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Financial Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel like a financial fraud? You’re not alone.

Financial Imposter Syndrome is quietly holding millions of Britons* back from making confident decisions about their money. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about how we feel. If you’ve ever doubted your financial skills, put off planning, or felt you don’t ‘belong’ in the world of investing, you’re in good company.

Over three million UK adults experience Financial Imposter Syndrome, with millions more showing symptoms. It’s the invisible barrier to financial wellbeing and it can affect anyone, regardless of income or experience.

What is Financial Imposter Syndrome?

Financial Imposter Syndrome is the inner voice that says, ‘people like me don’t invest’, or ‘I’ll never be good with money, so why try?’. It leads to hesitation, missed opportunities, and feeling alone with financial worries.

Common signs include:

  • Doubting your financial capability.
  • Attributing success to luck or help from others.
  • Avoiding financial planning due to lack of confidence, not lack of resources.
  • Feeling unworthy of financial success, even when earned.  

Why does it matter?

Left unchecked, Financial Imposter Syndrome can delay decisions, keep savings in cash accounts that don’t beat inflation, and stop people from seeking advice when it could make a real difference. It’s not just a problem for those with less - it’s common among high earners and younger adults too.

Key findings from our research*

  • 23% of UK adults don’t trust their own money management.
  • Nearly a quarter of people earning over £80,000 feel like financial frauds.
  • Only 25% of Brits consider themselves investors, even though most are investing through their workplace pensions.
  • 28% haven’t sought advice because they believe they don’t ‘have enough’.
Image of Vicky Reynal
“Money is complex, yet many of us were taught very little about it. We’re left to manage an asset that’s fundamental to our survival without a clear roadmap, so it’s no surprise that people can attribute financial success to luck and blame perceived failures on their own shortcomings.”
Vicky Reynal Financial psychotherapist

How can you build confidence?

Financial confidence isn’t innate, it’s learned. Small, steady actions can help you move from feeling like an imposter to feeling in control.

Five practical ways to build financial confidence:

  1. Take stock: get a clear picture of your finances.
  2. Set one achievable goal.
  3. Simplify information and seek clarity.
  4. Build accountability and share your goals.
  5. Keep perspective. Everyone makes mistakes; what matters is moving forward.

Investing always carries risk. The value of investments can go up and down and you may get back less than you invested.

Ready to build your confidence?

Our report, ‘Money needs a plan: How Financial Imposter Syndrome is holding Britain back’, explores the research, shares expert advice, and offers practical steps for building financial confidence.

Download the report

Money needs a plan

When your money has a plan, it works harder. We give you the advice, services, and financial products you need to easily kick your plan into action.

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*Figures are based on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Opinium for Quilter in September 2025.

Approver Quilter Financial Services Ltd, Quilter Financial Ltd, & Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited on 14 October 2025.