After the festive season – for many, a time filled with family, friends and usually some extra spending – it’s normal that January can feel a bit challenging. The post-Christmas dip is no myth, with recent research finding that over a third of Brits overspent during December, going £649 beyond their normal spending¹.

With Blue Monday behind us, now is the perfect time to look ahead and focus on brighter days. One way to ease the early-year stresses could be to prioritise your savings journey for 2025 and beyond.

Lots of us set New Year's resolutions, but it's always good to get ahead and plan what you want to save for throughout the year. This could be a summer holiday, a big celebration, or simply a treat for yourself.

Your first step could be to build a savings plan, figuring out what you hope to save and by when so you can get into the habit of stashing funds away. If you already have funds in products like fixed rate ISAs or fixed rate bonds, include reminders about when these products will mature. This will give you ample time to move your money into new accounts so your money is always working as hard as it possibly can.

Savings aren’t just about the distant future either. Having funds set aside for spontaneous moments, such as a concert or meal out with friends, can make life feel richer without the guilt of overspending. Even putting aside a small amount of savings can set in motion good habits and you’ll notice how quickly your efforts can add up too.