Now the clocks have gone back, and UK households begin switching the heating on, it's estimated 7 million people are reliant on credit to pay their bills this winter.

In fact, as many as 15% of the adult population (8 million) readily admit they'll be forced to borrow to get by in the next six months. 

That's according to research by Creditspring with respondents in Northern Ireland (31%), London (17%), and the East Midlands (13%) the most likely to need to borrow.   

Despite a slight dip in inflation, the survey suggests (25%) of UK adults - over 13m people – have already been dipping into their savings each month just to make ends meet.

So much so, that one in five (18%) say they'll need a loan once their savings run out.

However, for many, savings are now classed as a luxury, with the ongoing cost of living crisis depleting this financial cushion for many households.

The reality is, that one in five (21%) of adults – almost 11m people – don't have any savings to fall back on at all!

Those more likely to have nothing to fall back on are based in London (20%), North East (18%) and Northern Ireland (17%). 

30% say they are terrified for their financial future and a third (33%) feel stuck believing there is nothing they can do to improve their financial situation.

In total, almost four in ten (38%) – or 20m people – say their financial future is unpredictable and they're uncertain about their future position in six months.