Overview
- A OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by Virgin Money identifies January as the peak month for money worries.
- Rising winter energy bills lead the list of concerns, followed by unexpected costs, festive debt, car expenses and credit card balances.
- Forty-three percent say they have lost sleep over finances, averaging three restless nights a week and up to three and a half hours lost on the worst nights.
- Sixteen percent struggle after holiday spending, with average cutbacks of about £212 needed over the first three months, prompting plans to trim non-essentials, seek discounts and delay big purchases.
- Money worries are affecting wellbeing, with 31% feeling stressed or anxious and 20% overwhelmed, as Virgin Money highlights trained branch teams supported by Mind and SAMH and invites customers to seek advice.