Debt charity polling reveals that twice as many Brits believe that their financial situation will get worse, rather than better, over the next 12 months.

Around one-in-three Brits (29%) think that their personal finances will get worse in the next year, while only 14% think that their situation will improve, according to the polling conducted by YouGov for StepChange.

Uncertainty in the wider economy was the top concern for 38% of people who said they thought they would be worse off, with issues like Brexit and international trade wars ongoing.

StepChange, the debt charity which was contacted by more than 330,000 people in the first six months of 2019, has launched a new campaign encouraging people to speak out about their debt problems.

The ‘We Hear You’ campaign targets those that are suffering under the weight of their financial problems in silence, urging them to reach out for free and confidential debt advice.

The polling shows a split in how people deal with money problems. Nearly two-fifths of respondents said that they would want to deal with financial difficulties privately, while 52% said that they would talk to their partner or family.

Men are more reluctant to share money concerns than women, with 42% preferring to deal with them privately compared with 34% of women.

Those who expressed a preference to act privately also showed more reluctance to discuss money with their partner or close family members, with 45% saying the never or rarely discussed the subject, compared to 30% of all respondents.

The poll also highlighted the different methods of support preferred by Brits, a third said they would be most comfortable with online advice, rising to 42% of under-50s. Others, meanwhile, prefer to seek face-to-face or telephone support.

Tom Fox, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner with Umbrella Insolvency, said: “Money is difficult to discuss, especially when we are struggling and occasionally with people that we love the most, but there are a range of different debt advice services out there and you will always be able to find a level of support that suits you. What matters is that you take the first step and reach out.”

For more information about personal insolvency solutions, speak to a member of the team today. Call: 0800 611 8888.