UK Savings Week: Save your way today. Thank yourself tomorrow.

21 September 2026

UK Savings Week: Save your way today. Thank yourself tomorrow.

Whether you need a safety net for unexpected costs, funds for your next holiday or simply want a little more breathing room in your finances, saving can help you feel more prepared and in control of your money.

This UK Savings Week, we're looking at a few simple ways to make saving part of your routine, helping you build habits that work for you and giving future you plenty to thank you for.

Save what you can, when you can

There's no set amount you need to save each month. How much you can put aside will depend on your income, your regular expenses and what feels right for your budget.

You might be able to save £50 one month and £10 the next, and that's okay. Saving isn't about being perfect. It's about finding an approach that works for you and building a habit you can stick to.

If you're not sure what you can afford to save, try using this budgeting guide from MoneySavingExpert to get a clearer picture of your income and outgoings, and work out an amount that feels manageable.

Try a savings challenge

If you like having something to work towards, a savings challenge can make putting money aside feel a little more achievable.

You could try:

£1 a day challenge – Save £1 daily and end the year with £365.
Putting aside any spare change at the end of the week with the round-up challenge
The 1p savings challenge- Start with 1p on day one, 2p on day two and by year-end, you’ll have over £600.

There's no "right" way to do it. The best challenge is the one that works for your life and your budget.

Save through payroll deduction

If your employer offers a workplace savings scheme like Money@Work, you can save straight from your pay, making saving simple and automatic.

With salary-deducted saving:

The money is put away automatically from your pay
You don't have to remember to move it yourself
You can save before you get the chance to spend it

Payroll deduction can be a great way to make saving second nature. You can simply build your savings as part of your normal payday routine, without having to think about it.

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

Give your savings a purpose

Whether you're saving for a rainy day or a sunny one, setting yourself a goal can make it easier to see what you're working towards.

Maybe you're saving for your dream holiday, a new car, home improvements or a purchase you've had your eye on for a while. There's no right or wrong reason to save.

You could even have separate pots for different goals, helping you keep track of what you're saving for and stay motivated along the way.

You can use the savings tracker in the Member Portal to keep an eye on your progress and see how you're getting on with your goals.

Use the right savings account for your goal

Different savings accounts suit different goals, and the right account can help you stay on track. Through GWCU, you can choose from a range of savings options to suit your needs, whatever stage of your savings journey you're at.

• Cash ISA – Save tax-free and earn 3.25% AER, helping your savings grow faster alongside the money you put away.

• Christmas Saver – Spread the cost of Christmas throughout the year and reduce the pressure when the festive season arrives.

• Easy Saver – A flexible account that lets you save what you can, when you can, from as little as £1.

This UK Savings Week, take a moment to think about what you're saving for and choose an account that supports your goals.

Save for more freedom

Saving isn't just about having money put away.

Having some money set aside can help you feel more prepared and more in control of your finances. It can give you options when something unexpected happens, or more freedom to spend on the things that matter to you.

That might mean being able to deal with a surprise expense without relying on credit, or being able to enjoy a well-earned break without worrying about how you'll pay for it.

And that's why your future self might thank you for what you do today.

Find a way to save that works for you

There's no single way to save, and what works for someone else might not work for you. The important thing is finding a way that fits your life and your budget.

That £10 you put away could become part of your emergency fund. The money you save each payday could help pay for something you've been looking forward to. And having savings to fall back on could mean you're better prepared when an unexpected cost comes along.

You don't have to know exactly what the future will bring.

You can just give yourself a head start.