10 Simple New Year Resolutions That Save You Money

New Year, new budget! As the calendar resets, it’s the perfect time to take charge of your finances. Small, realistic resolutions can make a huge difference to your savings over the next twelve months. Here are ten simple money-saving resolutions that are easy to keep and will make your wallet (and future self) very happy.

1. Track Your Spending

Start by knowing where your money actually goes. Use a free budgeting app or a simple notebook to record daily expenses. Awareness is the first step to control!

• You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a personal finance and budgeting app designed to help users gain control of their money by assigning every penny a specific job.  YNAB encourages users to plan spending, save for future expenses, and break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. It offers real-time syncing across devices, goal tracking, spending reports, and educational resources to promote proactive financial management. Set up your account here AND start a 36 day free trial
• Monarch money tracks budgets and spending, keeps track of recurring expenses like subscriptions, makes creating budget category rules a snap, and has an excellent user interface in both a browser and smartphone. And Monarch recently introduced Flex Budgeting, which tracks those expenses that go up and down from one month to the next. You can track your investments, monitor your cash flow, and get personalized advice.

2. Cook More, Order Less

Those quick takeouts add up faster than you think. Commit to cooking at home a few more times a week. Meal prepping can save you both time and money. Recipe books can be a great help, many of which implement budgeting and feeding your family! Check out FEED YOUR FAMILY FOR £20 PER WEEK!

 Click to see the best food and drink deals  

3. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Do you really need three streaming services and that fitness app you haven’t opened in months? Review your subscriptions and cut out the ones you rarely use.

4. Automate Your Savings

Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account every payday. It’s a hands-free way to grow your savings without even thinking about it.

• Monzo is a free banking app that allows you to manage and allocate your money, get insights on spending and get cashback on selected stores (much more)  
• SET UP YOUR MONZO ACCOUNT NOW

5. Try a “No-Spend” Challenge

Pick a day, a weekend, or even a full week each month where you commit to spending nothing beyond necessities. It’s fun, eye-opening, and surprisingly empowering.

6. Plan Your Shopping Trips

Always shop with a list and stick to it. Impulse buys are budget killers: a simple list helps you stay focused and intentional.

7. Buy Generic Brands

Store brands are often just as good as name brands and much cheaper. Try switching a few products and see if you notice a difference (your wallet will!).

• LIDL have their own ranges, much of which at lower prices
• ALDI also have their own ranges 
• Sainsburys have nectar points which can be used for discounted shopping
  

Make sure you check your local shop for loyalty schemes alongside comparing and planning your shopping! 

8. Make Coffee at Home

That daily coffee shop run can easily cost over $1,000 a year. Investing in a good coffee maker pays for itself fast and you can make it just the way you like it. Buy a coffee machine this black friday, or in the january sales, for large discounts!

9. Set a “Fun Fund”

Saving doesn’t mean no fun! Set aside a small amount each month for guilt-free enjoyment. You’ll spend smarter when it’s budgeted in advance. Here is a list of things you could plan into your calendar that wont cost a penny!

1. Go for a walk in a local park or woodland trail – try places like the National Trust’s free countryside sites or local nature reserves.
2. Have a picnic in the park – pack sandwiches and enjoy somewhere like Hyde Park, Heaton Park, or your nearest green space.
3. Visit your local library – free books, storytime sessions, and sometimes craft activities for kids.
4. Explore a local seaside town or beach – collect shells, skim stones, or paddle in the sea.
5. Go on a free museum or gallery day – many UK museums (like the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, or Tate galleries) are always free.
6. Do a family bike ride – along a canal path, old railway line, or local cycle route.
7. Have a film night at home – pick a classic and make popcorn.
8. Try a nature scavenger hunt- in your garden, local park, or nearby woods.
9. Visit a local market or car boot sale- just to browse and people-watch.
10. Go stargazing or watch the sunset- from a local hill or open space – perfect for winding down together.

10. Declutter and Sell What You Don’t Need

Kids grown out of their old clothes? Got replacements this Christmas and have things you no longer need? Turn clutter into cash. Sell items online or at a local market: it’s an easy way to earn extra money while simplifying your space. 

• VINTED: quick and easy to use, delivery prepaid for 
• DEPOP: quick and easy to sell a range of items
• EBAY: allows for bidding, flexible selling options and seller analytics

Final Thoughts

Saving money doesn’t have to mean cutting out all the fun: it’s about making smart, intentional choices. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your savings grow through 2026 and beyond. 

Here’s to a wealthier, wiser New Year!