UK Savings Week 2025: Even a little can mean a lot

22 September 2025

We know saving isn’t always simple and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. This week is UK Savings Week, a week dedicated to helping you take that first step towards building better savings habits and feeling more confident about your financial future.  

Research has found that one in ten people have no savings at all, and another 21% have less than £1,000 to draw on in an emergency. Whether you’re putting money aside as a safety net or planning something big, saving even just a little, can make a big difference. So, if you’re ready to start, restart, or simply do savings your way, here are some tips and tools to help you make it happen. 

 

Why saving matters 

Saving isn’t just about big goals; it’s about giving yourself options and peace of mind. 

  • Security when life happens 
    A small savings pot can help cover surprise costs like car repairs or bills, giving you breathing room when you need it most. 

  • Freedom to say yes 
    Whether it’s a last-minute getaway or spending on something that brings you joy, savings give you the freedom to say yes without the stress. 

  • Confidence in your future 
    Even small, regular savings can help you feel more in control and less stressed about money. 

ShapeKnow your budget 

Before you start saving, it helps to know what’s possible. That means looking at your budget so you can see what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what’s left over. 

There are some great free budgeting tools that can help: 

  • Plum  - connects to your bank and helps you save automatically. 

  • MoneyHub - helps you to plan a budget and track where your money is spent and how it can be saved 

  • Moneyhelper - offers a free budgeting tool helping you track your incoming and outgoing giving you an idea of where you might be able to improve spending and start saving  

Even just reviewing your spending once a month can help you spot opportunities to save. 

 

Start small and stay consistent  

You don’t need to save big to make progress, you can start small and see big results, even saving as little as £10 a month means you’ll save £120 by the end of the year. 

Here are some easy ways to get started: 

  • Try a savings challenge 
    Make saving fun and goal-driven: 

  • 1p challenge – Start with 1p on day one, 2p on day two
 by year-end, you’ll have over ÂŁ600. 

  • Round up your spending 
    Some apps and accounts automatically round up purchases and save the spare change, making saving effortless and easy. Here are some of the best auto savings accounts right now for you to compare. 

  • Open an account with just ÂŁ1 
    It’s not about how much you start with, it’s about starting. At GWCU, you can open a savings account with as little as £1 and add as little and as often as you’d like.  

  • Set up a standing order 

Saving little and often is better than not saving at all. Set up a standing order for an amount that feels manageable for you and let your savings happen automatically. You can always dip into it if you need to, but putting it aside first helps you build the habit. 

 

ShapeSet a goal  

Having a goal makes saving feel more real. It could be: 

  • A rainy-day fund 

  • A weekend away 

  • Christmas costs 

  • A deposit for something bigger 

Already saving with us? Try our free savings tracker in the Member Portal. Set a goal that feels manageable and track your progress, it’s all about taking small, consistent steps. 

 

Compare savings accounts 

Not all savings accounts are the same. Some offer better interest or flexibility. Use this guide from MoneySavingExpert to compare current offers and find the best account to suit your saving needs.  

At GWCU, we offer savings accounts designed to suit your life: 

  • Easy Saver – Save what you can, when you can from as little as ÂŁ1 

  • Cash ISA – Save tax-free with 3.25% interest. 

  • Christmas Saver – Lock away your savings to help with festive costs. 

Explore our savings accounts and find your fit. 

 

ShapeYou don’t have to start today 

If you’re not ready to save yet, that’s okay. Just thinking about saving, reviewing your spending, or making small lifestyle changes can be a powerful first step. 

Saving is personal. It’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about doing it your way, when you’re ready.Â