The reality gap between saving and spending habits is widening and women are the worst offenders, according to research from IFA Promotion.

It found 71 per cent of UK adults claim they cannot save more than they do now and a quarter are saving nothing.

Just 23 per cent of women believe they could save more, a drop on last year (28 per cent), compared to 37 per cent of men.

Two thirds of those who can't save more admit spending on unnecessary luxuries, while three out of ten women (28 per cent) get into debt to fund costly purchases.

About 54 per cent say they would not reduce unnecessary spending to save more.