Two in five British adults expect their finances to worsen over the next year with energy bills driving concerns

26 August 2026

New research from StepChange Debt Charity has revealed growing concern about household finances, with millions of people worried about how they will cope as energy costs are expected to rise ahead of winter.

• Two in five (41%) British adults¹, equivalent of around 22 million people2, expect their finances to worsen over the next 12 months. 
• Three in five (60%) of those expecting their finances to worsen say it’s because of the general higher cost of living, and over half (55%) say it’s because of energy bills going up this winter. 
• More than two in five (42%) British adults worry about money often or all the time.
• This rises among younger adults, with over half (53%) of 25-34 year-olds saying they worry about money often or all the time.

These statistics come as Ofgem is expected to announce a rise in the energy price cap from October, before households have felt the full effect of July’s significant increase in energy bills due to recent hot weather.

To help people get ahead of potential financial pressures, StepChange Debt Charity has partnered with one of the UK’s leading digital banks, Monzo, through its "Debt shouldn't be the cost of living" campaign to share practical tips and support for anyone concerned about managing their money this autumn and winter. The tips feature in Monzo’s Book of Money, which is inspired by conversations the digital bank has had with its customers over the past ten years and the insights gained from its community. It covers topics such as budgeting, borrowing, property and pensions to demystify personal finance.

Together with Monzo, StepChange shares some practical tips:

• Create a payday routine: Set aside time each payday to review your finances, pay priority bills first, and plan for the weeks ahead. Banking apps like Monzo often have Salary Sorter tools to help divide up your spending, bills and savings to suit you. Having a regular routine can help you stay on top of spending and avoid unexpected shortfalls.
• Keep track of your money: Check your bank account regularly and update your monthly budget to reflect any changes in income or expenses. Free budgeting tools and templates on StepChange’s website can make it easier to see where your money is going.
• Review your household bills and subscriptions: Small savings can add up over time. Check for subscriptions you no longer use, compare deals when contracts end, and see if switching to Direct Debit could reduce the cost of some bills.
• Check you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to: Last year people identified a total almost £3 million using StepChange’s benefits calculator, use it today to see if there is any support you’re not already claiming.
• Build a rainy-day fund little by little: If saving feels difficult, start small. Many banking apps like Monzo allow you to round up everyday purchases and move the spare change into a savings account, helping you build an emergency cushion over time without noticing a big impact on your budget.
• Don’t wait to reach out for free and impartial advice: It’s never too early to seek support if you’re struggling with debt. StepChange’s non-judgemental advice is always available to walk you through your options for dealing with debt.

Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity, said:

“With the summer drawing to a close, and predictions that the energy price cap will rise again ahead of winter, many may be left feeling anxious about what the months ahead could mean for their finances. The cost of living has become one of the biggest drivers of debt problems among the people who come to us for help, but debt should not be an unavoidable consequence of rising costs.

“Taking practical steps now, whether that's reviewing household spending, checking eligibility for support or building small savings habits, can help improve financial resilience in the months ahead. If you are ever feeling worried about your money or struggling with debt, free and impartial advice is available from charities like StepChange. Seeking free, impartial advice early can make a real difference and help people regain control of their finances before problems escalate.”

Luke Enock, General Manager of Borrowing at Monzo, said:

“We know the rising cost of living is a source of anxiety for many households, but financial pressure shouldn’t have to turn into unmanageable debt. Having the right tools and support at hand can help people feel more confident and in control of their money. When customers can see their spending, savings and borrowing in one place, they can spot potential shortfalls earlier and make more informed decisions. Monzo is proud to support this campaign by StepChange to help people take practical steps to build their financial resilience.”

Notes to Editors

1. The research was conducted by Censuswide among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales, excluding Northern Ireland). Results have been compared across multiple survey waves, with fieldwork conducted between 20-23 December 2024 and 28 July-4 August 2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), is a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge, and adheres to both the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. For reporting purposes, percentages are based on all respondents unless otherwise stated, providing a snapshot of attitudes and experiences relating to money worries among adults across Great Britain
2. Case studies are available on request, please contact StepChange’s press office.