Kiwis are more optimistic about the year ahead, than the year that's just been

A survey commissioned by MYOB has found more than a third of people expect their financial situation to get better, while less than a quarter expect it to get worse.

Less than a quarter of us feel better off than this time last year, while more than four in ten feel worse off.

Most people feel under pressure from rising food, grocery, electricity and gas bills.

Many are also worried about rising rates, rents and insurance premiums.