More than a quarter of adults living in Wales say they have a deficit budget, meaning their income does not cover their basic essentials.
647,000, or 26%, of Wales-resident adults are in the uncomfortable position according to a YouGov poll analysed by debt advice and money coaching charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP).
CAP's clients are on average £273 a month short of what they need to be able to cover basics such as food, energy bills, and rent, according to analysis by the organisation of its own data from May to July 2024.
Ruth Godding, manager of CAP's Menai Debt Centre in Bangor, said: "This new report shows the brutal reality of living on a shockingly low income and how easy it can be to fall into debt.
"Whether it’s caring for a loved one, ill-health, or a lack of suitable work opportunities, many people’s circumstances mean they have no or limited options to increase their income.
"A lot of local debt and poverty is hidden behind closed doors.
"There are individuals and families in our community who have empty fridges and are going hungry, living without the basics, and keeping their curtains closed out of fear of debt collectors.
"At Mosaic Church Bangor, we are one of several churches across Wales that are working in partnership with the charity Christians Against Poverty to offer free debt advice and a range of practical and holistic support.
"Poverty can be tackled.
"CAP has helped thousands of people to go debt free, improve their financial situations, and increase their skills and confidence to get back into work.
"This isn’t an impossible mission but in order to tackle the problem on a wider scale we need to see positive changes to systems in our society.
"To make that happen, we need more people to join our campaign against poverty."
More information about CAP's campaign is available at capuk.org/campaign
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