10 ways to make your money go further in 2025

1. Snub the sales

2. Set a savings goal

3. Take advantage of transport deals

4. Invite friends over

5. Go for a walk

6. Look out for restaurant deals and offers

7. Streamline your subscriptions

8. Make money on your unwanted items

9. Review your energy bills

10. Swap the gym for pounding the pavements

Resist the urge to hit seasonal sales and try to shop smarter instead. Set yourself no spend days and if you do want to buy new things try second-hand sites or charity shops. 

A good way to go into the new year with better savings habits is to set a savings goal. Set up a standing order so you automatically pay into your savings each month so it's something you don't have to think about.

If you need a little help with saving, take a look at the range of different savings accounts available at first direct. We have a range of different options to help you grow your money. 

When it comes to travel it pays to be organised. If you have a trip coming up, try to book trains well in advance to make sure you get the best deals on tickets - most timetables are released 12 weeks before. Plus, if you usually take the train or bus to work, you might be able to save more money by getting a weekly or monthly travel pass. It can often work out cheaper than the cost of buying your tickets each day. 

Saving doesn’t mean you have to stop socialising, it just means being smarter about it. If you usually go to the cinema, out for tea together or meet at a cafe, you can save by inviting friends around to your house instead. Host a movie night at your place, hold a dinner party where everyone brings a dish or why not invite them over for a Sunday morning coffee and catch up?

The weather being grey doesn’t mean weekends have to be drab. Plan to go on a scenic walk with family or friends each weekend. Not only will it help to kick off the new year being fit and healthy, it’s also a much cheaper alternative than going out for dinner or to the cinema.

If you usually go out for dinner, tons of restaurants have deals to attract customers in the quieter months. Check their social channels or their websites to scout out the best discounts and offers before booking a table.  

From music streaming and TV to beauty boxes and razor blades, there’s subscription services for everything so it’s easy for those Direct Debits to stack up throughout the year. Start the new year by reviewing yours and get rid of any you don’t use to cut unnecessary costs. If you have a first direct account, here's how you can review your standing orders and Direct Debits. 

Having a big clear out can be a great way to make some extra cash. Selling unwanted items you might have received as gifts for birthdays or Christmas can be a good place to start. From electronics and clothes to books and furniture, all can be sold online and can help you bring in some extra money - getting you closer to your savings goals. 

A new year can be a good time to review gas, water and electricity bills to see whether you could be making any savings. Often providers have different rates and deals which may save you money - depending on what tariff you're already on. If you haven't changed for a while, it's worth checking to see whether it's worth making a change. 

Gym membership can often be costly and not always a commitment we stick to. Instead, why not try getting fit by walking, running or trying out free YouTube online exercise tutorials at home. They're all cheaper alternatives to a gym membership and a great way to blow away the cobwebs.

Check out the savings accounts available at first direct.