Brits are skipping meals, turning off the heating, and even falling ill as the cost-of-living crisis takes its toll, a shocking new survey by Quids in! magazine has revealed
Quids in! Readers have painted a grim picture of life for lower-income households, with thousands skipping meals, turning off the heating and feeling unwell. 40.6% of readers feel scared, worried or sad about money with more than a quarter struggling to pay bills. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard.
The results
Unemployed due to illness or disability
Readers who cannot work due to illness or disability are struggling the most. One in five say that they have big money problems. To save money, more than half are skipping meals (54%) and turning off the heating even when it’s cold (56%).
Most (61%) feel anxious about money with 38% saying money stress had made them sick.
Working people
The numbers aren’t much better for working people, with one in six struggling with big money problems. 37% skipping meals and 48% turning off the heating. One in five have used a food bank compared to a third (34%) of those who cannot work.
Older people
Older people were generally doing better than everyone else. The numbers struggling to maintain healthy habits were less than half of those of the worse off groups.
Still, 21% skipped meals, 34% went cold, and 26% felt anxious about money.
Coping
To cope, one in five (19.3%) of readers had to use a food bank. Some (15.6%) have argued with family or friends about money.
People are cutting back. Almost one in ten (9.2%) have cancelled home contents insurance. Some (7.2%) have stopped paying for broadband. Many (44.8%) have missed social events to save money.
Taking Control
Readers, though, are making changes. Half are using less energy to cut bills. One in five have changed suppliers. Many have searched online for money advice.
The good news is that Quids in! is playing its part. Of those who receive the magazine, our emails or guides, more than half (53%) found it useful all the time or often.
A further 38% said it was sometimes helpful. In turn, this led to one in five (20%) taking action on advice they had read and almost a third (30%) thinking more carefully about their finances.
Crucially, where money worries can feel so isolating, our magazines, emails or guides helped over a third (36%) feel less alone.
Image: SrideeStudio / Shutterstock
