(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Brits spend 20 hours a month talking about money, making personal finance the nation's number one topic of conversation ahead of the Budget.
Household bills, spending habits and savings are among the issues dominating discussions, with people dedicating a further 15 hours every month to talking about the wider economy.
But the figures also reveal the toll money worries are taking, with one in four adults (25%) worrying about their household finances every day.
More than six in ten (61%) feel anxious about money at least once a week, while more than two thirds (68%) say financial concerns keep them awake at night, according to research from Utility Warehouse.
The findings come as households await the Chancellor's Budget announcements later this month, with millions hoping for clarity on what changes could mean for their wages, savings and monthly outgoings.
Brits spend 90 minutes a week managing their money
Keeping on top of household finances has become a regular part of everyday life, with the average Brit spending an hour and a half a week on financial admin.
That includes checking bank balances, paying bills and moving money between accounts, as well as keeping an eye on energy costs.
The research found that:
- 66% regularly check their bank balances.
- 61% spend time paying household bills.
- 51% move money between accounts.
- 37% monitor their monthly energy bills.
With household budgets under pressure, these routine tasks can be an important way for people to track where their money is going and spot potential savings.
Gen Z turn to banking apps and AI to manage money
Younger adults are increasingly using digital tools to keep tabs on their finances, with Gen Z more likely to turn to banking apps and artificial intelligence.
More than half (53%) of Gen Z respondents use banking apps to monitor their money, while 14% use AI.
Older generations, meanwhile, are more likely to check their bank accounts regularly, with 66% doing so, or write down their spending in a notebook, a habit reported by 18%.
Despite embracing digital tools, younger adults are not immune to financial pressures.
While 36% of Gen Z respondents said they had a clear budget to track their spending, 11% admitted they often struggled to stay on top of their finances.
More than one in five (21%) said they had dipped into their savings to cover everyday spending.
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Money worries keep households awake at night
The findings highlight how financial concerns extend beyond balancing the books, with many adults worrying about their finances on a regular basis. One in four respondents said they worried about household finances every day, while 61% experienced anxiety about money at least once a week.
The fact that 68% said money concerns kept them awake at night also points to the wider impact of financial pressures on everyday life.
With bills, savings and spending all competing for attention, the run-up to the Budget is likely to bring renewed focus on household finances.
The research was released by Utility Warehouse as part of its Chancellor of the Home campaign, fronted by brand ambassador Cat Deeley.