Money isn’t the be all and end all, but it can often be on the mind; particularly after a potentially expensive festive season.
But despite it often being front of mind, Brits say they find it easier to talk about mental health issues than money.
Couple that with the extra £713 Brits spend, on average, in December (29% more than a typical month) and it's no wonder many of us worry about money as we ring in the new year.
To help you get your finances fit for 2026, we’ve outlined some money-savvy habits to get into so that you can take control of your finances.
1. Stay in the know
We’ve all been there. That feeling of fear around checking our bank balance. Perhaps after a two-week holiday, weekend away, or just after doing the weekly shop.
Rather than avoid it, though, it’s better to know where you’re at, especially when there might be pending payments coming out of your account that will need to be covered.
And don’t we always feel better once we’ve done it? The sense of dread is swapped for a being in the know and – as a result – in control of our finances.
Why not treat a monthly or weekly check-in for your finances as an act of self-care and reward yourself once you’ve done it? That way, you know there’s something to look forward to once you’ve got to grip with where you’re at.
Make a note in your diary of your ‘money date’ and stick to it. Being in the know is so much more rewarding than having to contend with any unwanted surprises.
2. Don’t let your budget hold you back
Whether you’re saving for a deposit on a house, a new car or just for a well-earned getaway, the benefits of budgeting go far deeper than you might expect.
Not only does it improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and stress, it’s also been linked to improving sleep, strengthening your relationships and reducing decision fatigue, as having a budget helps guide your financial choices.
The worry can be that we will be cut off from every social occasion or doing anything enjoyable. That doesn’t have to be the case: it’s all about reframing it.
If you want to meet up with a friend, why not go for a parkrun on a Saturday morning? It’s completely free and you’ll get some exercise in the process.
Or if you are going out with friends, why not opt for alcohol-free beverages? These can often be cheaper than alcoholic drinks, and you’ll feel smug without a hangover.
So, why not make budgeting a positive for your purse strings? Rather than a financial burden, after all, it will help to give you clarity on your spending.
3. Try a no-spend month
In 2025, 43% of UK adults planned to set financial goals. So, there is a good chance that you might be too.
And one way to help you achieve your goals? Try a no-spend month. Before you balk at the idea – let us explain...
A no-spend month doesn’t mean don’t pay your bills or feed yourself. It’s setting yourself the challenge of cutting out extra spending on items you don’t need; that could be clothes, home decor or dinner out.
While we appreciate this might not only sound tough but downright daunting, it’s a great way to develop healthy money habits and helps you to live within your means.
Plus, it means you will have likely squirrelled away some cash for a rainy day.
4. Use a credit card, the smart way
Credit cards don’t have to be a scary piece of plastic that you carry around in your pocket.
When used effectively, they can actually be incredibly useful in getting your finances fit in 2026.
Credit cards contribute to your credit score, which indicates to lenders how well you manage your finances – a bit like a financial CV.
For example, if you pay off your credit card in full every month and do not incur any interest charges, this will improve your credit score as it shows that you are a responsible borrower.
Paying off your credit card in full is really important so not to negatively impact your credit score, so be sure to only make payments on it that you can afford.
Credit card companies also offer rewards or cashback on purchases. Did you know that Vitality rewards members through American Express?
Cashback on your credit card? Yes please.
Vitality members with qualifying health or life insurance plans can get up to 2% cashback on credit card purchases when they get active.
If you have two qualifying plans with Vitality, you can earn another 1% cashback on your purchases.
New card members can also get £100 cashback when they spend £2,000 in the first three months of card membership.
American Express will then pay cashback after the Card anniversary. New Cardmember terms and conditions apply.
5. Consider your safety net
It’s impossible to prepare for the unexpected, but there are things that we can do to ensure that we are protected if and when they come our way.
Knowing you have a safety net in place will not only relieve any potential anxiety, but will help you and your family weather a financial storm should it arise.
Income Protection is a type of insurance that provides a regular stream of income if you are unable to work. This could be due to mental ill-health, sickness or a long-term injury.
Vitality’s Income Protection plan also helps our members get back to work, by offering health support during your recovery.
Through our plans, you also have access to the Vitality Programme, where you can access rewards and incentives to help you stay fit and healthy.
5. Consider your safety net
It’s impossible to prepare for the unexpected, but there are things that we can do to ensure that we are protected if and when they come our way.
Knowing you have a safety net in place will not only relieve any potential anxiety, but will help you and your family weather a financial storm should it arise.
Income Protection is a type of insurance that provides a regular stream of income if you are unable to work. This could be due to mental ill-health, sickness or a long-term injury.
Vitality’s Income Protection plan also helps our members get back to work, by offering health support during your recovery.
Through our plans, you also have access to the Vitality Programme, where you can access rewards and incentives to help you stay fit and healthy.
