TWO-thirds of households in Northern Ireland believe their financial position is worse now compared with 12 months ago, with one-in-four stating they are now unable to cope with bills.
Just over 1,000 adults from around the north took part in the online survey carried out by the Consumer Council.
Almost a quarter (24 per cent) said their household is unable to cope with bills and buy the essentials they need every month.
And 47 per cent said they believe their household will be in an even worse position in another 12 months.
Of those who said they were worse off this year financially, 47 per cent blamed rising food and grocery prices, while 45 per cent cited the rising cost of road fuel.
One-in-five said they had £50 or less left in a typical month after paying their mortgage/rent and essentials, with 41 per cent left with £150 or less.
Some 44 per cent said their mental health has suffered due to their financial situation.
Of the 1,012 adults who responded to the survey, 99 per cent were concerned about home energy prices, with 96 per cent worried about food prices.
The Consumer Council said the survey provides strong evidence of a deterioration in the financial position of most households in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months, with increases in the price of groceries and road fuel the main contributing factors.
