Money worries cause Brits 70 sleepless nights a year

Brits are suffering more than 70 sleepless nights a year over money worries, according to new research. The average person has almost six broken nights a month, adding up to more than 71 a year.

And it’s not just our sleep that is suffering – more than a quarter of people admit that money worries are wreaking havoc with relationships. Four in 10 said they have had serious arguments with their partner and one in 10 has fallen out with a family member and a friend.

But despite the worries, many people have an ‘ostrich’ approach to finance, according to a poll of 2000 people by inclusive bank Pockit. More than a third “spend more than they save” and admit they do not look at their bank statements because they know it will be bad news. One in five said they would be shocked if they knew how much they owed on credit cards and one in 10 does not know their overdraft limit.

Virraj Jatania (corr), Founder and CEO of Pockit, which calls itself the world’s “most inclusive” bank, said: “Sadly there are many people who struggle to make ends meet, either because they don’t earn enough or because they have lost track of their personal finances.

“In a climate where we know the value of the pound is dropping and the cost of basic living is going up, with shoppers being warned to expect more price rises, this is very worrying.”

The study found that six in 10 constantly worry about being able to meet the cost of unexpected bills like car repairs or home maintenance. A quarter confess they can’t make their wage packet last for the whole month, 22% say they can’t afford to socialise and 17% are unhappy they’re unable to treat or spoil their children.

A third of people said they had “lost track” of old bank accounts, such as accounts they took out as students. Less than a quarter know exactly how much money they have in their bank account at any given time and only 14% could say how much they owed on store cards and loans.

One in 10 has had to take on a second job to make ends meet and one in 20 has lost a job as a direct result of their money worries.

Top 10 money worries
1. Not being able to afford unexpected bills such as home repairs and car maintenance
2. Having to fork out for events like Christmas/birthdays
3. Being unable to make your wage packet last to the end of the month
4. You can’t afford to go out socially
5. Being able to afford basics such as utility bills
6. Being able to treat or spoil the children
7. Affording basic necessities like food and drink
8. You know you live beyond your means
9. You can’t afford to replace shoes and clothing
10. You spend your whole time in your overdraft