Nearly two years after the height of the COVID pandemic, the world is on the road to recovery. But the health, wealth, and happiness of the nation are far from the levels seen pre-pandemic, leaving us with a long way to go.
This does not constitute advice and advice should be sought in all instances before acting on it.
It’s not just the post-pandemic blues though, the nation faces a mental health crisis on the back of the energy crisis, sky-rocketing inflation, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While many people’s personal finances are in a good place, happiness and health have plummeted with environmental and global economic factors being a huge contributing factor to the wellbeing of the UK public.
Healthcare struggles
According to Lifesearch’s Health, Wealth, & Happiness Report, over half (51%) of all Britons assert that as a result of the pandemic, their access to healthcare has been negatively impacted. The numbers for women and over 55s were higher, coming in at 57% and 62%, respectively.
A further 45% of people believe that the pandemic affected their mental health, with women and younger people hitting 50%. While just under a third (28%) did report feeling happier than the previous year, 46% of respondents said they felt less happy than the year before.
Finances still a concern
The financial strain caused by the pandemic caused people to reevaluate their own situations. During lockdowns, people were able to save money that would have otherwise gone to entertainment, eating out, etc, and many were even able to pay off debts or accrue enough for house deposit or other large purchases.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone, with some people reporting having to incur credit card debt or take out loans to cover expenses thanks to the cost of living crisis we’re facing. And with inflation showing no signs of slowing down, many households will feel increased financial pressure as the cost of everyday essentials rises.
What can be done?
For those worried about finances, there are some cost-free strategies that could help. Firstly, check your entitlement to benefits and tax credits because there might be relief that you’re not aware of. Revisit your budget and check to see if there is any spending you can cut back on. Additionally, don’t just settle for the services and providers you have; shop around for deals on groceries, utilities, and other essentials.
For even more assistance with financial planning, contact the experts at Dental & Medical Financial Services today.