The cost-of-living crisis has broken the stigma of financial difficulty

The cost-of-living crisis has helped to break down some of the stigma around financial difficulty - with millions now feeling more open to discussing money worries with friends and colleagues.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 43 per cent are now more likely to reach out for support if they are struggling financially after the prolonged period of rising costs.

The rise in prices of essentials such as energy and food, and the increased number of people struggling with these costs, has encouraged 74 per cent to confront their own troubles.

Previously, 29 per cent say they would have ‘kept their head in the sand’ when it came to any worries they had with their finances.

With 42 per cent worrying about paying energy bills, 18 per cent concerned about eating out and 12 per cent about buying new clothes.

The research was commissioned by Smart Energy GB, which collaborated with rugby league stars Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Alex Walmsley and Amy Hardcastle to encourage people to open up and talk to others – particularly about energy worries.