• Over eight in ten (83%) adults say the world feels more uncertain than it did a few years ago, and six in ten (59%) feel less confident about their future finances due to changes happening in the UK.
  • Many are considering taking financial action as a result, with almost a quarter (23%) saying this uncertainty has made them more likely to put money in cash over investments and a fifth (19%) are considering delaying their retirement.
  • Some are taking positive steps, with almost half (48%) more likely to build up additional savings while a fifth (18%) are considering seeking financial advice.
  • Standard Life shares tips on how to feel more confident about your future finances in an uncertain world.

The year may have only just begun, but for many people it already feels a lot to take in. From global tensions to the ongoing squeeze on household budgets, it’s no wonder confidence feels fragile - and new research from Standard Life’s Retirement Voice report highlights just how widespread that feeling has become. More than eight in ten (83%) say the world is becoming more uncertain – and that sense of instability is starting to shape how people think about their money and their future1.

The impact on personal finances is clear. Six in ten (59%) adults say ongoing change in the UK over recent years has made them feel less certain about their future finances, while 57% say global developments have added to that unease.

Cost pressures are at the forefront of people’s minds. Almost all UK adults (94%) say they are at least somewhat worried about inflation and rising prices, while 91% cite concerns around energy costs. Meanwhile, an additional eight in ten (83%) say they are worried about potential tax rises, and concerns also remain around interest rate increases (68%) and trade tariffs (65%).

Uncertainty is influencing financial decision making

This uncertainty is prompting individuals to consider making big financial decisions. Nearly a quarter (23%) say they are more likely to put money into cash savings rather than investments, while one in five (19%) say they are considering delaying their retirement. Among those aged 55-65, one in ten (11%) say they are more likely to take money out of their pension as a result.

Encouragingly, uncertainty is also prompting some positive action. Almost half (48%) say they are more likely to build up additional savings, and one in five (18%) are considering seeking financial advice to help them navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.

The relationship between a more uncertain environment and a greater focus on saving is also reflected in the increase in household savings levels since the pandemic.2 This was in large part driven by a lack of opportunity to spend during lockdown, and then by a desire for financial security amid economic instability. While this is positive, holding more money in cash doesn’t always mean people are better off in the long run, particularly when rising prices can erode its value.

Mike Ambery, Retirement Savings Director at Standard Life says: “When the world feels harder to read, it’s completely natural for people to question their financial plans. Our findings reflect that sense of unease, but it also shows something positive. Many people are using this moment to pause, reassess and take steps that give them a greater sense of control. Whether that’s building up savings, revisiting their retirement plans or simply checking in on where they stand, these small actions can make a meaningful difference over the long term.

“Uncertainty doesn’t mean standing still. If anything, it highlights the importance of understanding your options and making decisions that work for your circumstances. Taking time to seek advice or guidance, review your pension or think about what you want your future to look like can help people feel more confident, more prepared and better equipped for whatever comes next.”

Mike Ambery shares his top tips on how to feel more confident about your future finances in an uncertain world:

  1. Check in on your pension plans: “Taking some time to review your pension can help bring clarity about the future. Checking how much you have saved, whether your planned retirement age still feels right and that key details are up to date can make longer-term planning feel more manageable.
  2. Keep a long-term perspective: “Periods of uncertainty can make short-term decisions feel urgent, but pensions and retirement planning are long-term commitments. Reviewing where you are against your goals can help identify whether small, gradual changes may be more effective than sudden shifts.
  3. Understand your retirement options before acting: “There are different ways to take income from a pension, offering varying levels of flexibility and certainty. Understanding these options, and how they might work together, can help ensure decisions are based on personal circumstances rather than short-term concerns.
  4. Balance savings and investments: “Cash savings can play an important role in providing security and access for short-term needs, while investments typically offer greater potential for long-term growth, though with more risk. A balanced approach can help support both flexibility today and financial wellbeing in the future.
  5. Seek guidance or financial advice if you need it: “Free, impartial guidance can help people understand their options, while regulated financial advice can provide tailored support based on individual circumstances. If you’re able, taking advice can help you make informed decisions and feel more confident about your future finances, particularly during periods of uncertainty.”

-Ends-

Enquiries

Libby Hendry
Lansons
07929 730787
libbyh@lansons.com

James Merrick
Standard Life
07974 063067
james_merrick@standardlife.com

Notes to editors

1 - Retirement Voice 2025 | Standard Life
Research conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Standard Life in June 2025. In total 6000 participants took part in the online survey. Participants were aged 18-80 and were a mix of working, unemployed and retired people. Quotas and weights were used to ensure the respondents were representative of the UK general population on age, gender and region.

2 - Households’ finances and saving, UK - Office for National Statistics
 

About Standard Life

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