Brits are preparing to be more ruthless with their discretionary spending in 2026 – ditching takeaways, cancelling unused subscriptions and cutting back on nights out in a bid to strengthen their financial future.

An annual survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Moneybox, the award-winning wealth management platform, reveals that 30 per cent of those planning to cut back want to prioritise investing, while 19 per cent are focused on achieving their financial goals as quickly as possible.

Luxury purchases (29 per cent) and fashionable items (29 per cent) are among the first to be culled, alongside everyday treats such as takeaway coffees (18 per cent).

The findings come as rising living costs continue to squeeze household budgets. The Moneybox research shows average monthly grocery bills have increased by 14 per cent, rising from £313.09 to £355.66, while typical monthly rent and mortgage costs jumped by 24 per cent between 2024 and 2025 – from £531.97 to £657.58.

Despite this, many are already taking action. Spending on takeaways has dipped by nine per cent year-on-year, falling from £77.58 to £70.72, as people look to free up extra cash for their priorities.

Those savings are being redirected towards long-term goals, with 28 per cent aiming to build or boost their emergency fund, 20 per cent putting more aside for retirement and 18 per cent planning home improvements.

As the year draws to a close, more than a third (37 per cent) say they are in a better financial position than when 2025 began, compared with 19 per cent who feel worse off. Progress towards financial goals (31 per cent), improved budgeting (28 per cent) and positive investment returns (25 per cent) have all helped, while 28 per cent benefited from a pay rise and 21 per cent successfully paid down debt.

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 just 30 minutes a week to your personal finances – can make a meaningful difference over time.”

Looking ahead, optimism remains high. More than half (57 per cent) of those surveyed are confident they will continue to get their finances back on track in the year ahead. Among those feeling positive, 47 per cent already have a plan in place to save more, 28 per cent feel more capable of managing their money and 26 per cent have set clear financial targets for 2026.

Motivation is also translating into action, with 15 per cent committed to investing more regularly. Overall, 32 per cent proactively invested in 2025, and nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) say they felt more confident doing so than in 2024.

That confidence is being driven by better understanding, with 44 per cent feeling more informed about investing, while 35 per cent returned to the market after previously seeing good returns. A further 33 per cent said saving more this year boosted their confidence to invest, and 25 per cent pointed to improved market stability.

Brian Byrnes added: “This research shows that people aren’t just tightening their belts – they’re becoming far more intentional with their money. Rising costs have forced tough choices, but confidence is growing as people get clearer on their goals and take action. When people feel informed and supported, financial confidence becomes the unlock that turns good intentions into better financial outcomes.”

ENDS

About Moneybox:

Moneybox is an award-winning wealth management platform on a mission to give everyone the means to get more out of life. Launched in 2016 by Ben Stanway and Charlie Mortimer, Moneybox has grown rapidly and now supports a community of over 1.6 million customers with more than £18 billion in assets under administration. The platform brings together saving, investing, home-buying, and retirement services—alongside powerful tools and educational content—to help people build wealth throughout life, no matter their starting point.

Moneybox is a Which? Recommended Savings Provider 2024, has been voted ‘Best First-Time Buyer App’ at the What Mortgage Awards three years running (2022, 2023, and 2024) and won the “Best Investment Provider” award at the British Bank Awards for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025).

www.moneyboxapp.com

Contacts: 

Moneybox

Joanne Leahy, Head of PR

joanne.leahy@moneyboxapp.com

Jake Hudson, Senior PR Manager

jake.hudson@moneyboxapp.com

Press

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