As we settle into 2026, many Brits are determined to improve their financial health. Vicky Parry, Editor at MoneyMagpie and a leading financial expert, has shared a definitive list of the best applications to help you stick to your money resolutions this year.
Smart Saving and Budgeting Tools
Parry emphasises that the first step should be taken within your own banking app. She advises setting up a standing order to transfer a fixed amount into savings on payday, whether it's £50 or £500. This "pay yourself first" approach is more effective than trying to save what's leftover at month's end.
Technology has revolutionised personal finance through open banking, allowing apps to link across platforms for greater visibility. Apps like Moneybox can automate saving via "roundups". For instance, if you spend £4.50 and your roundup is set to £5, the 50p difference is swept into a Stocks and Shares ISA. You can control the roundup amount to ensure it's affordable.
To analyse spending and find hidden costs, Parry recommends subscription-scrubbing apps like Emma. These can identify and cancel forgotten memberships, potentially saving you nearly £100 a year on a single £8.99 monthly fee that rolled over from a free trial.
Spending Less to Save More
Saving effectively often starts with spending smarter. Parry suggests actively using loyalty schemes, discount cards, and cashback sites. The Totum card, once exclusive to students, is now available to apprentices and union members, offering a range of discounts.
For online purchases, signing up to services like Topcashback and Swagbucks is crucial. Their browser extensions automatically hunt for compatible discounts, and you earn a percentage back on purchases. Significant bonuses are often available for comparing and switching services like insurance or broadband.
Entertainment doesn't have to break the bank. The free Lidl Plus app currently offers a 90-day Tastecard trial, providing two-for-one and 50% off deals at restaurants and cinemas. Until January 21st, 2026, it also includes a free trial for Day Out with the Kids, granting discounted access to UK attractions. Investing in an appropriate railcard can save a third on fares, with National Rail's Days Out Guide offering further half-price entry to major sites.
Building Future Wealth and Cutting Clutter
For those aiming to learn about investing in 2026, Parry's advice is to start small. You can begin with just £1 a week into a diversified portfolio within a Stocks and Shares ISA, treating it as a long-term endeavour. Online courses for beginners can demystify the process and teach diversification strategies to manage market volatility.
Adopting a circular economy mindset can also boost your budget. Apps like Olio and TooGoodToGo provide access to cheap or free food, with some Tesco stores giving away yellow-stickered items after 9pm. For clothing and home goods, consider second-hand platforms like Vinted, eBay, or local community groups on WhatsApp and Facebook. These are also excellent for selling unwanted items to generate extra cash for your savings goals.
By integrating these tools into your daily routine, you can build resilient financial habits that last well beyond January, helping to safeguard your finances against the ongoing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.
