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In a new survey of 1,500 Brits aged 30 or over, Compare the Market reveals which milestones we think are most important when it comes to reaching happiness and fulfilment. With the rising cost of living it is no surprise that over 3 in 4 people put financial security first.
Survey reveals ‘financial security’ is key to life satisfaction for 76% of Brits
Top 5 most important milestones
Rank | Milestone | % that say the milestone is important for fulfillment |
1 | Feeling financially secure | 76% |
2 | Finding the one | 75% |
3 | Buying a first home | 73% |
4 | Moving into a forever home | 73% |
5 | Getting a good job | 73% |
Other findings
- Financial security (76%) tops other significant milestones such as having children (71%) and getting married (64%).
- Glaswegians are the most content, with 74% agreeing they are happy with the life choices they have made so far.
- While 38 is the average age people get married, Brits expected to get married by 26 when they were younger with over half (52%) of women admitting they thought they’d be married by 25.
Top tips on how to manage financial anxiety
- Look after your physical and mental health. Getting out every day for exercise and fresh air and keeping a regular routine will help. Cutting down on vices like excessive alcohol drinking can also be beneficial if you’re having trouble sleeping at night and generally feeling low and anxious.
- Be open and honest with your friends and family. We all know the saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ but the reason we all know it is because it’s true. So, find a trusted friend or family member, make a cup of tea and sit down and chat with them. As friends, they are unlikely to judge you and as soon as you have spoken about what’s worrying you, chances are that you will feel better.
- Build an emergency savings fund. Life is unpredictable, we never know what’s around the corner, but by having a little nest egg hidden away somewhere paying interest at least you know you have something to fall back on should the worst happen. Aim for between three and six months of your salary and put it in a savings account paying the highest rate of interest you can find.
- Keep on track of your spending (and saving) with a budget. Not knowing where money is going is what causes a great deal of anxiety when it comes to our finances. You don’t have to write it all down either, there’s a multitude of apps available where you can track your spending and set a budget. It’s also worth setting a reminder to regularly check your credit score to make sure there’s nothing untoward there.
