Saving for a sunny day: A positive way to plan ahead

If you’ve been feeling more stressed than usual lately, you’re not alone. A recent survey from Mental Health UK found that over 90% of people in the UK experienced high or extreme stress in the past year, with one in five needing time off work because of mental health struggles.

Search trends reflect this too. In partnership with Varn, we’ve been looking at how people are using Google, and searches for “stress” and “debt” are now at their highest point in five years. It’s a clear sign of how stretched people are feeling, and how finances are weighing heavily on everyday life.

Stress and debt in the UK

Looking at global search trends, the data below shows that the UK has seen the largest rise in debt‑related searches and the second‑highest increase in stress‑related searches over the past five years. It’s clear that financial pressure is rising, which helps explain why holidays feel more important than ever.

Debt‑funded holidays are on the rise 

According to ABTA, almost three‑quarters of Brits see holidays as non‑negotiable, they’re how we recover, reconnect, and recharge. But with budgets under pressure, one in ten people now expect to put at least part of their holiday on credit.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a break. You deserve rest, sunshine, and time away. But a holiday funded on credit can overshadow the good memories if you come home to repayments and renewed worry.

So how do you fund the moments that matter, without the pressure?

Saving for a Sunny Day

Saving is often seen only as a safety net for emergencies. But it can just as easily be for the things that make life feel brighter.

A “sunny day savings pot” is money set aside for the things you love looking forward to, whether that’s:

• holidays
• weekends away
• festivals
• family days out

When your sunny‑day pot grows, so does your peace of mind. You’re saving with purpose, not pressure and you’re less likely to rely on credit when plans come around.

Small steps that make a big difference

You don’t need to make huge changes to start building a sunny‑day pot.

 Try:

• Saving little and often — even a few pounds each payday builds up quickly.
• Keeping separate “pots” to protect your holiday savings.
• Giving your pot a fun name: “Summer in Cornwall”, “Festival Fun Fund”.
• Using round‑ups or budgeting tools to boost savings without feeling the pinch.
• Reviewing subscriptions and redirecting money from unused ones.
• Making the most of our Cash ISA for tax‑free growth.

Make saving effortless with salary deduction

If your employer partners with GWCU, you can save straight from your pay making saving simple and effortless.

With salary‑deducted saving:

• the money leaves your pay before you see it
• you don’t have to remember to move it
• even small amounts grow surprisingly fast

It’s a simple, stress‑free way to build financial resilience while planning ahead for the things that bring you joy whether that’s holidays, celebrations, family time, or moments just for you.

Not sure if your employer partners with us?
Check here.

And if they do, right now you could earn 7% AER for 6 months when you start saving through salary deduction.