four times more than the £66 they spent on items for their partners.

But while men spent more on themselves than women, they were also likely to spend more on their partners, parting with an average of £87 during the period, while women spent just £42 on their other halves.

People in the east of England led the way for self- indulgent shopping, spending £851 on themselves, although they spent only £70 on their partners, according to a survey of 2,000 customers last month.

The Welsh were the most disciplined when it came to treating themselves, spending an average of only £34 during the three-month period, while their partners had around £102 lavished on them.

Patrick Muir, marketing director at Morgan Stanley Consumer Banking Group, said: "Despite reports of a quiet month on the high street, our research shows that Britons, particularly men, are still finding time for the occasional self-indulgent purchase.

"Over the past few years we have observed a growing trend for the use of credit cards in making everyday purchases but they also remain a popular way for people to treat themselves before pay day."

A spokeswoman for the company said women were more likely to use the credit card for non-indulgent items, such as the weekly shopping.