5 million young adults avoid checking bills due to money anxiety
13th November 2025- Seven in ten UK adults aged 18-40 (70%) have put off looking at their bills or financial statements
- More than a third (36%) who have done this say it’s because they feel anxious at the thought of checking them – equivalent to around 5.3 million people
- There’s a significant gender gap, as 41% of women who have avoided looking at bills say this is because they feel anxious when dealing with money compared with 30% of men
Millions of young adults are avoiding checking their bills because it makes them anxious, according to new research from lifetime ISA provider OneFamily.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults aged 18 to 40 found that seven in ten (70%) have avoided opening their bills or statements. More than a third (36%) who have done this say it’s because they feel anxious at the thought of checking them – equivalent to around 5.3 million people. While over a quarter (27%) said it’s because it makes them feel sad.
The research also found a significant gender gap. Women are more likely to feel stress when looking at their finances, with 41% who have avoided looking at them saying that going over their statements causes anxiety, compared to 30% of men.
The findings come at a time where prices continue to rise, with more than two thirds (65%) of adults report an increase in living costs in September 2025, compared to the previous month.
Jim Islam, CEO of OneFamily, said: “Young adults are feeling the squeeze, and it’s understandable that this is causing worry and concern. But while it’s important to acknowledge these challenges, we must also stay optimistic about building a more secure future for everyone.
“These findings highlight the urgent need to help individuals feel confident in managing their finances. With continued innovation, access to the right tools and better education, there is a real opportunity to help people feel empowered by their money, not overwhelmed by it. It’s vital that people don’t shy away from their budgets and bills, and the industry must ensure their services are accessible to help people navigate their everyday financial decisions in difficult times.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
Unless otherwise stated, all research was conducted by Opinium on behalf of OneFamily between 30th September to 10th October 2025, among a sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 18 to 40, weighted to be nationally representative.
Seven in 10 (70%) young adults, equivalent to 14,626,920, at least rarely avoid looking at or regularly checking their bills or financial statements.
More than a third (36%), equivalent to 5,278,184, who have avoided this say it’s because they feel anxious at the thought of checking them.
All population figures have been calculated based on mid-year 2024 population figures there are 20,821,238 UK adults aged 18-40. All calculations made will be made available upon request: Estimates of the population for the UK, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – Office for National Statistics
External References
Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances, 3 to 28 September 2025, Office for National Statistics. Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances – Office for National Statistics
“Over two-thirds (65%) of adults reporting a rise in living costs in September 2025, according to ONS data”
For more information please contact:
Nicola Gwyer – [email protected]
Tel: 07718 123 838
Amelia Duck – [email protected]
Tel: 07720 091 722
About OneFamily
As a mutual, we’re owned exclusively by our members, for our members. Rather than serving shareholders, we can continually reinvest our profits to provide even better products, services and added benefits.
We’ve over half a century of expertise, with over £5 billion in funds under management. As the UK’s largest child trust fund provider, and with a growing family of ISA and lifetime ISA members, we’ve helped over 2 million customers to reach their financial goals.
And in 2022, OneFamily extended the family with the acquisition of digital life insurance brand Beagle Street. Now, not only do we help people grow their money – we help them protect it too.
Inspiring Better Futures
We’re dedicated to inspiring better financial futures for our customers, colleagues and communities.
Through our charity partnerships, volunteering and fundraising, we’re able to make a difference to those who need it most.
For more information on how we support our members and communities see:
Young Persons Education Grants | Membership | OneFamily