The ‘money mummies’ are taking over purse strings

A NEW generation of “money mummies” is emerging as younger women take control of the family purse strings, according to a report.

The Bank of Scotland family savings report said that, in couples under the age of 45, women handled the majority (55 per cent) of everyday finances, such as bill payments.

The research found a link between female household financial planning and higher rates of saving. It said 87 per cent of Scottish households where women were in charge of long-term financial planning had some money put away, compared with 84 per cent of households where the man was responsible.

The report forecasts women will gain the overall “balance of power” in households across the UK by 2020.

Greg Coughlan, the bank’s head of savings, said: “This rise of a money matriarchy marks a shift in the balance of power in families and may have positive impacts for the economy.”