The latest daily YouGov poll carried out for Financial Planning Week (22-28 November) found that many people are not sure they can make ends meet, given rising prices and possible interest rate rises forecast in 2011.
Particularly notable is that women are less confident than men: 46% of men are either "not that confident" or "not at all confident" in their outlook for next year, while the figure for women is 57%.
Age and marital status is also a factor in people's levels of confidence. The survey found that only 35% of 18-34-year-olds are not confident, compared to a massive 63% of those aged 45-54. Meanwhile 69% of people who are separated or divorced report they are not confident, compared to just 52% of those who are married.
Nick Cann, CEO of IFP commented: "Today's results are really interesting. Whether those in middle age are more concerned about possible mortgage rate rises or not, the fact remains that people's concerns about potential increases in the cost of living and interest rates needs to be looked at more carefully.
“This result certainly supports the demographic trends showing that this age group are having to consider supporting children into their twenties and ageing parents who are now living longer. Once again, this is a case of finding a trustworthy source to get help to understand whether a problem actually exists, and then to do something positive to minimise the risks ahead.”
