It’s an expensive time of year.

If you’re paid monthly, November and December can mean far too much month and not enough money.

Despite the fact that over three-quarters of Irish workers admit they feel financial strain before their pay cheques arrive, Cork workers are the least likely to ask their boss for an advance on their salary.

According to new research by income app Wagestream, almost three-quarters of workers on Leeside say they would be too uncomfortable to ask the boss to pay them earlier than usual, even if they were running low on funds.

Almost one-third of Irish workers report they often need to borrow money before the end of the month, but rather than approach their employer, 7% of Cork respondents (almost 10,000 workers) opted to use a payday loan company instead.

Over half (58%) of Cork workers claimed that financial strain has resulted in them having to cancel activities with family and friends while over one-third (39%) of workers claim that financial strain has resulted in stress and pressure at home.

Cork people save more

There was some good news within the findings; among those who do save money each month, the average amount of money saved nationally is €409. Meanwhile, Corkonians who have extra income are saving an average of €431 every month.

The survey asked where people access additional money to tide them over and just over half (55%) approached family and friends, while a third (33%) claim that they borrow money through their credit card. 17% claimed that they use their overdraft facility and 17% went to their local credit union.

The Wagestream app allows employees to avoid borrowing money or taking out high interest loans by giving them flexible access to their wages as they earn them at a flat fee of €1.75 per transaction.