Rising fuel prices have become the most major concern for households, according to a survey by An Post.
Some 87% face financial concerns, with home heating and energy bills remaining the number one concern.
The survey, conducted in January and May, found that long-term financial planning has taken a back seat to people managing day-to-day expenses.
Anxiety over financial obligations has increased significantly across several areas, with concerns around grocery bills seeing the largest rise as the area consumers are most concerned about.
Unexpected outgoings such as medical bills and car or household item repairs are also an increasing cause of anxiety.
Day-to-day expenditure
An Post Marketing Director Lucy Murray said day-to-day expenditure is causing the greatest problems for Irish people.
“It wasn't so much the long-term worries: being able to you know, get a house get a mortgage, save for a pension,” she said.
“The main driver of financial worries is the day-to-day prices. Home heating and energy fuels, even though we're heading into summer, is still the greatest financial worry.”
Accommodation costs
Accommodation costs also remain a key challenge facing the country with a surge in those worried about their rent and mortgages.
Ms Murray explained that accommodation concerns vary according to location in Ireland.
“Those living in Dublin are definitely feeling the pressure of rent and mortgage payments more from those living outside of Dublin,” she said.
“Those living in Munster, Connacht and Ulster are feeling the pinch more in things like car-related costs - they need to travel a bit more than people that are living in Dublin.”
Many survey respondents were also frustrated that income does not match rising inflation.
The 35–54-year-old age segment recorded a significant increase in concerns across all areas, particularly mortgage payments and credit cards.
The 18–34-year-olds are far more concerned about the cost of rent and transport costs, while those over 55 are most concerned with heating costs.
