Financial indecision has led to emotional or financial consequences for more than four in 10 Britons, says St. James’s Place.
According to SJP’s 2026 Real Life Advice Report, 41% of people experienced stress, anxiety or missed financial opportunities as a result of worrying over and delaying money decisions.
Across the UK, more than a third (36%) have spent a year or more considering a decision, while 41% say they have considered a financial decision but ultimately not proceeded.
However, 17% say prolonged indecision caused them stress or anxiety, while 14% report missing potential investment returns or believe their pension is smaller than it could have been. One in 10 (10%) say they have missed opportunities to save or make money.
SJP said lengthy deliberation also extends to building long-term savings, with 21% of people spending more than four months considering whether to start investing, including 11% who took more than a year. Increasing pension contributions also prompted similar delays, with 17% spending more than four months weighing up an increase.
The report found that fear or lack of confidence was the biggest driver behind people’s indecision (48%), with the same proportion also citing a lack of clarity or information. Almost a quarter (23%) worry about making the wrong decision and 20% fear losing money.
However, financial advice was shown to have a significant impact on people’s ability to take action. Almost four in 10 (38%) said speaking to their adviser helped them feel able to act, while 70% cite confidence and trusted support as helping them make a decision, compared with 41% of those without advice.
Furthermore, 67% highlighted clarity and understanding versus 49% of those not advised.
Mark FitzPatrick, CEO of St. James’s Place, said: “Taking time over important financial decisions is often the right thing to do, but there is a point where careful consideration can become costly delay.
“Trusted conversations and professional financial advice can play an important role in helping people move forward. It’s not simply about more information, but cutting through the noise, challenging assumptions and giving people greater clarity to understand their choices and make informed decisions about their future.”
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