Our financial lives in 2025

To mark MSN UK's 15th birthday, MSN carried out a Pulse of the Nation survey about life in 2025. Based on more than 100,000 votes, the survey showed:

• 74% of Brits believe the retirement age will be as high as 70 years old by 2025
• 83% think the cost of living will also increase
• 56% of people think Brits will be richer in 2025
• 34% admit their biggest concern for 2025 is not having enough money to live on
• 49% think unemployment levels will rise

Brits think they will be working for longer with 74% predicting that the future retirement age for men and woman could be raised as high as 70 years old. A startling fifth (20%) think it could increase to 75 years. 49% think unemployment levels will have risen by 2025 but on a positive note, nearly a quarter (23%) think there will be a decrease.

The nation's biggest financial worry for 2025 is not having enough money to live on (34%). However, just over half (56%) are confident they will be richer in 15 years - just as well, considering that 83% think the cost of living will be higher, with everyday items such as food, clothes and household bills costing more than today.

Simon Ward, senior editor at MSN Money, commented: "Despite early signs that the UK economy is in a state of recovery, the findings are a testament to the severe effect the economic downturn has had on the public. If the age of retirement and cost of living do increase, learning how to keep a more watchful eye over the pennies is going to be essential."