UK Consumers Say They Are Confident With Money, Yet Hidden Anxiety and Gender Divides Tell a Different Story. AI Can Help Bridge the Gap

Young Britons say they feel confident managing their money, yet financial stress runs deep. A new study from Cleo, the world’s first AI financial assistant, uncovers a clear contradiction: 89% of UK adults aged 28 to 40 feel confident about their finances, but nearly one in four say they face significant money anxiety. The data also exposes a clear gender gap with women saving almost exactly one third less of what men do on average.

The study* which surveyed 10,000 adults aged 28-40 across the UK and US, shows that while many are struggling, they are eager for change. Eighty percent of Britons believe they could improve their financial knowledge, pointing to a need for education and tools that help people understand how money works in an economy that feels unpredictable.

“It is not that this generation is bad with money, but they are dealing with a financial system that feels unpredictable,” said Barney Hussey-Yeo, Founder and CEO of Cleo. People know the basics, but rising costs and economic swings make it hard to feel in control. That’s where AI tools, used responsibly, can help build stability and trust.”

Women Face a Steeper Climb
Cleo’s data highlights a persistent gender gap in savings and financial satisfaction where disparity isn’t just financial, it’s emotional.

UK women save an average of £277 per month, compared to £411 for men — a 33% gender gap. And almost 14% of women report saving nothing each month, versus 7% of men.
Only 41% of women feel satisfied with their savings levels, compared to 57% of men.
Women report higher anxiety levels and greater pressure around unpredictable outgoings like inflation.

Factors not Facts, Drive Financial Stress
The study shows that money anxiety among young adults stems from unpredictability and behavioural pressures, not simple facts and figures around financial literacy.

Amongst UK respondents 46% cite unpredictable costs as their biggest challenge in managing finances with 40% indicating that balancing short-term spending with long-term savings is their hardest task.
Almost 40% say they struggle with self-discipline, highlighting an opportunity for tools that support better habits. In fact, 64% of Britons said they are comfortable with AI advising on disposable income.

“The future of financial wellbeing will depend on technology that learns from people’s behaviour and helps educate and empower them, not tools that simply tell them what to do,” added Hussey-Yeo. “By addressing this confidence and anxiety gap, Cleo can help reduce the emotional weight of managing money and give users a clearer picture of their financial lives.”