SJP Financial Health Report 2026
Our 2026 Financial Health Report, carried out by Opinium* on our behalf, 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.
*Opinium, on behalf of 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.