ONE in 10 single people feel out of control of their finances, research on savings showed today. Four out of 10 singles admitted they had suffered a financial crisis, compared with just 28 per cent of married people.

IFA Promotion, which markets on behalf of independent financial advisers (IFAs), believes it is because more people are putting off settling down.

Buying a property is a key trigger for getting finances in order but the average couple now has to wait until the age of 34 to join the property ladder, said IFA Promotion.

Kevin Bland, MD of Westbourne and Ferndown IFA Atkins Bland, said: "Young people have always been reticent to save but now the culture has extended to the middle aged."

The Government should offer greater incentive to save, such as higher interest rates on National Savings products, he added.

Kevin Bailey of Longham-based Wessex Investment Management said: "Student debt is increasing and many are concentrating on repaying this after graduating."

There were also "mixed messages from the Government: "On the one hand, Tony Blair is advising everyone to save - rather unsuccessfully - by launching 'new' products but Gordon Brown is saying 'don't worry, we'll look after you in retirement' by providing a minimum income guarantee."

He added: "Credit is too easy to obtain, creating an environment of spend today and worry tomorrow. Unfortunately tomorrow never comes."