Struggling to hit your savings target? Here are five savvy ways to help you put more of your money into savings in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial...
Round It Up: Instead of saving £1 per day, check with your bank if you can set up automated round-ups. Banks like NatWest and Chase can round up every transaction to the next pound, with the difference moved into a separate savings account. NatWest even lets you multiply the difference.
Don't Spend a Penny: Sign up for the 1p Challenge with Monzo. By increasing your daily savings by a penny a day, you can bag nearly £668 by the end of the year. Those who complete the challenge will also be in with a chance to win £10,000.
No-Spend Saver: Decide on a specific day of the week where you don't spend anything. Plan activities like movie marathons or batch cooking to avoid buying dinners and lunches for the following week.
Low-Spend Saver: If not spending anything seems impossible, try a low-spend challenge. Plan each month in advance to make allowances for unavoidable expenses and avoid all other treat spending. The Plum app has a No Spend Days feature that automatically saves the difference to a separate account.
Last Digit Widgit: According to Starling Bank, 43% of people who check their balance daily save more. Download the Last Digit Widget to your phone's home screen for daily reminders to check your bank balance. Customers are then encouraged to save the last digit in pounds or pence, such as transferring 5p or £5 from a balance of £123.45.
And this is the part most people miss...
Don't forget to take advantage of deals and offers, like the Fine Elements double-size electric blanket at robertdyas.co.uk for £14.99 (was £24.99) or the Actimel yoghurt drink multipack (8x100g) at Asda for £2.50 (usually £3.42).
But here's the catch...
While these strategies can help you save more, it's important to remember that saving money is a personal journey. What works for one person may not work for another. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the strategies that work best for you. And remember, every little bit helps! So, are you ready to hit your savings target in 2026? Let us know in the comments what strategies you're using to save more money.
