Home A Loan: How Creditspring is bringing cheer to homes

With Christmas around the corner and the Autumn Budget just days away, many households across the UK are already feeling the financial strain. From higher food and fuel prices to broken boilers and car repairs, the cost of living continues to squeeze families who are simply trying to get by. At Creditspring, we wanted to understand what’s really driving this pressure, and how we can help. Our latest research shows that unexpected costs are a major problem for millions of people, often hitting hardest when budgets are already stretched thin.We’ll explore where Brits are spending the most, why it matters, and how you can stay prepared for any unexpected costs this season.

The hidden costs of everyday life

Life is full of surprises - and not always the good kind. Over the past year, more than four in five Brits (84%) have faced at least one unexpected expense.

Here’s what’s costing us the most:

• Car repairs or breakdowns – faced by 35% of people, costing an average of £518

• Home repairs (like leaks or damage) – 33%, costing £618 on average

• Appliance breakdowns (washing machines, fridges etc) – 33%, around £426 on average

• Vet bills – 21%, averaging £457

• Funeral costs – 8%, over £1,000 on average

These aren’t luxury expenses, but the kind of emergencies that can happen to anyone, at anytime.

The problem? Most of us simply don’t have the spare cash to cover them.

Our research found that a quarter of households (25%) would need to borrow or cut back on essentials to cover an unexpected cost between £200 and £500. While some people could dip into savings, many would have to rely on credit cards, buy now, pay later products, or even delay paying other bills just to stay afloat. That’s why financial resilience - the ability to handle small shocks without long-term impact - is so important.

Pressure over the Festive Season

Christmas should be about family and joy, but for many, it’s one of the most financially stressful times of year. Our research found that over half of parents (56%) feel under pressure to make Christmas “perfect” for their children.

• 3 in 10 parents (30%) say they struggle to meet their kids’ expectations

• More than half (52%) feel guilty they can’t afford everything on their wish list

• On average, parents will spend £1,127 this Christmas - and 41% admit that’s more than they can afford

To make it work, two in three have already cut back on essentials like meals out, streaming subscriptions, or even heating. Nearly 1 in 10 say they’re skipping a Christmas tree altogether.

It’s clear that families are doing their best, but many are still falling short.

What Brits are worrying about ahead of the Budget

With the Autumn Budget approaching, people are worried about what might come next. The top concerns include:

• Rising costs of essentials (49%)

• Higher energy bills (47%)

• Frozen or rising income tax (35%)

Even as inflation slows, many households still haven’t recovered from years of high prices and stagnant wages. A single unplanned bill can be all it takes to push someone into debt.

Introducing ‘Home A Loan’ - Creditspring’s festive pop-up

That’s why we’ve launched Home A Loan – a festive pop-up where visitors can borrow Christmas essentials like trees, decorations, and fairy lights completely free of charge. The goal? To show that joy doesn’t need to come with added costs. But Home A Loan also has a bigger message - that safe, affordable credit and better financial education can help households avoid problem debt and build long term stability.

At Creditspring, we believe that managing money shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Our fixed-fee personal loans are designed to make borrowing simple and transparent, helping people handle short-term costs without hidden fees or confusing interest rates. Representative 83.1% APR. Because financial wellbeing isn’t just about having more, it’s about having support when you need it most.

Final thoughts

If you’re worried about how you’ll manage unexpected costs this winter, you’re not alone. From car repairs to Christmas shopping, millions are in the same boat. Planning ahead, saving where possible, and exploring affordable borrowing options can make all the difference.

Find out more about Home A Loan and how Creditspring can help you stay financially steady this season: Creditspring.

Credit provided by Inclusive Finance Ltd t/a Creditspring.

Loans are subject to status, for over 18s only and T&Cs apply.