Happy 2026! The decorations are down, and it’s time to relax. But your bank account might be feeling a little fragile after the festive season. That’s why January is a good month to get back on track with money. And it doesn’t have to mean cutting out all the fun.
Getting financially fit is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for a reason. A bit of planning now can make the rest of the year feel calmer and more in control. Tightening the purse strings doesn’t mean you have to hibernate until spring or say no to everything you enjoy.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have 10 top tips, from mastering your budget to taking advantage of falling insurance prices. So, let’s dive in and help you keep more cash in your pocket in 2026. Remember - small changes really do add up!
The basics: budgeting & audits.
- Get app-happy with your budget
If you’re still tracking spending in your head, it’s time to let an app do the work. Tools like Monzo, Revolut, or Moneybox automatically categorise your spending, so you can see exactly where your money goes each month. No spreadsheets required.
Top tip: Turn on “round-ups”. Every time you buy a coffee or pay for the bus, the app rounds the cost up to the nearest pound and puts the spare change into savings. You won’t notice the difference day to day, but over time it can quietly build a useful pot.
- The subscription audit
Today’s task: check your Direct Debits. All of them. That gym you haven’t visited since 2024 or the streaming service you finished months ago can quietly drain your account.
Be ruthless. If you don’t actively use it, cancel it. Even removing two £10 subscriptions frees up £240 a year. And that cash could go towards a weekend away, new tech, or simply more breathing room.
The big wins: utilities & bills.
- Don’t just auto-renew (insurance prices are dropping!)
For the first time in a while, car and home insurance prices are coming down year-on-year. That’s great news - but only if you take advantage of it.
Even if your renewal quote is cheaper than last year, don’t accept it straight away. Comparison sites often offer much lower rates to new customers, and a quick search could save you a significant amount for very little effort.
- Switch and save on energy
Energy bills are still one of the biggest household expenses, and sticking with the same provider doesn’t always pay off. If you’ve been on the same tariff for a while, it’s worth seeing what else is available. For example, Octopus Energy is known for competitive rates and strong customer service, and switching is usually straightforward.
- Turn your contacts into cash (refer a friend)
If you’re already with iD Mobile, this is an easy win. The Refer a Friend scheme rewards both you and your mate when they join.
You can earn up to £35 each (for example, if they buy an iPhone 16 Plus) or £20 each when they take out a 24-month Unlimited Data SIM plan. And remember, iD Mobile customers already save an average of £240 a year compared to major networks.
Smart shopping & daily spending.
- Join the deal hunters at HotUKDeals
Before buying tech, trainers, or even toiletries, check HotUkDeals. It’s a community of real people sharing sales, pricing glitches, and discount codes. If there’s a bargain to be found, it’s usually there first. A quick check before you buy can lead to big savings over the year.
- Earn while you spend (cashback)
Make it a habit. Never buy online without clicking through TopCashback or Quidco first. It takes seconds and costs nothing.
You’ll earn a percentage of your spend back just for using their link. Over time, those cashback payouts can help cover everyday expenses or soften the impact of rising bills.
Travel for less (iD Perks & add-ons).
- Don’t let a breakdown break the bank
Breakdown cover isn’t something you think about until you need it. iD customers can get up to 40% off AA Breakdown Cover, cutting the cost of an essential service. The AA is 5-star rated and the UK’s No.1 breakdown provider, so you’re saving money without compromising on peace of mind.
- Upgrade your holiday for less
Planning a 2026 getaway? iD Perks offers up to 35% off Holiday Extras, including airport hotels, lounges, transfers, and car hire. These extras can make travelling smoother and more comfortable, without stretching your budget.
Simply head to the iD Mobile app, 'tap iD Perks' and browse the live offers. Pick the perks that suit you, check the terms and tap ‘Get offer now’ to redeem. You can even save deals to use later by emailing them to yourself – handy, right?.
Best of all, you don't have to pick just one. You can redeem as many offers as you like with iD Perks. There’s no limit, so whether you choose to redeem none, one, or ten offers, it’s entirely up to you!.
- Roam further without the fear
Heading long-haul? Avoid unexpected roaming charges with Roam Beyond data add-ons. Stay connected in 35 popular countries (including the USA, Australia, and Japan) from just £5 for 2GB.
The 20GB add-on costs £35, which works out at just £3.50 per day. It’s ideal for maps, messages, and sharing holiday moments without worrying about the bill.
Wrapping it up.
2026 is the year to be proactive with your money. Auditing subscriptions, switching providers, shopping smarter, and making the most of iD Perks might seem small on their own, but together they can make a real difference.
Have you noticed insurance prices dropping? Or found a great deal on HotUKDeals? Share your best money-saving tip for 2026 in the comments below!
