Ways to save money in 2026 - Make 2026 the Year You Take Back Control of Your Finances

Many people resolve to be better with money, but few take action. This updated guide gives you straightforward ways to save more, spend smarter and build long-term financial strength.

1. Maximise Your ISA Allowances

You can still save in tax-free ISA accounts — and now there are multiple ISA types to suit your goals:

• Cash ISAs – safe savings with tax-free interest
• Stocks & Shares ISAs – for long-term investing
• Lifetime ISAs (LISA) – bonus for first home or retirement
• Innovative Finance ISAs – peer-to-peer lending returns

For 2026/27 the annual ISA allowance is £20,000 — meaning you can shelter up to £20,000 of savings and investments from tax each tax year. Make sure you use as much of it as you can!

Tip: If you’re not using your full allowance by July each year, consider setting a monthly contribution to make it automatic.

2. Reduce Energy and Fuel Costs

Energy and fuel prices continue to fluctuate, but you still don’t have to overpay.

• Switch energy suppliers every year to get better deals — comparison sites make this quick and simple.
• Consider smart meters and tracking tools to monitor usage.
• For petrol or diesel, use apps that show live fuel price comparisons near you.

Example tools: Compare energy tariffs, or fuel price apps to find the cheapest pump.

3. Buy Own-Brand and Value Products

Supermarket own-brand food and essentials are often just as good as premium brands.
Switching to budget ranges on everyday items can easily save £500–£1,000+ a year without noticeable changes in quality.

4. Sell Unused Items Online

Declutter and earn:

• Sell unused tech, clothes, games, books and more on platforms like eBay, Vinted or Facebook Marketplace.
• Take clear photos, write honest descriptions and price competitively for faster sales.

Quick win: Make it a quarterly habit — you’ll be surprised how much you can earn.

5. Learn the Art of Saying “No”

Impulse spending adds up — whether it’s takeaways, coffees, events or kids’ toys.

• Set a weekly “fun money” budget.
• Practice saying “no” — or “let’s do that later when it’s on sale.”

Small changes here often make the biggest impact.

6. Avoid Keeping Up With the Joneses

Social comparison costs money!

• Choose affordable services that give great results — from hair salons to beauty services.
• Use review and deal-finding sites to compare prices near you.
• Focus on value rather than status.

7. Review Your Subscriptions and Direct Debits

Most people pay for multiple forgotten or unused subscriptions, from apps and streaming services to old insurance policies or club memberships. Go through your bank statement or banking app and cancel anything you don’t actively use. Even removing a few £5–£15 monthly charges can save £200–£500+ a year without changing your lifestyle at all.

8. Review and Simplify Your TV/Streaming Packages

The streaming landscape has changed — from Sky and Virgin to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, NOW, and more.

Instead of paying for everything, choose:

• A couple of services you actually use
• Rotate subscriptions month-by-month
• Use shared/family plans where possible
• You can save hundreds by dropping unused or duplicate channels.

9. Consider Premium Bonds or Other Savings Vehicles

Premium Bonds remain a safe way to save while entering prize draws — but don’t rely on winning!

Other options to grow your money responsibly:

• Regular savings accounts
• High-interest notice accounts
• Cash-ISAs (as above)
• Long-term investments in Stocks & Shares ISAs

Always match the tool to your goal: short-term emergency fund vs long-term growth.

10. Pay Down High-Interest Debt

• Credit cards, buy-now-pay-later, and personal loans can carry high interest.
• Prioritise paying these off — especially those with the highest rates
• Consider balance transfers or debt consolidation if cheaper
• Avoid carrying a balance month-to-month
• Reducing debt is one of the biggest boosts to your financial wellbeing.

11. Build a Savings Habit

Set up automatic savings:

• Start small (£20+ per month)
• Increase when you can
• Use multiple accounts (holiday fund / emergency fund / big purchase)
• Even £50/month becomes £600/year — and with a growing habit, you’ll add more over time.

12. Recycle and Sell Old Tech

Old mobiles, laptops and gadgets still have value:

• Use dedicated recyclers and trade-in schemes
• Compare prices before selling (some sites pay a premium)
• It’s eco-friendly and profitable.

13. Hunt for Deals and Offers

Whether it’s meals, clothes, or services:

• Use deal apps and cashback tools
• Check student/over-60/loyalty discounts
• Sign up for newsletters for exclusive offers

A few minutes of research often saves far more than the time invested.

14. Re-Evaluate Gym and Subscription Costs

Gym trends continue to evolve — and there’s more flexibility:

• Pay-as-you-go classes and app-based workouts
• Outdoor fitness and community groups
• Negotiate or switch gyms if you’re not using it enough
• Don’t pay for a service you rarely use.

15. Bonus: Automate and Track Financial Progress

Use budgeting apps or online tools to:

• Track spending by category
• Monitor savings goals
• Get alerts for bill due dates
• Identify recurring charges to cancel

Visibility leads to better decisions.