TSB tips for families, as almost a third of Brits feeling uncertain about the next six months ahead

• Over two fifths of Brits expecting to have more outgoing payments in the next six months
• Over a third have overspent on subscriptions
• However, TSB finds marginal improvement in overall household confidence and almost three fifths said they talked openly about their finances with family & friends
• One in seven don’t check for best utility rates, and almost two fifths have never switched to a better deal
• TSB highlights support and solutions available for family finances, and shares expert advice

Almost a third (32%)¹ of Brits are feeling uncertain² about the next six months ahead, as almost a quarter (23%) report their finances are uncomfortable³, TSB finds, despite signs of an improving picture.

In addition, over two fifths (42%) said they expected to spend more in the next six months; with six in 10 (60%) saying that utility bills are expected to be the biggest outgoing, followed by groceries (57%), and holidays (38%).

However, TSB found slightly improving confidence⁴ with marginal increases in those feeling comfortable – up three percent to almost a half (47%).

Britain’s household & family finance management

TSB also polled Brits on their bill management and budgeting habits – and found that over half (56%) of respondents do not have a budget in place.

Encouragingly, almost three fifths (57%) said they talked openly⁵ about their finances with family & friends, although over two fifths (43%) said they did not⁶.

Subscriptions

TSB found that over three fifths (61%) of Brits have a subscription – and the mean spend is £61 a month. Over a third (34%) said they had overspent on subscriptions⁷, while over one in six (17%) said they had never reviewed, nor cancelled one.

Utilities

One in seven (14%) respondents said they never check alternative energy, broadband or utility rates to potentially get a better deal. And almost two fifths (38%) of respondents who pay for their providers have never switched a utility to a more competitive offer.

Action & Advice

TSB is sharing important household budgeting advice to raise awareness of the steps available to help boost Money Confidence.

TSB is also highlighting the support that is available to struggling households – such as Lighting Reach⁸, which has facilitated over £14m of grants to people across the UK, and an average payout of £525 to TSB customers.

In addition, ApTap⁹ can make utility switching easy – and TSB customers saved an average of £159 on broadband, and £146 on energy last year using the service.

Keely Newman, Head of Customer Outcomes and Vulnerability, TSB, said:

“Despite some positive signs that confidence is improving, a significant number of people across the UK are still concerned about making ends meet.

“There are steps people can take that really add up to their family finances – such as monitoring your account for unused subscriptions, and shopping around for the best utility deal. And for struggling households – do talk to your bank to hear the support measures that are out there.”

Notes to editors

^{1 TSB via Censuswide. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents (aged 16+). The data was collected between 14.04.2025 and 16.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.}

^{2 ‘Not particularly confident’ and ‘Not at all confident’ answers combined.}

^{3 ‘Somewhat uncomfortable’ and ‘Very uncomfortable’ answers combined.}

^{4 The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents (aged 16+). The data was collected between 14.04.2025 and 16.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.}

^{5 ‘Open’ and ‘Very open’ answers combined.}

^{6 ‘Not very open’ and ‘Not open at all’ answers combined.} 

^{7 ‘Agree’ and ‘Strongly agree’ answers combined.}  

^{8 Lightning Reach is available to TSB customers online and via TSB Mobile App, and via Lightning Reach’s portal directly.}

^{9 TSB is an introducer to ApTap where customer accounts can be synched via Open Banking to help find the best utility deals}

Household & Family Money Confidence Advice from TSB’s Keely Newman:

 Practical tips to manage debt:

• Mortgages – Review your mortgages regularly, using an expert, as this will ensure you are taking advantage of the best rates. It’s also worth reviewing whether you are in a position to pay more each month, as this helps reduce your interest payments and takes you closer to one day becoming mortgage free. If you are struggling with debt and budgeting, or you’ve had some unexpected costs, many lenders offer repayment holidays to give you a break (although this means you will pay more interest over the course of your mortgage term).
• Subscriptions – If you aren’t using them, cancel them. They may seem small amounts, but if you aren’t getting value for money, they soon add up and could save £100s over the year.
• Utilities – Shopping around means you can always consider the best deals on offer to help cut down your household expenses. Comparison sites can do the hard work for you, or you can even talk to your existing provider to review your package and make sure it still meets your needs. Bill switching services, such as ApTap can also help you find the best deal.
• Free debt advice – Anyone can find themselves struggling financially but there is a huge amount of free impartial advice out there to help navigate your options and work with your creditors to reach affordable solutions. Sadly, we see some customers paying for advice and this is an expense they could do without.
• Eligible grants – Consider whether there are grants and payments you’re entitled to. For instance, StepChange has an online benefits calculator and at TSB, our partner Lightning Reach can tell you if you’re eligible for a grant in just a few clicks.
• And finally, build up emergency funds – It really pays to create a savings pot that acts as a safety buffer to ensure you’ve always got some funds to fall back on – be it for emergencies, or big purchases. Many banks offer Savings Pots to help make it easier to save a little, and often. 
• Debt consolidation. Firstly, take control of your debts. Having multiple lenders at different interest rates can cause confusion and you may be paying more than you need to.  Talk to your bank about options  to consolidate your finances into one monthly payment, which will give you a clear goal with a set end date.
• Make a plan. Use a spreadsheet, or a budgeting app to record income and outgoings, and what you’re saving for or looking to pay off. Update this monthly, and reflect on the previous month to help you stick to the plan. 
• Talk to someone. If you’re feeling out of control, speak with your bank to put in place a manageable payment plan. For hard to beat debt, help is out there with brilliant charities such as StepChange and Citizens Advice.

Methodology:

• The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents (aged 16+). The data was collected between 14.04.2025 and 16.04.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.