Overview
- An annual poll of 2,000 UK adults finds many intend to scrap unused subscriptions, curb takeaways and scale back nights out in 2026.
- Reported costs rose sharply year over year, with average monthly groceries up 14% to £355.66 and rent or mortgage payments up 24% to £657.58.
- Among those trimming budgets, 30% plan to prioritise investing and 19% aim to reach financial targets as quickly as possible.
- Respondents also flagged goals such as building emergency funds (28%), setting aside more for retirement (20%) and funding home improvements (18%).
- Despite the pressure, about four in ten say they are better off than a year ago, 57% expect further gains in 2026, and 32% invested in 2025 with 65% of those feeling more confident.