43% of the UK adult population have worries about making ends meet each month, and four million of these start to worry within days of receiving their monthly pay check, according to the latest Disposable Income Index from Scottish Friendly.

A third of those surveyed – around 17 million UK adults – confess to overspending, despite trying to keep on top of their finances, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to make ends meet, the ISA provider claims.

Regionally, those in the East Midlands worry the least about their pay stretching to the end of the month, with 43% saying that they never worry about running out of money before pay day. The biggest worriers live in Northern Ireland and East Anglia, where 12% say they are concerned about their finances as soon as they are paid.

Calum Bennie, communications manager at Scottish Friendly, said: “Reckless spending and poor budgeting might account for some people falling slightly short of money before their pay day, but the real concern here are the swathes of people who live frugally enough, but are still struggling to manage their outgoings.

“Our report highlights a large proportion of people – almost one in five adults – are focused on paying off debts. Although commendable, it stands to reason that much of people’s disposable income is eaten up in this way. This is especially prevalent in the younger generations, where 21% of 18-24 year olds said that debt was their main financial concern.

“It can become a vicious cycle, where people struggle to pay off debts each month whilst trying to get through the month without borrowing more. For those that are able, putting money aside, even if it is just £10 a month, can help when they have a ‘budget blip’; ensuring that they have something tucked aside to help them over the hump.”