Nearly 75 percent of UK adults reported an increase in their cost of living in April 2025, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. As rising prices continue to put pressure on household budgets, many families are beginning to reassess their long-term financial preparedness.

Legal and financial professionals are noting a shift in behaviour. Tasks such as creating wills, setting up power of attorney, and reviewing pension arrangements are moving higher up on the priority list. For households already managing tight margins, the idea of planning ahead is no longer being treated as optional.

Across the UK, families are starting to take action. Conversations once postponed are now taking place at kitchen tables, often in response to real financial strain rather than abstract concern.

What would happen to the kids if something unexpected happened?
Would our savings actually get us through an emergency?
Do we even have a plan or are we just hoping things will be fine?

For a lot of families, these aren’t just “what ifs.” They are real questions that sit quietly in the back of your mind and they can be exhausting.

Let us take a closer look at this. The rising cost of living is provoking everyone to think more seriously about the future, regardless of how prepared they are. 

Inflation and Cost of Living Crisis is Making Everyone Pause

Many people today feel stuck in a state of “survival mode.” Grocery prices are going up. Rent and mortgage costs are also rising. Childcare, utility bills, and school clothes add to the stress.

In April 2025, UK consumer prices, as tracked by the CPIH (Consumer Prices Index including housing costs), rose at an annual rate of 4.1%, up from 3.4% in March. Simultaneously, the CPI (Consumer Prices Index) increased by 3.5%, marking the most significant spike in over a year .

This uptick was driven by steep rises in several essential sectors:

• Household services (gas, electricity, water) surged by 7.0% year‑on‑year, with water bills alone jumping by 26.1%—the sharpest increase since at least 1988.
• Transport costs, such as vehicle tax and airfares, also pushed inflation higher.

By May, the CPI eased slightly to 3.4%, but this masked continued pressure on food prices, especially staples like sugar, jam, meat, and chocolate, with food inflation reaching 4.4%, its highest since 2016.

Take a couple from Sheffield in their 40s. They have steady jobs, two kids, and a house in Walkley. They follow all the proper steps but still struggle to manage their budget each month. When their washing machine broke, they had to use their emergency funds, which led to a serious conversation.

They had asked the following queries:

• What happens if one of us gets sick?
• Do we have a will?
• Are we protected if something bad happens?

Suddenly, long-term planning, which many people put off, became essential for them.

Why More Families Are Asking the Big Questions

Many families are starting to ask important “what if” questions. Documents like wills, power of attorney, and pension plans are no longer just for the future. When things feel uncertain, having some plans in place can create a sense of control.

Recent data from Machins found that 41% of UK adults now have a will – up from 38% the year before. That small rise says a lot. People are no longer waiting for a “perfect time” to get things in order.

People are realising that putting things off can lead to confusion for their loved ones. It’s not about having a lot of money or an ideal plan. It’s about making sure your family isn’t left overwhelmed if things change suddenly.

Wills, Pensions and the Paperwork We Avoid

Let us be honest – most of us do not want to spend our evenings looking at pension paperwork or thinking about wills. It is not exactly fun. And when money’s already tight, it’s easy to say, “I will sort it out another time.”

But that’s often when it matters the most.

Having a will doesn’t mean you are old or overly cautious; it means you’re prepared. It shows you care about your family’s future when you cannot make decisions. It is about keeping your partner and children safe. It ensures your wishes are clear. It makes sure your money, no matter how much, goes where you want it to go.

Pensions are for retirement and they are part of your future. Even when you are dealing with bills and stress, knowing that your future self will be secure can bring a sense of peace of mind.

For families who want to start planning but feel overwhelmed, finli.co.uk offers straightforward help with wills, pensions, and financial coaching – all designed to make things easier without the usual stress.

Planning Ahead Is a Kindness, Not a Cold Move

Many people think that preparing for “what ifs” is cold or gloomy. In reality, it is one of the kindest things you can do.

It is not about getting ready for disaster but it is about making things easier if something goes wrong.

A 2025 study by the University of Bristol found that only 44% of households in the UK could handle an unexpected cost equal to one month’s income without borrowing. That says a lot about how vulnerable many of us still are.

If you have ever had to organise someone else’s belongings, such as searching for banking information or determining their preferences, you know how stressful it can be. Having a plan ensures your family won’t face that stress.

It shows: “I care about you. I have made this easier for you.”

One Step at a Time – You Don’t Need It All Sorted Today

You don’t have to fix everything at once. Just follow the procedure:

• Start small
• Talk to your partner
• Write down your important accounts
• Gather your documents.
• Consider who would speak on your behalf if you couldn’t.

Planning a short meeting with a financial planner or using an online will-making service is a significant first step. It is like getting a school uniform; it solves one problem before the new term starts.

Sheffield Families Are Quietly Making the Shift

In Sheffield, from Heeley to High Green, families are quietly taking essential steps. They are not making big announcements or celebrating. Instead, they are doing simple things that make a real difference.

Some are adding life insurance to their mortgages. Some are checking their savings. Others are choosing guardians for their children, just in case. These actions may not seem impressive, but they matter a lot.

It is about being as prepared as possible for whatever happens next.

Final Thoughts: Planning is Empowerment, Not Panic

This isn’t about scaring yourself into action. Instead, it’s about giving yourself the tools to feel stronger, even when life feels chaotic.

The cost of living crisis is prompting many people to reassess their choices, including those for the future. This can feel uneasy, but it’s also an opportunity to take small, meaningful steps that can lead to significant changes in the future.

You don’t need a high salary or a finance degree. You need to start. Every little step forward like filling out a form, having a quick conversation, or resolving one account – is a success.

During tough times, these small wins matter more than ever.