Autumn brings higher energy bills, back-to-school costs, and the run-up to Christmas – all of which can strain budgets. Here’s how to stay in control.
Review debt repayments
When tackling your debts, prioritise essential bills such as rent or mortgage, council tax and energy, as missing these has the most serious consequences.
Look for ways to cut the cost of existing borrowing, such as moving credit card balances to a 0% balance transfer card. Virgin Money was voted the best credit card provider in the 2025 Your Money Personal Finance Awards.
Vikki Brownridge, CEO of StepChange Debt Charity, said: “Simply making a budget and assessing your incomings and outgoings each month can be a huge step towards understanding how you can best pay down debts, manage large expenses, or build savings for a rainy day.
“If you find yourself struggling with your finances, a debt advice charity like StepChange can help with free, confidential and impartial guidance.”
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Stop overpaying for broadband
If you’re out of contract with your broadband provider you could be overpaying, as most providers hike costs once the initial contract term has ended.
Use a price comparison website such as Broadband Choices or MoneySupermarket to see if you can save money by switching providers or deals.
Under Ofcom’s One Touch Switch process, customers now only have to contact their new provider, who will manage the whole switch.
Cristina Luna Esteban, Ofcom’s telecoms policy, said: “It’s never been simpler to switch, so we’re pleased that millions of customers have taken advantage of One Touch Switch in the last year and got themselves a new deal.
“But there are still many customers who are out of contract and could be missing out on savings. So, we’re urging people to check their contract, compare the offers out there and see if changing provider gives them the best deal to switch and save.”
Cut your mobile bill
Many mobile customers are also paying far more than they need to, especially if they’ve finished paying off their handset but are still on the same contract. You can text “INFO” to 85075 to see if you’re out of contract.
Moving to a SIM-only plan – where you just pay for calls, texts and data – can dramatically reduce your monthly bill while letting you keep your current phone.
If you want a new handset, you can save cash by shopping around. Networks often offer discounts on data allowances or incentives like cashback and gift cards to new customers.
You can keep your existing number when switching by requesting a PAC code from your current provider (text “PAC” to 65075).
Check your energy tariff
This Autumn presents a double-whammy for energy bills. The energy price cap rose 2% on 1 October, to £1,755 a year. This is the amount a typical household will pay for their energy and is up £35 on the previous price cap.
There are several fixed deals on the market for less than the price cap. However, it’s important to remember that the amount you pay each month with vary depending on how much energy you use.
Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor, said: “As a rule of thumb, we’d recommend looking for deals cheaper than the current price cap, not longer than 12 months and without significant exit fees.”
Whatever tariff you’re on, reducing your energy use will save you money. Simple steps such as lowering your thermostat by one degree, setting heating and hot water on timers, and draught-proofing doors and windows can make a noticeable difference.
Use cashback for festive spending
Many banks now offer cashback on debit card spending and/or household bills such as food shopping, transport and utilities.
For instance, Chase UK, which won the Best Everyday Current Account Provider in the Your Money Personal Finance Awards 2025, gives 1% cashback on debit card purchases (up to a monthly cap) for categories such as groceries and fuel.
Many banks also offer a cash incentive if you switch your current account using the Current Account Switching Service. Natwest won the Best Switching Current Account Provider in the Your Money Personal Finance Awards 2025 and is currently offering £175 to current account switchers.
Review your savings
With savings rates changing frequently, it’s worth checking that your money is earning as much interest as possible. Many older accounts pay far less than newer deals, so compare your rate with the best-buy tables.
Switching is usually straightforward – most banks let you open and fund a new savings account online in minutes. Even a small uplift in the interest rate can add up over the year.
Revolut won the Best Everyday Savings Account Provider at the Your Money Personal Finance Awards 2025, while Atom Bank won the Best Fixed Term Savings Account Provider.
