Brits are losing sleep over money worries - how to get support

Money worries are hitting people hard across the UK. New research from financial education charity Money Ready shows how much stress people are feeling and how it affects their day‑to‑day lives. 

The study reveals that 39% of people feel anxious when they think about money. Money worries are affecting sleep, relationships and major life choices.  

Here’s what people reported: 

• 21% say money worries keep them up at night. 

• 15% say it’s caused issues with their partner. 

• 14% say they’ve pulled back from friends or social activities because of stress. 

• 21% admit they’ve made panic‑driven financial decisions, including taking on debt just to deal with immediate money pressure. 

Why this is happening 

The research highlights that financial stress isn’t always about the amount of money someone has; it’s also about confidence and knowledge. 

Many people want to understand their finances better but feel stuck: 

• 24% say learning about money feels overwhelming. 

• 20% don’t know where to start. 

• 13% feel too scared to look at their own finances. 

The charity’s wider findings show that financial confusion can cost people hundreds of pounds a year through missed opportunities, late decisions or choosing products that aren’t right for them. 

How to get support if you’re struggling with money worries  

While the findings are worrying, they also show something important: many people across the UK feel this way, and there is help out there that’s free, confidential and easy to access. 

If you’re worried about bills: 

• You can get help with household bills, such as energy and water bills by contacting your supplier in the first instance; they offer flexible payment plans and even hardship funds if you’re struggling.  

• Local councils often have support schemes for people facing money issues, and this can include council tax reductions, or access to hardship funds.  

• Don’t forget to check if you’re claiming all the support you’re eligible for; there are plenty of free benefits calculators out there that can tell you what you're entitled to within minutes.

• Here at thinkmoney, we have a comprehensive cost of living hub which can point you to resources to help with household bills and everyday expenses more generally.

If you’re worried about debt: 

• Free, non‑judgemental help is available from organisations such as MoneyWellness and Citizens Advice.  

• A debt adviser can help you make a plan, understand your options and feel more in control. 

If you want to understand your money better: 

• Money Ready’s Cost of Not Knowing campaign offers simple tools and guidance to help people build confidence and avoid costly mistakes.  

• The Open University has lots of free courses on the topic of Money & Business, including courses about retirement planning, managing personal investments, and managing your money more generally as a young adult

Key takeaways

• 39% of people feel anxious about money, showing how widespread financial stress has become.

• Money worries are affecting daily life, with people losing sleep, arguing with partners and withdrawing socially.

• One in five have made panic‑driven decisions, including taking on debt to cope with stress.

• Many feel stuck because learning about money feels overwhelming, confusing or scary.

• Free support is available for bills, debt and building money confidence through trusted organisations and financial education tools.