Almost a third of Brits feeling uncertain about the next six months finds TSB

Almost a third (32%)¹ of Brits are feeling uncertain² about the next six months ahead, as almost a quarter (23%) report their finances are uncomfortable³, TSB finds, despite signs of an improving picture. 

In addition, according to TSB’s research, over two fifths (42%) said they expected to spend more in the next six months; with six in 10 (60%) saying that utility bills are expected to be the biggest outgoing, followed by groceries (57%), and holidays (38%). 

However, TSB found slightly improving confidence⁴ with marginal increases in those feeling comfortable – up three percent to almost a half (47%). 

Britain’s household & family finance management 

TSB also polled Brits on their bill management and budgeting habits – and found that over half (56%) of respondents do not have a budget in place. 

Encouragingly, almost three fifths (57%) said they talked openly⁵ about their finances with family & friends, although over two fifths (43%) said they did not⁶. 

Subscriptions 

TSB found that over three fifths (61%) of Brits have a subscription – and the mean spend is £61 a month. Over a third (34%) said they had overspent on subscriptions⁷, while over one in six (17%) said they had never reviewed, nor cancelled one.  

Utilities  

One in seven (14%) respondents said they never check alternative energy, broadband or utility rates to potentially get a better deal. And almost two fifths (38%) of respondents who pay for their providers have never switched a utility to a more competitive offer. 

Action & Advice 

TSB is sharing important household budgeting advice to raise awareness of the steps available to help boost Money Confidence.

TSB is also highlighting the support that is available to struggling households – such as Lighting Reach⁸, which has facilitated over £14m of grants to people across the UK, and an average payout of £525 to TSB customers.  

In addition,ApTap⁹ can make utility switching easy – and TSB customers saved an average of £159 on broadband, and £146 on energy last year using the service. 

Keely Newman, Head of Customer Outcomes and Vulnerability, TSB, said: 

“Despite some positive signs that confidence is improving, a significant number of people across the UK are still concerned about making ends meet.  

“There are steps people can take that really add up for their family finances – such as monitoring your account for unused subscriptions, and shopping around for the best utility deal. And for struggling households – do talk to your bank to hear the support measures that are out there.” 

Notes:

1. ^{TSB via Censuswide. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents (aged 16+). The data was collected between 14.04.2025 and 16.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.} 

^{2 ‘Not particularly confident’ and ‘Not at all confident’ answers combined.} 

^{3 ‘Somewhat uncomfortable’ and ‘Very uncomfortable’ answers combined.}  

^{4 The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents (aged 16+). The data was collected between 14.04.2025 and 16.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.} 

^{5 ‘Open’ and ‘Very open’ answers combined.}  

^{6 ‘Not very open’ and ‘Not open at all’ answers combined.}   

^{7 ‘Agree’ and ‘Strongly agree’ answers combined.}    

^{8 Lightning Reach is available to TSB customers online and via TSB Mobile App, and via Lightning Reach’s portal directly.} 

^{9 TSB is an introducer to ApTap where customer accounts can be synched via Open Banking to help find the best utility deals}