As Brits' money worries rise, FOFO is the new FOMO

Key takeaways

• Festive FOFO – the fear of finding out – led many Brits to avoid checking their bank balance over Christmas, with one in ten relying on credit or borrowing to get through December.

• Tackling FOFO starts with small steps like the 15-minute rule, which encourages spending a short time on tasks such as checking balances or reviewing spending.

• Building simple habits, such as weekly balance checks and setting spending limits, can reduce anxiety and prevent financial problems from escalating.

Ahead of Christmas many Brits were hit with a spike of festive FOFO - fear of finding out - as people avoided checking their bank balance, worried that the numbers could spoil the festive spirit.

But now, after the event, many have discovered just how much they spent when they weren't keeping an eye on their outgoings.

With new research revealing that one in ten Brits will rely on credit cards, overdrafts, or borrowing to get through December, the next time you're hit with financial FOFO you can follow three simple steps to stay on top of your finances.¹

Three top tips to tackle financial FOFO

1. The 15-minute rule

It’s easy to procrastinate when money feels overwhelming or scary. Debt and money worries can be a severe cause of anxiety and difficult to address.

One way to break through that barrier is to set a timer for just 15 minutes and tackle a single task – whether that’s checking your balance, reviewing recent spending, or looking at your credit score.

Limiting the time can make the process feel less intimidating and help you get over the hurdle of starting, which is often the hardest part.

2. Put a pause on panic spending

If you’re buying for an occasion or upcoming event like a birthday or holiday, take a moment to check what you’ve already spent.

Setting a clear spending limit for the next couple of weeks can help you stay in control and reduce the risk of last-minute impulse buys, making your finances feel more manageable during the holiday rush.

Tackling FOFO – the ‘fear of finding out’ – now puts you in a stronger position to enjoy the good times without the stress of overspending or worrying about the impact on your budget later.

 3. Build small habits now

Avoiding your bank balance won’t make problems disappear, but ignoring them can let them snowball out of control. The good news is that small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time.

Something as simple as checking your banking app once a week can make managing your money less daunting and help you stay on top of your budget.

By building these habits in early on, you’ll be better placed to keep spending in check, reduce stress and prevent bigger shocks later.

<sup>Sources 
1. Research conducted by Censuswide surveying 1,000 Brits in October 2025.</sup>