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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Sara Keenan

Simple tips to regain control of your money in 2026

  • Rajan Lakhani, head of money at Plum, suggests the new year is an ideal time for a financial reset to establish better money management habits.
  • The first step involves gaining a clear overview of your finances by checking bank accounts, savings, debts, and regular spending.
  • Review and cancel unused subscriptions, such as streaming services or gym memberships, as forgotten subscriptions cost Britons £1.6 billion annually.
  • Optimise payment plans for services like Netflix or Spotify, considering options with adverts or paying upfront for discounts, and explore 'no-spend' months or savings challenges like the 1p challenge or roundups.
  • Maximise government benefits and tax breaks, including married couples allowance, free childcare hours, child benefits, and ensuring you are on the correct council tax rate.

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