Brits are set to be more ruthless with their discretionary spending in 2026 – ditching takeaways, binning unused subscriptions and clamping down on nights out.
An annual survey of 2,000 adults found 30 per cent of those making cuts want to prioritise investing and 19 per cent hope to smash their financial goals as quickly as possible.
Others plan to cut back on luxury purchases (29 per cent), fashionable items (29 per cent) and everyday conveniences like takeaway coffees (18 per cent).
The yearly poll by saving and investing platform Moneybox [https://www.moneyboxapp.com/] – which tracks spending and how people are feeling about their finances for the year ahead – revealed rising living costs could be a major driver, with monthly grocery bills increasing by 14 per cent, jumping from £313.09 to £355.66.
The typical monthly spend on rent and mortgages has risen from £531.97 to £657.58 – a 24 per cent increase – between 2024 and 2025.
Some are already taking action, with outgoings on takeaways dipping by nine per cent, from £77.58 to £70.72.
Many hope these cutbacks will stretch their money even further, aiming to free up extra cash to achieve their main financial goals for the year ahead, such as building their emergency fund (28 per cent), putting more money aside for retirement (20 per cent) and home improvements (18 per cent).
But as 2025 draws to a close, despite rising costs of living, 37 per cent feel they’re in a better financial position than when the year began, compared to 19 per cent who do not.
This has been helped by making progress towards financial goals (31 per cent), better budgeting (28 per cent) and seeing solid returns on their investments (25 per cent).
And plenty are pleased with their financial year, with 28 per cent enjoying a welcome pay rise and 21 per cent paying down debts.
Brian Byrnes, director of personal finance at Moneybox, said: “Regularly reviewing your spending is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to build better financial habits.
“Small changes made consistently can unlock money you didn’t even realise you were spending.
“Even modest mindset shifts like committing to spending 30 minutes a week on your personal finances can make a meaningful difference to your financial situation over time.”
The research also found 57 per cent of those polled are optimistic they will continue to get their finances back on track in the new year.
Of those who are optimistic, 47 per cent have a plan in place to save more, and confidence is building among 28 per cent who now feel more capable of managing their money.
A further 26 per cent who are positive about getting their finances back on track have set clear financial targets they’re working towards in 2026 and 24 per cent feel more motivated to get on top of their money.
While 15 per cent are committed to investing more regularly.
Overall, 32 per cent proactively invested their money in 2025, and 65 per cent of them felt more confident doing so compared to 2024.
This confidence has grown for 44 per cent because they feel more informed about investing, while 35 per cent had the confidence to return to the market after previously receiving good returns, according to the OnePoll findings.
Another 33 per cent said saving more this year boosted their confidence to invest, and 25 per cent attributed the uplift to improved market stability.
A spokesman for Moneybox added: “What this research shows is that people aren’t just tightening their belts, they’re becoming far more intentional about their money.
“Rising costs have forced tough choices, but confidence is growing as people get clearer on their goals and take action, whether that’s investing regularly, building an emergency fund or planning for the long term.
“When people feel informed and supported, financial confidence becomes the unlock that turns good intentions into better financial outcomes.”
