Research

In addition to these weighty tomes,
we have some fun 'top tens' for you: 

Top 10 baby names
Top 10 career choices
Top 10 role models

Our own research

You're welcome to check it out

We're interested in families – especially in parents' hopes for their children's future, how they manage to have enough for today but still save for tomorrow, what effect the current economic climate is having on their plans . . .

So, in the last few years, we've commissioned research to help us understand what's happening in society, and how it affects those with young children and grandchildren.

You're welcome to download the results, or pick out bits to illustrate your own articles – all we ask is that you credit your source.

Turning Seven - the Vanguard of the Trust Fund generation

September 2009

On 1 September 2009, the oldest members of the 'Child Trust Fund generation' turned seven and so were the first to receive the £250 top-up payment from the government.

To mark the occasion, The Children’s Mutual commissioned research into how the economic and societal changes of the past seven years have affected this generation, and how that may influence their attitude to money in the future. For example:

• Two-thirds of parents are optimistic that the current economic hardship is having a positive impact on their younger children. 
• Almost half (47%) of seven-year-olds have already saved up for something they want.
• 83% of UK parents now make their children ‘earn’ pocket money.

Turning Seven report
PDF , 506 KB (opens in a new window)

Young people and financial independence

February 2009

We turned the spotlight on young adults' perceptions of their own level of financial independence, i.e. their freedom from the need to rely on financial contributions and support from parents. For example:

• Only 6% of males and 9% of females aged between 18 and 25 feel that they are completely financially dependent on their parents.
• Having debts in the form of overdrafts, personal loans, and credit cards increases the sense of financial independence.
• Young people today increasingly feel that their parents have a duty to support them financially past the age of 18.

Young People and Financial Independence
PDF , 210 KB (opens in a new window)

2020 vision: the Trust Fund generation

January 2008

This report focuses on the future – the year 2020 and beyond when today’s babies and toddlers with Child Trust Funds will turn 18 and have unfettered access to the cash that has been invested. Some may have only a little – the basic sums provided by the government plus the accrued growth. But some could have quite a lot – we could be talking £30,000 if their mums and dads, grandparents or other kind souls have topped up the funds to the maximum allowed each year. They will be part of a unique generation in which the notion of saving has been inculcated from birth by the State and in which some at least will have the financial resources that were once the privilege of a very small elite.

2020 Vision: Trust Fund Generation
PDF , 372 KB (opens in a new window)

The Coming of Wage

October 2007

We highlight the attitudes towards money and the spending/saving habits of the current generation of children and young people. It is based on extensive qualitative research in the form of interviews and focus groups with teenagers, parents, students, graduates in their first 'proper' job and living away from home, and with young workers who have not taken the higher education route.

The Coming of Wage
PDF , 874 KB (opens in a new window)