Nearly 7 million Britons are living beyond their means, and one in three says their spending strains their household budget, officials said.
Research from the insurer Bright Grey said the average overspender needs to bring home about $2,700 per month, which is more than the average salary, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Those spending habits leave over-spenders about $7,000 short of their annual budget, the report said.
Thirty percent of those asked said they overspend "just because I have to," while 21 percent said they enjoy their lifestyle too much to reduce
spending. Fifteen percent said they are poor at managing money and 11 percent said they use credit to keep up with high-earning friends.
"Even in an age of austerity the public's spending shows no sign of waning, as the average United Kingdom adult continues to spend beyond their means and rack up debt," said Roger Edwards, a director at Bright Grey.
"Worryingly, this is mainly due to the average salary being far short of that needed to lead a comfortable life, and those who just can't help but spend either to fund their lifestyle or just to make ends meet."
Other research said Britons typically pull up to $100 per month from their savings account to pay bills and school costs.