12 ways to make your pay stretch until the end of January

December is already the most expensive month of the year. Between Christmas food, presents, travel and higher energy use, many households start January already on the back foot.

For people who were paid early in December, the squeeze is even worse. That means making one wage last through the most expensive month of the year and the longest gap until payday. If January is already feeling impossible, you are not alone.

But the good news is there’s practical steps you can take right now to make your money stretch further.

1. Work out exactly what you have left

When money is tight, it is easy to avoid checking your bank balance. But guessing often makes things worse.

Log into your banking app and note down what is in your current account, any savings you are willing to dip into, and which bills are still due before payday. Once you have a clear figure, you can plan properly. Knowing the truth, even if it feels uncomfortable, puts you back in control.

2. Turn a long month into weekly targets

January feels overwhelming because it is long and unpredictable.

Take the amount you have left and divide it by the number of weeks until payday. That figure becomes your weekly spending limit. Keeping it written down or saved in your notes app can help stop money disappearing too quickly and reduce the risk of running out before the end of the month.

3. Temporarily pause non-essential spending

This is not about cutting joy out of your life forever. It is about protecting yourself financially for a few weeks.

If possible, avoid takeaways, impulse online purchases and unnecessary trips to the shops. Even saying “not until payday” can make a noticeable difference. Reminding yourself this is a short-term pause, not a permanent ban, makes it easier to stick to.

4. Hunt down forgotten subscriptions and cancel them

Subscription payments often slip under the radar and quietly drain your account.

Start by checking your bank statements for regular payments you do not recognise or rarely use. Look for monthly charges from streaming services, apps, fitness platforms or delivery memberships.

If you use an iPhone, go to Settings, tap your Apple ID, and select Subscriptions. You can see everything you are paying for and cancel directly. If you use Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, and select Payments and subscriptions.

You can also search your email inbox for terms like “receipt”, “subscription” or “free trial” to uncover payments you may have forgotten about. Cancelling just one or two subscriptions can free up enough money for a week’s food shop.

5. Plan meals before shopping to avoid overspending

Food spending can rise quickly when you are stressed or shopping without a plan. Planning meals in advance gives you control and can save a noticeable amount each week.

Before going to the supermarket, decide what you will eat for the week and write a list. Choose simple, filling meals and consider swapping expensive ingredients for cheaper alternatives. For example, different cuts of meat such as chicken thighs, mince or cheaper cuts of beef can be much cheaper than premium cuts but are just as nutritious. You can also bulk out meals with beans, lentils, frozen vegetables or pulses to stretch a smaller amount of meat across several portions.

Buying supermarket own-brand staples like rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes and oats instead of branded items can also save you £5-£15 a week. Planning ahead reduces the chance of impulse buys, helps you use what you already have at home, and cuts food waste - all of which add up to significant savings over the month.

6. Use what you already have at home

Many households have more food in their cupboards and freezers than they realise.

Before shopping, take stock of what you already own and build meals around those items. Tins, frozen vegetables, pasta, rice and sauces can form the base of several low-cost meals.

If you are stuck for ideas, tools like ChatGPT or recipe websites can help. You can type something like, “What meals can I make with chicken, rice, frozen vegetables and tinned tomatoes?” and get simple recipe ideas without buying extra ingredients.

7. Ask suppliers for help with utility bills

If energy or water bills are causing stress, it’s important to act early rather than wait until you fall behind.

For water bills, most suppliers offer payment plans, hardship funds, and social tariffs for people on low incomes. Social tariffs give eligible customers a discounted rate on their bills, which can make a real difference over the month.

Energy providers don’t currently offer social tariffs, but there are still several ways suppliers can help. Many run hardship funds or grants, offer flexible payment plans, and the Warm Home Discount can give eligible households a one-off £150 off their electricity bill.

If you have a prepayment meter, ask your supplier about emergency top-ups or emergency credit, which can give you extra electricity or gas when your meter runs out. Signing up for the Priority Services Register won’t reduce bills, but can give extra support if you have additional needs, such as help reading meters or advance notice of outages.

The key is to contact your supplier as soon as possible. Ask about any discounts, hardship funds, payment plans, emergency top-ups, or the Warm Home Discount. You don’t need to be behind on payments, and asking for help won’t affect your credit score.

8. Check if you are missing out on benefits or extra income

Around £24 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year. Many people assume they will not qualify for the extra support, but entitlement is based on income and circumstances, not just employment status.

Use the free Money Wellness benefits checker to see what support you could be entitled to, including universal credit, council tax reduction or help with housing costs. Even small weekly amounts can make a real difference when money is tight, especially during a long January.

9. Look for emergency support before turning to credit

When money runs low, borrowing can feel like the only option. But overdrafts, credit cards and buy now, pay later often make future months harder.

Before borrowing, check whether you can get help through the Household Support Fund. This government-backed scheme, run by local councils, can provide support with essentials like food, energy bills and household costs. Help is usually given as vouchers, grants or direct support with bills and does not need to be paid back.

Each council runs the fund differently, so check your local authority’s website or contact them directly to see what is available in your area. This can often cover costs that borrowing would otherwise have been needed for. Find information on other emergency help here.

10. Sell unwanted items to bring in extra cash

A January clear-out can help both your finances and your living space, turning items you no longer use into much-needed money.

Clothes, shoes, electronics, books, toys and household items can all be sold, but focus on items in good condition that are likely to sell quickly. Online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and apps such as Vinted or Depop are great for clothing, fashion and accessories. Electronics and gadgets often sell well on eBay or specialised sites. Local selling groups or car boot sales can also be a fast way to find buyers without fees.

Smaller items like books, DVDs or clothes might bring in £5-£20 each, while higher-value items such as smartphones, laptops or gaming consoles can fetch £50-£300 depending on condition and demand. Even selling a few things can help to cover the cost of essentials.

11. Boost your income with quick, flexible work

If money is tight, even a small extra income can make a real difference. There are several ways to earn cash quickly - many of which you can do from your phone or around your local area.

For simple online tasks and surveys, look at platforms like Swagbucks, Prolific, AttaPoll, Qmee, or InboxPounds. You can earn small amounts by completing surveys, testing products, or giving feedback on websites. While each task only pays a few pounds, using a few of these platforms in your spare time can add up to £50-£100 extra over a few weeks.

If you prefer local work, apps like TaskRabbit and Airtasker connect you with people nearby who need help with errands, furniture assembly, gardening, or cleaning. Rates vary depending on the task and your area, typically £10-£25 an hour, and you often get paid immediately. Delivery apps such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat can also provide flexible shifts.

Freelance marketplaces like PeoplePerHour let you offer skills such as writing, admin, design, or social media support to customers online. For those with expertise in tutoring, websites like MyTutor or Superprof offer paid sessions with students.

12. Get money advice if things feel unmanageable

If you are worried about running out of money before payday, or your outgoings regularly exceed your income, you do not have to face it alone.

We offer confidential money and debt advice to help you take control. Our advisers can help you prioritise bills, access support schemes, put a realistic budget in place or help you find the right debt solution for you. Getting guidance early can prevent problems from getting worse and give you peace of mind while you work through a tight month.

You can reach us online or by phone, and support is completely confidential - even if you just want to check your options.

Getting through January

Being paid early in December can make January feel relentless. But taking small, practical steps can help your money go further.

Focus on essentials, use the support available and do not be afraid to ask for help. Payday will come, and things can improve.