Money saving tips 2026

by Amber Rolfe

Money might not buy happiness. But let’s be honest, it can help make life a lot less stressful…

Saving money often feels like an impossible task, especially when your outgoings seem to be in a constant race to overtake your incomings. With the cost of living remaining a hot topic in 2026, you’re definitely not alone if you’re feeling the pinch. But you might be surprised at how much you (and your bank account) could benefit by implementing a few small changes into your day-to-day routine.

Whether you’re saving for a deposit, a dream holiday, or just want a financial safety net, we’ve got you covered. To help you learn to budget better, here are our top money saving tips for 2026.

Up your earnings

First thing’s first – you need to think about your income. While cutting back on coffee is one of the classic money saving techniques, the most effective way to improve your financial position is often to bring more money in.

If you’ve been in the same role for a while, a potential pay rise might well be within your reach. But before you start talking money with your boss, do your research.

Whether it’s by using a salary checker tool to estimate the average salary of your role and location, or looking into how much similar jobs in your sector pay – you’ll be able to get a rough idea of how much you’re worth.

Then, think about what you’ve accomplished since being with the company, and whether your responsibilities have surpassed those in your job description. After all, drawing attention to where you’ve exceeded expectations is exactly what’ll put you in good stead for a pay rise.

Other ways to up your earnings include taking up freelancing, blogging, or building your own business – which will allow you to supplement your income whilst doing something you enjoy.

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Start budgeting

Budgeting isn’t just a good way to monitor your outgoings (and make sure you’re not caught short when it comes to bills), it also allows you to cut unnecessary spending. It’s arguably the best way to save money consistently.

Start by putting together a clear list of your essential costs (e.g. accommodation, bills, travel, food), then minus the total figure from your income. It might actually surprise you to see what you’re spending the rest of your money on.

And by doing this, you might even find that many amenities, products, or subscriptions are things you could do without.

For example, do you go to the gym often enough to warrant that hefty monthly membership fee, or would you be better off paying on a class-by-class basis? Do you really need Premium Netflix, Prime, Disney+, and Apple TV, or could you rotate them monthly?

In fact, there might be some subscriptions you forgot you even signed up to (we’re looking at you, random app free trial from 2023). Even cancelling a debit as small as £3.99 a month can add up in the long run.

Budget planner

Use thrifty life hacks

Without the proper precautions in place, your best laid budgeting plans can fall apart. Unfortunately, that only means one thing – it’s time to make the most of what you’ve got.

So with that in mind, it’s time to trade in your traditional breakfast bagel from that place on the corner and bring your own breakfast every day. Drinks after work every weekend? Why not make it a monthly thing? And let’s face it, you’ve been going to the same barista for three years and they still can’t get your order right. At least at home everyone knows your name.

It could also be just as easy to recreate the same thing for less. Yep, you guessed it. DIY. From making your own coffee, breakfast, or lunch from scratch and using your creativity to turn that old dress into a new skirt – you could be saving hundreds of pounds every year.

And, whilst you learn to knit your own scarf; you could be making even more money by selling all the things you no longer need (e.g. scarves, clothes, novelty secret Santa gifts). Thanks, Vinted and eBay.

But if you just can’t let go of that double mocha with extra cream? Everything in moderation. Also make the most of vouchers, sales, and loyalty cards. They’re helpful too.

Make the most of small change

Sending half your pay cheque to your savings account every month can seem like a daunting task.

In fact, putting away lump sums like these could actually be putting you off saving anything at all – either because you ‘forget’ to transfer it, or need to spend it on something else (whether it’s an emergency expenditure or, you know, rent).

So instead of being overambitious with your savings, work out what you’re able to save in small doses. This is one of the easiest ways to save money without feeling the pinch. For example, saving just £3 every day for a year will give you an extra £1,095 by next year.

Many banking apps now offer ‘round-up’ features, where they round your transaction up to the nearest pound and put the difference in a savings pot. It’s painless saving that happens in the background.

Not only could realistic savings like these allow you to pay for that dream holiday you’ve always wanted, you’d also be able to afford any emergencies that may come up.

OK, we admit the first option is preferable, but who knows when you might need a spur of the moment dental procedure? (Blame the double mochas).

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Check your tax and benefits

Are you sure you’re taking home everything you’re entitled to? 

Millions of people in the UK are on the wrong tax code, meaning they could be paying too much to HMRC. It’s worth checking your payslip – if your tax code looks wrong, query it immediately.

Additionally, ensure you’re utilising your ISA allowance. For the 2025/2026 tax year, you can save up to £20,000 tax-free. Whether it’s a Cash ISA or a Stocks and Shares ISA, keeping your savings out of the taxman’s reach is one of the smartest money saving advice tips we can give.

Finally, don’t ignore workplace perks. From cycle-to-work schemes to season ticket loans, your employer might offer ways to save money fast on essentials you’re already paying for.

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Try money saving apps

Although your phone can often be the cause of spending rather than saving, there are actually a variety of money saving apps that’ll help you organise, track, and budget your funds.

Whether you need that extra nudge to stick to your budgets (and find out where your money’s actually going), you want to shop at lower prices, or you’re looking to manage your bills on-the-go, there’s something to suit your needs.

Here are a few to get you started:

• Plum – Think of Plum as your pocket-sized finance assistant. It automatically puts away extra cash and even finds better deals on bills (because who wants to pay more than they have to?).
• Monzo – More than just a bank, Monzo’s budgeting features give you instant spending insights, saving pots, and even spending notifications that nudge you when you’re getting a little too friendly with takeaways.
• Emma – If your subscriptions are multiplying at an alarming rate, Emma helps you track them, find sneaky charges, and spot where your money is actually going.
• Chip – This app uses clever algorithms to work out what you can afford to save, automatically moving small amounts into a separate account – so you save without even thinking about it.
• Snoop – Snoop spots ways you can cut costs and notifies you of deals you might have missed, all with a healthy dose of attitude.

Remember: the best app for you is one you’ll use consistently. Download a couple, try them out, and see which fits your style. Just don’t start buying every single app; unless you want to go back to square one…

Frequently asked questions

What is the 50/30/20 rule?

This is a popular budgeting method where you divide your monthly after-tax income into three categories: 50% for needs (rent, bills, groceries), 30% for wants (dining out, hobbies, subscriptions), and 20% for savings and debt repayment. It’s a great framework if you’re looking for budgeting tips that are easy to stick to.

How can I save on energy bills in 2026?

Energy costs remain high, so small changes matter. Switch to LED bulbs, draft-proof your windows, and wash clothes at 30 degrees. Also, getting a smart meter can help you visualise exactly what you’re spending in real-time, helping you identify energy vampires in your home.

What are the best ways to save money fast?

If you need cash quickly, try a ‘no-spend weekend’ where you commit to spending £0 for 48 hours. Alternatively, sell unused clothes on apps like Vinted or Depop, or switch your current account to a bank offering a cash switching incentive.

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