Review your budget and get ahead for Christmas

29 September 2026

If you’ve felt like your money isn’t stretching as far lately, taking a step back and reviewing your budget can make a big difference.

With less than three months to go until Christmas, now is a good time to refocus and put a plan in place, according to PayPlan.

Start with a budget review

Look at your current income and outgoings and check to see:

• Have any bills increased recently?
• Are you relying on credit more than before?
• Are there subscriptions or expenses you could reduce?

Once you’ve worked out how much disposable income you’ve left at the end of the month you can make a plan.

Even small changes such as cancelling unused services or switching utilities providers can free up money each month. Start a savings plan for Christmas Christmas can be expensive, but spreading the cost over several months makes it much more manageable.

You could try:

• Setting a realistic budget for Christmas, making sure you’re comfortable spending that amount
• Dividing that amount by the number of months left and try to save this amount per month.
• Some supermarkets offer savings schemes such as Asda’s Christmas Cash Pot and at others, like Tesco, so you can build up loyalty points to convert to vouchers.

Start planning gifts

Making a list now of who you need to buy for can help stop you overspending and panic buying later.

Think about:

• Who you need to buy for
• Setting spending limits per person
• Looking out for sales throughout the year
• Considering alternatives like homemade gifts or shared experiences.

Prepare for the winter months

As we head towards the latter end of the year, it’s not just Christmas that costs money, winter also brings higher energy bills and additional household expenses.

If possible:

• Start building a small emergency fund
• Check if you’re eligible for support (such as energy schemes or benefits)
• Review your energy usage and tariffs.

Help at hand

PayPlan can help If you are struggling with debts call them on 0800 072 1206. They are open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can visit www.payplan.com/westmidlandspolfed to speak to them via live chat or WhatsApp.

About PayPlan

PayPlan works with West Midlands Police Federation to provide free comprehensive advice, guidance and support for anyone struggling with their finances.

Its purpose is to help you take back control of your money. Money worries are constantly on the minds of many, and the stress of having to cope with this – coupled with the effect it can have on work, family life, health and relationships – can be all-consuming.

Sharing these concerns with the people closest to you isn’t always an option for everyone, but ignoring these worries can make things worse.

PayPlan has more than 20 years’ experience helping people resolve their financial difficulties with free debt advice. Every year, it offers guidance on a wide range of debt solutions to more than 80,000 people who are struggling with debts.

Visit the PayPlan website or call 0800 009 4146 for free, confidential advice.

Get free debt advice

PayPlan offers free and confidential advice to find a solution that is tailored towards your needs. See PayPlan’s debt advice leaflet for more information.

PayPlan free downloadable documents

Moneywise – A quick guide to managing your money

Assess what you owe - Instructions to set up your own income and expenditure statement

Debt solutions in brief – A simple guide to debt solutions

Preparing for a telephone consultation with PayPlan.

For more information and to contact PayPlan

You’ll find the PayPlan team of trained advisers understanding of your situation and always on hand to help you find a solution that fits your life. They will never tell you what to do, but they will offer you best advice, share their experience and help you every step of the way.

For free, confidential and impartial money advice, you can call PayPlan on 0800 009 4146 or visit the PayPlan website.