New research from Virgin Money has revealed Brits worry more about their finances in January than any other month of the year – with 29% concerned about the cost of winter’s higher energy bills and 26% feeling anxious about the difficulty of saving money.
The survey1 also found 24% of Brits worried about being caught out by unexpected expenses early in the year, while stress about clearing festive spending or holiday debt, and car-related costs were other top concerns, as well as feeling worried about credit card debt.
16% also admitted they find it difficult to balance the books following spending over the festive period, with many needing to reduce their spending by an average of £212 in the first three months to help get their finances back on track. This includes cutting back on non-essential items, keeping an eye out for discounts and special offers, and delaying bigger purchases until later in the year.
Meanwhile, 43% of Brits said they have lost sleep due to money worries, with those affected experiencing restlessness on an average of three nights per week in January and losing around three and a half hours of sleep during their worst night. Money worries are negatively impacting their daily lives too, with 31% of Brits admitting they feel stressed or anxious due to them, and 20% feeling overwhelmed.
Alina Jaffer, money expert at Virgin Money, said: “January can often be the time when money worries creep in and reality hits, particularly following an expensive festive period. Given many people get paid earlier in December to work around bank holidays, for some January can feel like the longest month of the year with the wait for pay day lingering on. Our research shows there is a lot of worry around finance at this time of year, and this type of stress can take its toll, with many even losing out on important sleep during this period.”
According to the research, 22% of Brits admitted hearing others discuss their financial concerns made them feel better about their own, helped them to realise they are not the only ones to face similar challenges and reassured them their feelings are normal.
When it comes to talking about money worries, 43% said they prefer a one-on-one chat with a trusted friend or family member and 23% revealed a conversation with a professional was helpful. However, while 26% of Brits prefer not to talk to anyone at all, over half (51%) of those open to discussing their concerns said their bank was helpful at dealing with their worries.
The research comes as Virgin Money continues to encourage people to take money worries off their minds this January. Its branch teams are trained with the support of mental health charity partners Mind Link opens in a new window and SAMH Link opens in a new window and are ready to have conversations with anyone who might be struggling or have questions.
As part of Nationwide, the bank has also confirmed all its branches will be staying put until at least 2030, due to the recent extension of its Branch Promise.
Alina Jaffer added: “Often, vocalising our feelings and worries can do the world of good. If you don’t feel you’ve got someone you can open up to, we have colleagues on hand to listen as we know that financial pressures can weigh heavily at this time of year. A good conversation can also add some perspective and a fresh view which could make all the difference.
“At Virgin Money our door is open for anyone who needs support, so take money worries off your mind and come and have a chat with one of our colleagues.”
BRITS’ TOP 10 MONEY WORRIES IN JANUARY
- Worry about higher energy bills in winter
- Difficulty saving any money
- Worry about unexpected expenses
- Stress about clearing festive spending or holiday debt
- Concern about car-related costs
- Worry about credit card debt
- Struggling to afford social activities after Christmas
- Struggling to pay household bills
- Concern about council tax payments
- Pressure to stick to New Year financial resolutions
Visit the Virgin Money Financial Wellbeing Hub Link opens in a new window for more practical tools, advice and support.
1 The survey was carried out by OnePoll in December 2025 with 2,000 UK adults.