Brits embrace artistic saving methods to sort out hefty January bills
Here’s some of the inventive ways brits are saving money this month to make up for Christmas spending
Saving has become the mantra for many this month, as mounting Christmas credit card bills and looming household expenses leave 43% of Brits facing financial stress.
Expensive gym memberships and soaring phone bills are also among the many expenses causing concern, sparking a nationwide effort to tighten budgets. Yet, Brits are coming up with clever and resourceful ways to cut back on spending.
Among the top tricks being used are ‘no spend’ weekends, whipping up big batches of food to freeze for later, and going on an ‘unsubscribathon’ axing as many paid-for services as they can handle.
Other clever tactics include indulging in home spa days or taking on the £5 challenge, where every five-pound note gets stashed away in a jar for a whole month. A third of savvy savers are even considering a ‘cash-only’ diet – withdrawing a week’s worth of dosh and ditching the debit cards.
SMARTY Mobile who commissioned the survey have teamed up with thrifty TV star Angellica Bell to offer a unique financial fitness class. It’s a chance for participants to pump up their bank balances while picking up penny-pinching tips.
Angellica is keen to help folks get into tip-top shape both physically and financially, aiming to trim down those pesky ‘pounds’ from unnecessary or overpriced subscriptions.
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“I’m hoping to help people get physically, and financially, fit by shedding the excess ‘pounds’ that come with things like unwanted or overpriced subscriptions,” she enthused.
“Being on top of our finances is a massive step towards a boost in mental health, and that in turn leads to physical wellbeing, small steps are always a great start,” she added.
The primary financial goal for Brits is to reduce their monthly outgoings. This was closely followed by the aim to establish an emergency savings fund, while 28% are squirrelling away funds for a larger purchase.
Two-thirds of those surveyed have set or plan to set a monthly budget for 2025 to aid in achieving these goals. However, the study revealed that nearly half of these individuals admit they’re only ‘somewhat likely’ to be successful in doing it.
Sayed Hajamaideen from SMARTY Mobile commented: “It’s clear to see that as a nation we’re embracing different ways to cut excess costs, with January being an ideal time to start forming new habits that can make a lasting difference.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Angellica to highlight some simple ways to get financially fit and start the year savvy. An easy way to begin is by assessing your current bills what do you still need, and where can you get more for less – shopping around for the best value.”
TOP 20 WAYS BRITS ARE GETTING ‘FINANCIALLY FIT’ IN 2025:
- Seeking out voucher / discount codes
- Selling unused / unwanted items on online marketplaces
- Turning down the thermostat and using blankets or layers
- Batch cooking and freezing meals
- Reusing gift bags, wrapping paper, and ribbons
- Using cashback apps for groceries and online shopping
- Walking or cycling instead of using public transport or driving
- Switching to generic or store-brand products
- Buying second-hand or vintage clothes instead of new
- Planning “free outing” days, like museum visits or hikes
- Setting a daily or weekly spending cap
- Starting or continuing with a side hustle
- Shopping exclusively from discount or clearance sections
- Participating in “no-spend weekends”
- Growing herbs or vegetables on your windowsill
- Using a budgeting app to track expenses
- Joining a library for free books and media
- Making homemade cleaning supplies from basic ingredients
- Doing a £5 challenge where every note goes into a jar for a month.
- Doing an ‘unsubscribathon’ challenge where you unsubscribe from paid-for services
READ MORE: HMRC urges timely Self Assessment submissions to avoid £100 fines ahead of January deadline
