A new study has identified the three main bills that take us by surprise – and the list is growing
Cars breaking down and dental emergencies are leaving Brits out of pocket during one of the most expensive times of the year.
The things that cost us the most have been named by Brits, with the list of financial disasters growing.
According to a recent study, our teeth and cars are costing us the most, with the three main unexpected bills being car mishaps, broken washing machines and emergency dental work – setting us back a staggering £776 every year.
The study, conducted by all-in-one banking app thinkmoney, delved into the financial lives of Brits and found that nearly all of us have been hit by unplanned expenses and bills over the past 12 months.
A massive 86% of us have been stung with unexpected costs, with car troubles being the most uncommon bill, followed by a broken washing machine in second place and dental work in third place, reports the Daily Star.
Next on the list was the need for an emergency plumber or electrician, followed by boiler repairs and vets’ bills for sick pets.
On average, we spend £776 every 12 months on these charges – with the average Brit experiencing more than two shock bills a year.
And when they come in, nearly half of us – 42% – dipped into savings, with a further 20% of respondents resorting to putting it on a credit card.
Vix Leyton, a consumer expert at thinkmoney, warned: “With the cost of living continuing to bite into budgets, a financial setback is the last thing you need and, as a result, it’s easy to bury your head in the sand and hope it won’t happen to you. Our data shows that unfortunately the odds are not in your favour, so your best route is to plan for the financially unplannable.”
BRITAIN’S 15 MOST COMMON ‘CASH-TASTROPHIES’.
Car breakdown – 44%.
Broken washing machine – 37%.
Emergency dental work – 28%.
Emergency plumber/electrician – 26%.
Boiler breakdown – 26%.
Vet’s bill – 25%.
Smashed phone screen – 21%.
Parking fine – 20%.
Roof leak – 18%.
Losing money to a free trial subscription – 16%.
Laptop/Tablet damaged – 16%.
Speeding fine – 15%.
Glasses or contact lenses need replacing – 14%.
Losing wallet/purse – 14%.
Overspending on a big night out – 14%