How to get your finances ready for the shorter days

The clocks have gone back, and like it or not, that means darker evenings are here to stay until around March.

While the lack of daylight can mess with your mood, it can also take a toll on your wallet.

From higher heating bills and car trouble in the cold, to festive spending creeping up, winter can quickly get expensive.

The good news is that you’ve got time to get prepared. Here’s how you can protect your finances as the days get shorter.

Winter-proof your car

Cold weather and cars don’t mix well. Batteries lose charge faster, tyres deflate more easily and engines can struggle to start.

Take a little time now to get your car ready:

• top up your washer fluid with anti-freeze
• check your battery and tyres and replace them if needed
• add a protective sealant to your car’s bodywork to guard against road salt

A quick check now can save you from costly breakdowns later.

Cut energy costs

As you turn the heating back on and the price cap rises, your bills can easily climb. So it’s worth taking some simple steps to keep your home warm and your costs down. Such as:

• switching to energy-efficient light bulbs
• sealing drafts around doors and windows
• layering up instead of cranking up the thermostat
• using a price comparison site to check if you could be paying less for your energy

We’ve put together a list of tips on ways to stay warm this winter.

Keep your home secure

Long, dark evenings can unfortunately mean more opportunities for burglars. But you can make your home much less of a target with a few quick changes.

Here’s what you can do:

• keep valuables out of sight by closing curtains or blinds
• store jewellery, cash and important paperwork in a safe
• lock away ladders and tools
• fit an alarm or a smart doorbell for extra security
• never leave spare keys outside, give one to a trusted neighbour instead

A few smart moves now can help you feel safer all winter long.

Get ahead for Christmas

The festive season can be fun, but expensive. So start planning now to avoid the last-minute panic and the January money hangover.

Here’s how you can get ahead:

• write out your present list early
• sign up to newsletters from your favourite shops for early access to deals
• spread out your shopping to make the costs easier to manage

Planning ahead means you’ll enjoy the celebrations and start 2026 in a stronger financial position.

Declutter and sell

If you’re spending more time indoors, why not make it pay? Go through your cupboards and wardrobes, you might be surprised what you can turn into cash.

List unwanted clothes, gadgets, and toys on second-hand sites like eBay, Vinted, or Facebook Marketplace. You’ll earn a bit extra and enjoy a tidier home.

Consider a side gig

Many retailers, delivery companies and hospitality venues recruit extra help in the run-up to Christmas. A seasonal job, even just a few hours a week, could give your income a nice boost for the winter.

If in-person work isn’t for you, think about online tutoring, freelance work or selling homemade goods.

Update your monthly budget

Your spending habits often change in winter, so now’s a great time to refresh your budget.

Add in seasonal expenses like heating, festive spending or car maintenance, and track what’s going out more closely.

Use our free budget planner to help you.

Shorter days don’t have to mean higher costs. With a few smart steps, you can stay warm, safe and financially secure all winter long, ready to welcome spring with your finances in better shape.