Most UK Families Lack a Clear View of Their Finances

Most UK Families Lack a Clear View of Their Finances, New thisbank Guide Warns

• Many households hold multiple financial accounts without a clear overall view, contributing to avoidable financial stress.

• Simple steps such as automating savings and cancelling unused subscriptions can improve financial control.

• “For many households, financial stress is execrated by complexity. By taking a simple, step-by-step approach, people can implement structure and clarity in their everyday financial management.” said Chris Waring, CEO of thisbank.

 
thisbank, a bank built for everyday people, has published a new guide designed to help UK households take control of their finances through a simple, time-efficient “financial spring clean”.

The guidance comes amid growing evidence that many families hold multiple financial accounts without a clear overview of their overall financial position, contributing to confusion and avoidable financial stress.

Rather than relying on complex budgeting systems or spreadsheets, the guide focuses on practical, low-effort steps designed to help households feel more in control of their finances.
 
Start with a Clear Financial Picture
 
thisbank recommends beginning by reviewing all current financial accounts, including current accounts, savings accounts, and joint bill accounts. Many households discover forgotten or underused accounts, or uneven distribution of money across their finances. The aim is simply to understand what each household has and what each account does before making any changes.
 
People should be honest with themselves about their financial situation, and where they need talk to their financial providers, as they are there to support all clients and should be able to work with everyone’s specific requirements to find affordable options.
 
Keep Budgeting Simple and Flexible

A straightforward monthly snapshot of income and spending can help families identify patterns without unnecessary detail. Core spending categories include:

• Household bills
• Everyday expenses (food, transport, essentials)
• Lifestyle spending (meals out, entertainment, treats) – everyone needs a bit of money to enjoy life

 
Another way of looking at it is split each spending into ‘must do’, ‘nice to do’, and ‘discretionary’.  Presenting each person’s priorities visually makes them easier to understand, while ensuring that savings are set aside for the things that truly matter.

This approach can highlight where small adjustments may be possible, such as unused subscriptions or overlooked recurring costs.
 
Automate Savings for Long-Term Progress

thisbank highlights automation as one of the easiest ways to build consistent savings habits. Regular transfers into savings accounts help ensure money is set aside before it can be spent.
 
Many households also benefit from separating savings into “pots” for different goals, such as holidays, emergencies, or future purchases.

The guide also highlights the benefits of Cash ISAs, which allow savings to grow tax-efficiently, helping individuals keep more of the interest they earn.
 
Give Every Account a Purpose
 
Clear organisation helps improve financial control. thisbank suggests assigning specific roles to accounts, such as:

• Easy-access accounts for emergency or short-term needs
• Fixed-term accounts for longer-term savings goals with set interest rates

This clarity helps households better understand where their money is and what it is intended for.

Declutter Regular Payments

A financial “tidy-up” can uncover easy savings opportunities. This includes reviewing:

• Subscriptions and memberships
• Direct debits and standing orders
• Credit card fees and charges
• Accounts with variable interest rates

 
Even small adjustments can improve overall financial efficiency over time.
 
Maintain Light Ongoing Checks

Rather than major financial overhauls, thisbank recommends a simple review every few months to track balances, spending, and savings progress. This light-touch approach helps households stay organised without added pressure.