Around five million young adults in the UK are avoiding checking their bills because of anxiety about money, according to research from OneFamily.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults aged 18 to 40 found that seven in 10 (70%) have put off opening bills or financial statements.
Among those who have avoided doing so, more than a third (36%) said it was because they feel anxious at the thought of checking, equivalent to around 5.3 million people nationwide.
A further 27% said reviewing their finances makes them feel sad.
The research also identified a notable gender gap.
Women were more likely to report anxiety when dealing with their finances, with 41% of women who had avoided checking bills citing stress as the reason, compared with 30% of men.
The findings come against a backdrop of continued cost pressures.
Nearly two thirds (65%) of adults reported an increase in living costs in September 2025 compared with the previous month.
Jim Islam, CEO of OneFamily, said: “Young adults are feeling the squeeze, and it’s understandable that this is causing worry and concern.
“But while it’s important to acknowledge these challenges, we must also stay optimistic about building a more secure future for everyone.
“These findings highlight the urgent need to help individuals feel confident in managing their finances. With continued innovation, access to the right tools and better education, there is a real opportunity to help people feel empowered by their money, not overwhelmed by it.
“It’s vital that people don’t shy away from their budgets and bills, and the industry must ensure their services are accessible to help people navigate their everyday financial decisions in difficult times.”
