September is the worst month for money anxiety

24th September 2025

New research by Updraft has revealed that September is the worst month for money anxiety as September marks more than just the end of summer, but the start of the post-summer blues.

The data shows that 31% of people feel anxious, 21% regret overspending, and only a third say they feel motivated to fix their finances after overspending in the past couple of months.

The emotional fallout is also reflected online. Searches over the past quarter for ‘anxiety tips’ are up 85%, while ‘managing anxiety’ is up 18%, with September historically the point where searches surge after dipping in previous months. All the signs show that autumn is when money worries and mental strain collide.

Aseem Munshi, Founder of Updraft said “It’s striking that while many people feel anxious about their finances, far fewer feel motivated to take action which is why simple, achievable steps are so important. Overspending is often linked to seasonal habits, but the important thing is to address it before it spirals.”