Rising costs put consumer’s ‘big purchases’ on ice

New research by Nationwide suggests 2026 will be a year for leisure and travel spending, despite more than half (54%) being concerned about the rising cost of living. Longer holiday and shorter breaks, festivals, concerts, experiences and wellness dominate the wish lists of more than four in ten (41%) consumers determined to treat themselves this…

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Debt charity experiences busiest days in more than a year

On the first Monday of the year, (5th January, 2026), StepChange Debt Charity had its busiest day in more than a year, as 800 clients went through debt advice, which is higher than any day in 2025. The charity has also seen nearly 100,000 people visit its website since the start of 2026. Almost 4,000…

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Record numbers seeked debt advice over Christmas and New Year

Free debt and money advice service, Money Wellness, has reported a significant rise in people seeking support over the festive period, highlighting growing financial pressures on households as they head into 2026. Between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, 6,083 people contacted Money Wellness for advice on managing debt – a 29% increase on last year.…

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Credit card borrowing rises at fastest annual rate in two years

Latest Bank of England data has shown that credit card borrowing rose at the fastest annual rate for almost two years in November. Net borrowing through credit cards was £1 billion, up from £700m in October 2025. Net borrowing of consumer credit by individuals increased to £2.1 billion in November from £1.7 billion in October.…

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Two thirds feel that the economy will worsen in 2026

5th January 2026 Consumer Collections | #economy

A KPMG survey has found that two-thirds of people believe the economy is worsening.  Despite almost no change in how households feel about their own finances throughout the past year, 2025 saw a steep decline in sentiment towards the economy. Entering 2026, the majority of people (56%) feel secure in their personal finances, a 1%…

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More than half of couples consider staying together for the sake of the finances

5th January 2026 Arrears and Recoveries | #finances

More than half of couples would consider staying together for the sake of the finances, with only 40% of people stating that they would never stay in a bad relationship for financial reasons, according to research by Opinium for Hargreaves Lansdown. The first Monday back to work after Christmas has been dubbed ‘Divorce Day,’ because…

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Households cut back on Christmas spending

Data from Vanquis’ Financial Wellbeing Index found that one in five households earning under £40,000 had planned to cut back on Christmas spending in 2025. Across all households, the Index revealed that people were most likely to trim back on treats like eating out and parties while doing their best to protect essentials such as…

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Personal insolvencies increase by 12%

Latest monthly figures from the Insolvency Service for England & Wales have indicated that personal insolvencies decreased by 12% in November 2025 to a total of 9,343 compared to the October 2025 figure of 10,612.  The Insolvency Service moved to a new case management system on 1st  November 2025. As a result, there was a…

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Six in ten say Christmas traditions’ under threat due to cost of living

More than six in ten (62%) parents believe a traditional Christmas is under threat due to the cost of living, with four in ten (40%) having to prioritise essential bills over festive spending, new research from Nationwide reveals. The poll of over 1,000 parents, done in partnership with charity Action for Children, also reveals that 42…

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Consumer confidence rises despite tax hikes

Consumer confidence improved in December, rising to minus 17 from minus 19, according to data. from GfK. The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last 12 months has increased by one point to -6. This is one point higher than December 2024. The forecast for personal finances over the next year is up one point to 2. This is an…

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‘Pay Per Plate Christmas’ as festive dinner cost hits £254

Rising costs are reshaping Christmas traditions, with a quarter of people (24%) now believing you should be able to charge guests for Christmas dinner, an emerging trend dubbed the Pay Per Plate Christmas.  Among 18 to 24 year olds, 42% say hosts should be allowed to charge, compared to 36% of 25 to 44 year…

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Third of consumers plan to spend more this Christmas

Around one in three consumers (30%) in the UK are planning to spend more this Christmas compared with last year, according to new Deloitte research. This is higher than the rest of Europe, where less than a quarter (23%) plan to spend more. In the UK, younger consumers aged 18-34 are nearly twice as likely…

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Scottish fintech programme to help ageing population financially prepare for later life 

FinTech Scotland is aiming to help address the growing link between people’s financial situation and their health in later life with the launch of a new initiative that will accelerate innovation through the development of new research, technologies, and services. The Finance and Health Lab will bring together financial services firms, fintechs, academia, government, health specialists,…

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