One in four duplicate their Mum's spending or saving habits, according to Skipton.
New research from building society Skipton suggests that many people's spending habits might be inherited from their parents.
According to the poll, no fewer than 24 percent of Britons retain the "majority" of these habits from their mother, while 15 percent have largely the same habits as their father.
Interestingly, this total went down to just one in 50 when friends were concerned, suggesting that family ties are a stronger indicator of shared behaviour. However, Skipton warned that the apparent inherited nature of these habits should not give Britons free rein to spend as much as they like - and risk running up debts.
A KPMG survey warned this week that bankruptcies and other forms of personal insolvency would increase in number to 150,000 this year. Meanwhile, charity Credit Action has said that Britons' personal debt burden is approaching £1.5 trillion.
Jason Clarke, a spokesperson for Skipton, said: "A key part of managing your finances in the current climate is about taking responsibility and keeping track of your outgoings.
"Rather than looking at genetics or family traits and blaming your mum and dad for your spending habits, those who want to avoid a 'debt hangover' in the New Year should call in to one of our branches for a financial review to see how they could save money or make it work harder for them."
