Money now outweighs health as key to UK life satisfaction

Money has overtaken health, time and relationships as the leading driver of life satisfaction for most people in the UK, according to new research commissioned by Intuit.

The survey found that 65% of respondents said earning more money would make them most satisfied with their lives. The finding comes as overall life satisfaction rises, even as many households continue to report pressure from the cost of living.

The research also points to a widening gap between people who want to work for themselves and those who act on that ambition. It found that the share of people planning to start or grow a business or side hustle rose to 38% from 26% a year earlier. Over the same period, the proportion of people who said they were already self-employed stayed broadly flat at 14%.

Happiness and income

Intuit's findings suggest that money now plays a bigger role in perceived wellbeing than other personal factors. Respondents ranked earning more money above improved mental and physical health, free time, and relationships.

The survey describes financial insecurity as a central reason more people do not move from side income to full self-employment. It says uncertainty around the economy and continuing high living costs make many people cautious about leaving salaried work.

Intuit also said that millions of people across the UK now use side hustles to supplement their income. The research points to activities such as selling goods online, freelancing, and offering local services including event planning and beauty treatments.

Leigh Thomas, Vice President EMEA, Intuit, linked the results to the pressure households continue to face.

"The ambition is there but so is the anxiety. Britain is full of people who want to work for themselves, yet the cost-of-living makes that leap harder than ever. The next chapter will be about helping them feel confident to take that step," said Leigh Thomas, Vice President EMEA, Intuit.

Stuck in employment

The results indicate that appetite for entrepreneurship has grown faster than actual business formation. A rising share of respondents said they plan to start or grow a business or side hustle. The level of self-employment did not shift in the same way.

Intuit said this disconnect leaves many workers caught between the desire for more control over work and concern about irregular income. It also places greater emphasis on cash flow planning, tax obligations and personal financial resilience.

The survey asked about perceived barriers to getting started. One in four respondents, 25%, said they lacked business or financial know-how. Half said they would be more likely to launch a business if financial guidance around bookkeeping and tax was easier to access.

New patterns

The research includes examples of people combining several income streams rather than relying on a single job or a single business. Intuit describes this as a rise in "multi-hyphenate" entrepreneurship.

Emily Morley, 30, from Hartlepool, left a full-time procurement role and now runs three income streams from home as a Utility Warehouse partner, travel planner and wedding content creator. She described the trade-off between certainty and independence.

"I'd always wanted to go self-employed, but the security of a regular income held me back. Eventually I realised there was never going to be a perfect time, and I just had to make it work. It's not always easy, but having the freedom to earn on my own terms has made me so much happier. I can see the effort I put in reflected in what I earn, and that's incredibly rewarding," said Emily Morley.

The research also highlights redundancy as a trigger for self-employment. Andy Kilbride, 35, from West Yorkshire, moved into self-employment after being made redundant. He set up A K Construction and Building Ltd and said the business now relies heavily on local recommendations.

"Going self-employed wasn't part of a big master plan, it came after I was made redundant, which was daunting at the time. I'd always thought about working for myself, but that moment gave me the push I needed. Nearly two years on, I'm really glad I did.

"A lot of my work now comes through word of mouth, meaning I'm rarely short of enquiries. By focusing on doing a good job and looking after customers, the business has grown steadily. Being self-employed has made me happier, it gives me the flexibility to fit work around my young family and that balance is what makes it all worthwhile," said Andy Kilbride.

Financial basics

Accountants quoted alongside the research focused on preparation and the loss of employment benefits. Amy Hancock, Owner, Hancock & Hastings, said prospective founders should calculate the income they need for essential outgoings and build a buffer before leaving a job.

"For those wanting to ditch the 9-5 for their passion, there are a few fundamentals to consider and put in place. Work out what income you really need to cover life essentials and build an emergency buffer. Aim to save or borrow three to six months' living costs. Open a separate business bank account so your business income and spending are clearly separated from your personal finances, making it easier to track cash flow and stay on top of tax. From every payment you receive, set aside around 20-30%, so you're not caught out when your Income Tax self-assessment is due. The freedom of self-employment can be rewarding, but you have to treat it like a business from day one," said Amy Hancock, Owner, Hancock & Hastings.

Hancock also warned that leaving employment can mean losing employer pension contributions, paid holiday and sick pay. She said people should factor these into their plans and account for the value of those benefits.

The survey was conducted online and included 1,500 adults in the UK. It also covered respondents in the US, Canada and Australia, and focused on entrepreneurship trends and expectations for 2026.