Over a third (36%) of consumers believe the cost-of-living crisis will prevent them from hitting financial milestones, according to a new poll by interactive investor.

When it comes to the areas of expenditure that worries them most from an affordability perspective, almost two thirds (63%) of the sample cited the rising cost of energy.

However, the cost-of-living crisis is the second biggest threat to personal finances among the sample, cited by almost a third (30%) of respondents.

The spiralling cost of living has forced many consumers to put the champagne on ice after coming tantalisingly close to reaching a financial milestone. Runaway inflation means that consumers face an uphill battle to keep up with day-to-day expenses - let alone to edge closer towards achieving long term financial goals.

"Keeping tabs on your spending amid the escalating cost of living crisis is important to ensure that you remain financial stable today without compromising on achieving tomorrow's financial goals.

"Drip-feeding money into stock market is an effective way to lower risk while investing. The idea is that making small but regular payments reduces the risk of a big hit. By regularly investing the same amount, you also buy fewer shares when they are expensive and more when they are cheap to deliver a smoothed return.

36% of consumers believe cost of living crisis will stop them from hitting financial milestones, new interactive investor poll finds

Media contact: Camilla Esmund, interactive investor, 07834 928514