One in three adults have paid for a subscription they no longer use

The figures, released during the organisation’s flagship UK-wide annual campaign Talk Money Week (2-6 November), shine a light on the hidden impact of unused subscriptions on personal finances, as well as the importance of being open and honest about money.

The survey of more than 2,000 UK adults further reveals almost half (48%) of people have hidden or downplayed their spending from a partner or family member. When it comes to hiding the cost of purchases, gifts and presents comes top (40%), followed by clothes and fashion items (37%) and general online shopping (31%).

The good news though is that even simple actions can make a big difference. With this year’s theme, 'It All Counts', MaPS is encouraging people to take small, realistic steps to feel more in control of their money.

This could be checking a pension, starting a conversation about a money worry with someone you trust, or using a budget planner to keep on top of your expenses each month.

Zoe Burns-Shore, Executive Director for Customer Delivery at the Money and Pensions Service, said:

"Right now, many people across the UK are under financial pressure.

“Rising costs, unexpected expenses and wider economic uncertainty can make managing money feel overwhelming, but you are not alone and even small changes can make a big difference.

“Whether it’s making a budget, shopping around for a better deal on your bills, or cancelling that unused subscription, It All Counts.

“This Talk Money Week I would encourage everyone to take that first step towards feeling more confident and in control of their financial future.”

Carolyn Pearson, 61 years old, is self-employed and lives in Leeds. She turned to MoneyHelper, the free and impartial money and pensions guidance service operated by MaPS, when she realised she was getting in debt each month:

"In the past I would look at my online banking, set monthly goals and make a spreadsheet to see how much I needed to pay myself and how much I could afford to save.

“MoneyHelper's budget tracker took things to the next level because it shows all the hidden costs like travel insurance, house insurance, car insurance, car tax, car MOT and subscriptions. It showed me I was in the red each month, and so I needed to pay myself more money.”

Carolyn also used MoneyHelper to make some small changes towards saving:

"I clicked on an energy comparison site and renegotiated my tariff with Eon, slicing off £20 a month on my gas and electric bills. In total I'll probably save about £500 pounds a year.

“If I can inspire people to use the budget tracker then that’s great — I think it's a really empowering tool."

Actions of all sizes can help improve financial wellbeing over time. To show that It All Counts, MaPS has set out five simple steps people can take today to feel more confident and in control of their money.

MoneyHelperOpens in a new window, the free and impartial money and pensions guidance service operated by MaPS, has set out its top tips to help people save money on their energy bills ahead of the colder winter weather:

1. Review your energy bill regularly to make sure you're not overpaying and understand exactly what you're being charged for. Taking meter readings and submitting them to your supplier can help make sure your bills reflect what you've actually used, rather than estimated readings. It's also worth using comparison sites to shop around and see whether you could save money by switching to a better deal.
2. Check what you’re entitled to. If you’re struggling, or perhaps if your circumstances have changed, you may be eligible for extra financial support. To find out more about what you may be entitled to, try MoneyHelper’s free Benefits calculatorOpens in a new window.
3. Think about budgeting. Whether you’re living from one pay day to the next, or simply want a clearer picture of your finances, a budget is a good place to start. Use MoneyHelper’s free Budget PlannerOpens in a new window to see what is coming in and out of your account each month and identify savings.
4. Talking is important. The more openly we talk about money the more in control we feel. It is cliché, but a problem shared is a problem halved. For useful tips on how to start the conversation, check out the free and impartial information available on MoneyHelperOpens in a new window.
5. It All Counts. Taking the first step can often be the hardest, but no action is too small. Choose one manageable thing you can do today to feel more confident and in control of your money.

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• Talk Money WeekOpens in a new window is an opportunity for everyone across the UK to come together and get involved with events and activities designed to increase people’s sense of financial wellbeing. We are encouraging people to focus on realistic, manageable actions, because when it comes to money, It All Counts.
• This year’s campaign will take place from 2-6 November 2026 to encourage people across the UK to #TalkMoney.