Your inbox may already be full of January sale deals, promising unbeatable discounts and deals you just don’t want to miss. It can be the perfect time to pick up items you’ve had your eye on or even stock up on essentials. However, it can be very easy to overspend and find yourself in a sticky situation of owing money you hadn’t planned for.

We’ve put together a few smart shopping tips to help you take advantage of the sales whilst keeping your financial situation in mind:

1.   Set a budget and stick to it

Before you start shopping, work out how much you’re willing and able to spend. Whether it’s for household essentials, clothing or technology, if you set a clear budget this can help avoid impulse purchases.

2.   Make a shopping list

Many of the offers can tempt you into buying items you don’t actually need; making a list will help you prioritise shopping only for items you need and avoid overspending.

3.   Compare prices

Not all deals are as good as they seem; before you purchase, we recommend comparing prices across retailers to make sure you can’t find it cheaper elsewhere.

4.   Pick up off-season bargains

Many shops will have huge discounts on off-season items such as Christmas decorations or gifts that you can save for next year. If you can plan ahead, you have the opportunity to save costs on items that will be expensive later on in the year.

5.   Avoid using credit

Avoid using credit cards or buy now pay later. Try to stick to your budget, and if possible, use cash or your debit card to stay within your means.

6.   Don’t worry about missing out

Businesses create urgency by adding phrases to their marketing such as ‘limited time offer’ or ‘whilst stocks last’. Think before purchasing; if you wouldn’t purchase the item at full price, consider if you actually need or want it.

7.   Plan for ‘Big-Ticket’ items

The January sales can be one of the best times to purchase ‘big-ticket’ items such as furniture or electrical items. We recommend researching these big purchases for the best deals and have the money set aside to avoid financial strain.

8.   Check return policies

Before you purchase check the retailer’s return policy. Some sale items might not be able to be returned or exchanged unless faulty. Being in the know about whether you can return items will help you make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse.

What you can do next

January sales are a fantastic opportunity to save big, but only if you shop wisely. If you’ve overspent and are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

So many people use the New Year to kick start a health plan and look after their bodies, but the New Year can also be the perfect opportunity to review your financial health.

The holiday season is expensive, with food, presents, clothing, and events all adding up alongside all of the standard household costs. If you’re already struggling with debt, this is likely to have increased, or if you’ve overspent over the festive period, you may be worrying about how you’ll be able to repay this balance.

We’re sharing some ideas below to help improve your financial health in 2025.

Create a budget

Sit down and work out what you’re spending your monthly income on, you might be surprised when you work out exactly where it’s going. It can be a great opportunity to cancel subscriptions that you’re not using or review your energy provider to see if you can get a better deal.

Our free budget planner is available here.  Try to build in a buffer when you work out your budget to plan for the unexpected.

Check you’re not missing out on any benefits

It’s important to check you’re not missing out on benefits you may be entitled to. Whether you’re already receiving benefits, unsure of your eligibility, or have previously been told you don’t qualify, it’s worth taking a moment to use a benefits calculator. It’s quick, confidential, free, and takes less than ten minutes.

Review your household costs

You can use comparison sites to find the best deals for bills, such as your gas and electric or broadband deals – some offer vouchers or discounts for you to switch to.

Try to ensure you don’t let policies auto-renew, such as broadband and home insurance, as they may auto-renew at a higher price than you’re already paying, and you may be able to get a better price elsewhere.

Try and complete a savings challenge

The no-spend challenge can be an ideal way to devote a month or two to cutting back on spending. The idea is that, during the timeframe you choose, you commit to spending money only on necessities like groceries, bills, and toiletries. Then, you cut out any non-essentials such as streaming services or days out.

This can be an ideal way to get back on track after overspending over Christmas and you may review your spending habits along the way by seeing how much you could be cutting back on going forward.

After the no-spend period, you can use your leftovers to pay off debts or put them into your savings account.

Another great idea to try is the £1 challenge, if you can, put £1 aside each day and by the end of 2025 you’ll have £365 in your pot.

Tackle your debt

If you’re struggling with debt, get some help in 2025. Carrying the burden of debt can weigh you down and it can be overwhelming to know where to start.  The good news is, we’re here to help. Call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

If you’re looking for ways to make the most out of your money, BudgetSmart has hundreds of easy actions you can take to improve your monthly budget.

As the colder months approach, we understand that keeping your home warm can be costly. That’s why we’ve put together some energy-saving tips to help you stay warm and cosy without breaking the bank.

Seal in the warmth

Make sure you keep the warmth in and the cold out by sealing any gaps or cracks in your home where cold air can come in, like your doors and windows. Draught excluders or weather-stripping tape are effective and inexpensive ways to keep the heat in. Keyholes can also allow warm air to escape, so consider getting a cover for them as well.

Get the best out of your appliances

General tips for your appliances

If your appliances have an eco-setting, it’s worth using it. It will help save the environment and your pocket.

For items like chargers, radiators or speakers that don’t need to be on all the time, unplug them when not in use.  Speakers can cost around £6 a year when on standby for 20 hours a day, and a radiator left on in a room that’s not in use is just keeping an empty room warm.

Make sure your appliances are cleaned regularly too, as this will help to keep them running efficiently. For example, did you know that a kettle with limescale buildup requires more energy to heat water? Likewise, keeping your freezer organised and the back of your fridge clean can help both run more efficiently.

Tips for your washing machine

• Instead of washing all your clothes at high temperatures, consider using a lower setting, especially for items that aren’t heavily stained.
• Be efficient with your laundry load. If you don’t have enough clothes to wash, wait until you do.
• Use machine commercial stain removers and cleaners for tough stains and to clean your washing machine.
• For everyday items like trousers and jumpers, consider airing them out after a single wear instead of washing them right away.

Tips for your tumble dryer

• If the weather’s good, dry your clothes outside instead.
• If you use the dryer, clean the lint filter regularly and sort your clothes out by fabric type to reduce drying time.

Do your research

Why not look to see if you can get a better deal with a different energy provider or tariff? Which? has created a free energy comparison tool to find a better rate for you and your home. 

• If you receive paper bills, check to see if you’re being charged for them and ask to receive them via email or on your provider’s app instead.
• Paying by direct debit is usually cheaper and will help you manage your costs more closely within your budget.
• If you don’t have a smart reader, remember to send your supplier meter readings as often as possible. This ensures you’re paying for what you use instead of estimated amounts.
• You can also see if your provider offers any scheme for non-peak usage (using electricity at quieter times, such as between 11 am and 4 pm). British Gas, for example, has a scheme called PeakSave, which rewards customers who use their electricity when there is less demand.

A few final tips

If money’s tight, there are some particularly budget-friendly ways you can save on energy bills:

• Turn down the thermostat and add a layer or two to keep warm.
• Try wearing slippers or warm socks and consider using a hot water bottle to stay warm with minimal energy use.
• You can also charge devices while you’re out, such as at a local library or community centre, to save energy at home.

Overview

For more practical energy-saving ideas, visit BudgetSmart, where you’ll find additional tips on reducing household costs and boosting your income.

What you can do next

If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to  speak to us via live chat or for more information.

The holiday season, whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, work parties, family gatherings, or other celebrations, is often a time for people to come together to celebrate, remember, and connect. But if you, or someone close to you, are grieving, these gatherings may feel overwhelming rather than joyous.

We would like to raise awareness of National Grief Awareness Week which takes place from December 2nd to December 8^th 2024, providing a dedicated period for individuals, organisations, and communities to come together to acknowledge and address the various aspects of grief.

How can you navigate this season while caring for your wellbeing?

Acknowledge your feelings

It’s okay to feel sad, lonely, or even angry. Accepting your feelings without judgment can help you process them. Allow yourself to grieve in your own way and at your own pace.

Skipping the celebrations

If it feels right to skip the festivities altogether, don’t hesitate to make that choice, especially if it’s what you need to cope. However, remember that the world will continue around you, so consider strategies to reduce reminders, like avoiding TV and social media. You might also ask someone to help with tasks like opening your mail or doing your shopping online to minimise additional stress.

Saying no to invitations

Invitations are usually extended with kindness, but it’s okay to decline if you’re not up for socialising. If you’re unsure about how you’ll feel on the day, ask if you can decide at the last minute or perhaps join only for part of the gathering, like the meal, if that feels manageable. If you need a quieter environment, consider joining the group for a walk, where you can engage with one or two people at a time.

Sending holiday cards

If you’re sending cards, consider a pre-printed message that shares your loss with your wider circle, while acknowledging the holiday. An example might be:
“In case you’re not already aware, we wanted to let you know that [name] passed away on [date]. We won’t be sending our usual card this year as we focus on treasuring memories with family. We appreciate your friendship and support.”

Hosting the holiday meal

If you usually host the meal but don’t feel ready to do so fully, you can focus on what you can manage but delegate the rest to others. This year you can make the gathering about ease rather than tradition -create a menu that won’t cause you additional stress.

Taking a breather

If things feel too much, make sure you have a quiet space to go to. Talk to your host in advance and arrange a room where you can have some time alone if needed.

Handling gifts

If your loss is recent, you may receive gifts intended for the person who has passed away. Consider setting these gifts aside or ask someone to help you discreetly remove them. With permission from the gift-givers, you might even donate these items to a charity in memory of your loved one, whether it’s a raffle prize or a contribution to support those in need.

Honour your loved one’s memory

It may be a nice new tradition to find a way to celebrate their life at Christmas if that feels right. Writing them a letter, creating a small memorial, or looking through photos can help you feel connected to them and keep their spirit present during the holidays.

Seeking support

Don’t be afraid to lean on friends, family, or support groups. Talking with others who understand your loss can be very comforting. Our partner, The National Bereavement Service, supports anyone who has experienced a bereavement with practical and emotional information and advice from professional bereavement advisors with lived experience.

What you can do next

If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

Are you looking to earn a guaranteed return on your savings? Serve and Protect Credit Union have launched their latest fixed-rate savings account. 

Serve and Protect Credit Union (formerly Police Credit Union) are a not-for-profit organisation designed to help people in the police, prison, military, fire, and health services save money for their financial future.

• Their Fixed Saver account allows you to deposit from £1,000 up to £10,000, with a guaranteed return of 4.5% AER over a term of 12 months.
• Your savings with Serve and Protect Credit Union are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, covering you up to £85,000.*

By opening a Fixed Saver, you not only earn a competitive return on your savings, but you also play a vital role in providing affordable loans to those who serve and protect the nation.

Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer! 

It’s available on a first-come-first-served basis, so act fast. The product is available throughout November 2024 and just requires you to complete a simple application online.  

Please Note: If you are not already a member of Serve and Protect, you can still apply, but you will have to do so by the 28^th of November 2024.

To apply or learn more about the Fixed Saver, visit:

https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver