A global survey suggests consumers' thrifty spending habits during the recession may last long after the economic downturn has ended.
Five hundred New Zealanders were among those questioned as part of a world-wide Nielsen poll of 25,140 people.
Two-thirds of respondents said they were spending less on fast food and 40% said they would continue doing so even when the recession was over.
More than half of the New Zealanders questioned said they preferred a night at home over a night on the town, and 20% said that would not change when the tough times ended.
People have also altered their spending habits with groceries, new clothes and electricity and many say the change is permanent.
However, far fewer people are willing to cut back on holidays and only 19% said they would write off their annual break altogether.
