SJP Financial Health Report 2026
Our 2026 Financial Health Report*, presents a mixed picture of the nation’s finances in a difficult economic climate.
Many households have seen a decline in their financial health over the past 12 months as cost of living pressures continue to bite. One in three people (34%) report their finances have worsened, a rise on the 31% who reported the same last year. One in five (21%) say they are struggling financially.
But those with a financial plan are three times more likely to say their financial situation has improved. While seven in 10 say having a plan makes them feel more confident about their future finances. In real terms, of those households surveyed who had a financial plan in place were £87,000 better off, on average.
The report, now in its fifth year, also shows where people are investing for the long term their levels of financial resilience are among the highest.
“While external conditions matter, the steps people take can materially improve outcomes. Regardless of income or age, those who engage with their finances through planning, investing and advice are consistently better equipped to navigate uncertainty, build resilience and feel in control of their future.”
Mark FitzPatrick,Chief Executive Officer
Key insights from the 2026 report
“As this report shows, stronger financial outcomes are not driven by single decisions, but by sustained engagement over time. Making conversations around money more open and inclusive, and financial planning more relevant and accessible, is essential.”
Alexandra Loydon,Group Advice Director, St. James’s Place
Your financial wellbeing starts here
With so many people feeling uncertain, now is the time to take control. What does financial wellbeing look like?
Making the most of your money
Optimising savings, investments, and tax efficiencies.
Being prepared for the unexpected
Building an emergency fund and managing risk.
Feeling confident and informed
Having the knowledge to make sound financial decisions.
Planning for the long term
Aiming for a secure future through pensions and investment strategies.
Women and Wealth Report 2026
Women are earning, creating, and inheriting more wealth than at any time in history. Yet research, published by St. James’s Place*, reveals this is not being matched by greater confidence or engagement with long-term financial decisions.
Our Women and Wealth Report 2026 shows while women take the lead on day-to-day household budgeting, they are less confident and engaged than men about managing long-term finances. They’re less likely to have received financial advice or have a financial plan. Women are also more likely to be struggling financially.
The report examines the financial impact, including lost years of pension savings, of career breaks, which disproportionately affect women. Almost one in five women (19%) say they feel less financially secure after a career break.
But despite these challenges the research points to a shift among younger women, which could be cause for optimism. More than four in 10 women aged 18 to 34 has a financial plan, while more younger women are investing.
Key insights
“While women are highly involved in managing day-to-day household finances, they are still less likely than men to engage with longer-term financial decisions. These gaps are not simply the result of individual choices. They are shaped by the realities of women’s lives. Career breaks, caring responsibilities and financial roles within relationships. But they can have lasting implications, particularly for long-term savings and pension outcomes.”
Claire Trott,Head of Advice, St. James's Place
*St. James's Place surveyed 6,000 UK adults nationwide between 17th March and 9th April 2026. Quotas and post-weighting were applied to the sample to make the dataset representative of the UK adult population.
Previous years’ research was also conducted by Opinium:
- Among 6,000 UK adults in two polls between 23rd December 2024 and 17th February 2025
- Among 6000 UK adults between 16th – 25th October 2023
- Among 4,000 UK adults between 17th – 21st October 2022
- Among 4.000 UK adults between 25th October – 2nd November 2021.
Quotas and post-weighting were applied to the sample to make the dataset representative of the UK adult population.
The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.