One in five UK adults are no longer putting any money aside each month, according to new research from The Exeter, raising concerns about household financial resilience.
New data from The Exeter’s Consumer Health and Finance Tracker shows the proportion of UK adults saving nothing each month has increased from 14% in 2025 to 21% this year, leaving many households potentially vulnerable if illness or injury prevents them from working.
The research also found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of adults save less than £500 a month, while 37% say they feel less financially secure than they did six months ago. Within this group, 21% said they feel substantially less secure.
The findings suggest that even among those who are able to save regularly, concerns about financial wellbeing remain widespread.
YOUNGER ADULTS SAVE MORE BUT WORRY MORE
Adults aged 25 to 34 were found to save more than any other age group, setting aside an average of £447 each month. However, despite these higher savings levels, almost a quarter (24%) said their financial situation had negatively affected their mental health, the highest proportion among all age groups surveyed.
The Exeter said the findings indicate that higher levels of saving are not necessarily translating into greater confidence about financial security.
MID-LIFE HOUSEHOLDS FEEL THE PRESSURE
Those aged 45 to 54 reported some of the greatest financial pressures. More than two-fifths (41%) said they felt less financially secure than six months ago, while 26% reported saving nothing each month.
The insurer suggested that many people in this age bracket may be experiencing the financial demands associated with supporting both children and ageing parents, often referred to as the “sandwich generation”.
FINANCIAL ANXIETY CUTS ACROSS DIFFERENT SAVINGS LEVELS
The research found little difference in feelings of financial insecurity between younger adults who save relatively large amounts and older adults who save little or nothing.
Among both the 25 to 34 age group and the 45 to 54 age group, 21% described themselves as feeling substantially less financially secure than they did six months ago.
Jamie Page, head of protection distribution at The Exeter, said: “The number of adults saving nothing each month has seen an increase, and yet financial concern is also running just as high among those who are saving regularly.
“For young people in particular, the way this is manifesting in their mental health and wellbeing speaks to how deeply uncertain many households feel about their finances right now.
“When saving isn’t providing a feeling of security at both ends of the scale, it should prompt questions about what would happen if income were to suddenly stop altogether.
“The current savings picture suggests many households are more exposed than they realise, and it has never been more important for people to consider how they would protect their income if the unexpected happened.”
The findings come amid continued pressure on household finances and highlight the challenge facing many consumers in building meaningful financial buffers, even where regular saving remains possible.
