Could YOU be losing money? Warning as busy Brits are failing to check their finances

Eight in ten (79 per cent) people live their lives in a constant rush, with 41 per cent on the go for more than eight hours and more than one in five (22 per cent) with an hour or less to themselves each day.

As a result, more than half (53 per cent) are left feeling overwhelmed by money, according to a poll of 2,000 people by the Nationwide.

One in five say they have no time to check or even think about their finances and one in six (17 per cent) have no time to shop around for the best deals.

One in 10 miss credit card payments and have to pay a penalty because they do not have the time to keep on top of their money.

And this frantic pace of life is leaving half (49 per cent) feeling stressed, found the research, which was commissioned to mark Fintech Fortnight and looks into how people rely on technology such as apps to save time.

The report shows 84 per cent of people now using banking apps save up to two and a half hours a week, instead of spending time on the phone or going into a branch for routine enquiries such as checking their balance.

To save even more time Brits are multitasking when using their apps, using them when watching TV, in bed, on their daily commute and at work.

James Smith, Nationwide’s director of mobile and digital, said: “Britons are living a hectic lifestyle, juggling work, family commitments, social lives and money.

“Using a mobile phone to manage finances is a way people can get a few hours back a week, reduce money worries and put them in control of their finances.

“Smartphones already provide millions of people with greater access and control over their finances, giving members the choice of how to manage their money, whether that be online, through a banking app, in branch or over the phone.”

There has been a remorseless decline in the number of bank and building society branches in High Streets and rural areas over the last 30 years, much of it driven by new technological advances which allow people to access their accounts over the phone or on a computer.

At least 800 bank branches were shut down through 2017 led by Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, Santander and Natwest owner RBS.