New research from Compare the Market reveals that 55% of UK adults have put personal goals on hold in the past five years, with 89% of those who delayed a life ambition saying it had affected their everyday life.
The survey of 2,000 adults across the UK explored personal ambitions, the financial barriers preventing them, and how delayed aspirations are affecting daily wellbeing.
Impact on wellbeing and relationships
More than one in three (37%) of those who delayed a goal reported feeling stuck and frustrated, while almost three in 10 (29%) said it had impacted their mental health and wellbeing. A further one in five (21%) stated these delayed ambitions were putting strain on their relationships and family plans.
Women were more likely than men to report a negative effect on their mental health (33% vs 26%), with frustration levels also higher among women (39% vs 36%).
Financial implications of delayed goals
In terms of everyday financial implications, a quarter (25%) of delayers have changed their spending habits, with 22% having to consider a second job or side hustle. A further 22% stated that the delay had stalled their earning potential and career progression.
The typical financial shortfall is £10,000, with half needing £10,000 or more (31% require £20,000+ and 16% need £50,000+). However, 47% report they fall short by £5,000 or less.
Top goals put on hold
The most common goals put on hold include personal development (21%), travel and sabbaticals (19%), moving closer to family (16%), launching a business (13%), career retraining (13%), and starting or expanding a family (12%).
More than a third (36%) of those delaying their goals have had their plans paused for more than two years, while the average delay is 23 months.
Charlie Evans, money expert at Compare the Market, said: “Putting personal ambitions on hold isn’t just a financial issue; it’s having a profound human impact on people’s wellbeing, careers and personal relationships.
“When major life plans like starting a business, retraining, or moving closer to family are paused for months or years, it creates an ‘Identity Gap’ where people feel stuck in a rut and unable to live the life they planned.
“While a financial shortfall is often part of what’s holding people back, taking practical, manageable steps can significantly reduce emotional strain and help people regain momentum.
“For those facing a shortfall of £5,000 or less, taking time to review your budget and set achievable savings targets is a vital first step. Gaining full visibility over your monthly outgoings and spending makes it much easier to chart a realistic path toward closing that gap.
“For those with bigger gaps, a personal loan is one option to consider alongside savings, but it’s important to borrow responsibly and only take on what you can afford.
“Tools like loan calculators can help by checking repayments fit comfortably within your budget.”
