New TISA research reveals majority of UK consumers are finding it harder to save compared to a year ago
61% of UK consumers are finding it harder to save compared to this time last year, according to new research published today by the Investing and Saving Alliance (TISA).
The research, based on a nationally representative survey of UK adults, paints a clear picture of the financial strain many households are under as the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze finances.
Carol Knight, Chief Executive of TISA, said:
“This research shows that family budgets are under even tighter strain and the room to save keeps shrinking. In challenging economic times, every financial decision carries more weight, and being equipped to get those decisions right matters more than ever. Households are doing their best, but in many cases the odds are stacked against them without better support. Lifelong financial education and timely support can make a real difference to individuals by helping them feel more confident in navigating decisions and making the most of the options available to them.
“The Government has rightly recognised that financial education must be treated as a national priority, following its curriculum review. Now we must ensure it is delivered effectively both in schools and beyond. All should have the opportunity to develop the confidence and practice skills to manage money and protect themselves and their families from future financial pressures. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finally give financial education the attention it deserves.”
TISA’s research asked a representative sample whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement: ‘I find it harder to save now compared to this time last year.’
Responses revealed that the difficulty in saving is a nationwide issue, cutting across age, gender and region, with some demographics and areas feeling the strain more acutely than others:
- Adults aged 18–64 reported similar levels of strain, with between 62–67% either ‘strongly’ or ‘somewhat’ agreeing thatthey found it harder to save, while those aged 65+ have been less affected (49% net agree).
- Women (65% net agree) were more likely than men (57%) to report increased difficulty.
- Regionally, Yorkshire and the Humber (66% net agree), the North West and West Midlands (65%), and the South West (64%) reported the highest levels of difficulty, while the East Midlands (52%), London (55%) and the North East (57%) reported the lowest.
- The North West stands out for the high proportion of people (44%) who strongly agreed they are finding it harder to save — well above other regions (25–33%) — perhaps reflecting the greater intensity of the difficulties faced.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- This polling was carried out by Savanta, a market research consultancy based in London, on behalf of The Investing and Saving Alliance. Savanta surveyed 1994 UK adults online between August 15th and August 18th 2025. Data was weighted to be representative of all UK adults. The raw data sent is available upon request.
- Participants were asked to select one of the following options in response to the statement ‘I find it harder to save now compared to this time last year’:
- Strongly agree | Somewhat agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Somewhat disagree | Strongly disagree | I don’t know.
- The proportion of those agreeing (net) was calculated by adding together those who either “strongly” or “somewhat” agreed with the statement.
- TISA is a not-for-profit membership organisation committed to improving the financial wellbeing of all UK consumers by working collectively with the financial services industry to deliver solutions and champion innovation, for the benefit of people, our industry, and the nation.
- TISA has approximately 270 member firms involved in the supply and distribution of savings and investment products and associated services. Members include the UK’s major investment managers, retail banks, online platforms, insurance companies, pension providers, distributors, building societies, wealth managers, third party administrators, FinTechs, financial consultants, financial advisers, industry infrastructure providers and stockbrokers.