January can seem like the longest month between pay dates (Image: Getty)
The last Friday before Christmas was the day many Brits got their their final of 2024.
But while an early payday may have seemed like a relief at the time, making it last nearly six weeks when bills are soaring could prove a tough challenge.
Those on and also got their cash early to make sure everyone gets the support they need over Christmas.
For most of us January can seem like a long month, especially if your pay day is on the final working weekday of January, as this means your salary needs to last right until Friday 31 January.
It is possible to make what you do have of your salary stretch until pay day with the following expert tips.
One – stuff cash
Cash-stuffing is a hack which has become viral thanks to social media communities on .The idea behind this method is based on the cash envelope system. This means savers place money into separate envelopes so it can be reserved for specific expenses, such as a deposit on a house, rent, food and subscription services. You can use one envelope to manage your money for the week. This may sound extreme, but using cash to pay for things can also act as a brake on your spending.
Martin, campaign director of the Campaign for Cash, says: “Once this is gone, don’t spend anything else until the next week.
“Cash is the best way to budget and it will limit any impulse spending, saving you hundreds of pounds.”
You should also remove or block your credit or debit cards from your phone app, you can always install them again when you’ve got paid or got the balances are paid off.
Two – open an instant savings account
If you struggle to cope with cash then consider budgeting by using instant savings account. Rajan Lakhani, personal finance expert at smart money app Plum says: “It may be helpful to stash the amount away in a savings account and withdraw a set amount each week, so you can stay on track and be sure you’ll have enough at the end of January. This will also help with any spending temptations, especially earlier on in the month, because there will be less money available for discretionary purposes.”
Three – embrace an extreme January
The trend of enduring long flights with no phones, screens or distractions went viral last summer. The trend involved passengers staring straight ahead during their flight without any in-flight entertainment, books, music or screens. They would also refrain from eating, drinking or sleeping for the entire journey. The player posted a video of himself on a seven-hour flight where he didn’t eat, read or look at a screem.
You do not need to take you January to that extreme, after all it is 31 days long, but limiting your food spend – by taking lunch at home and taking in your own coffee rather than buying it from a coffee shop or van can save you around £5 a day, according to finance blogger Jane Hawkes.
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Four – remove temptation
Hawkes also recommends unsubscribe from marketing emails for new products and services. If you find yourself scrolling on your phone in the evening after work Hawkes s yourself the question “Do I really need it?” It may be a good idea to work out your own personal money pit and find ways to distract yourself from mindless purchases by immersing yourself in a good audio book or podcast. Or even trying meditation or breathing to stop yourself from making stress-related purchases.
Five – make sure you get what you are owed
All UK working parents are entitled to 30 hours of free for children aged 3 to 4 and 15 hours of free childcare for children between the age of nine months and two years-old. You will need to apply online and working parents can also apply for tax-free childcare, so getting back 20p for every 80p paid towards childcare. From September 2025 all children under five will be eligible for 30 hours free childcare. If you are on a you may also be entitled to Pension Credit and help with your heating costs.
Six: An eSIM is not just for summer
For those with small data plans, experts at eSIM travel company, Airalo have advised, “Customers can save money on their monthly phone bill by using an eSIM, even when they’re not travelling. “Downloading an eSIM for travelling, and turning off your primary SIM can significantly reduce fees. However, some customers may not realise they can benefit from using an eSIM in their local region. “eSIMs offer a competitive price compared to leading UK network providers. So for customers who exceed their monthly data allowance, they can avoid staggering bills and extra charges by downloading an eSIM for cheaper and effective data usage.”
Other things to do after you have got your February pay packet:
- Switch bank accounts – is among several high street banks offering savers money if they switch account.
- Sell clothes on Vinted or eBay – or even go for a 2025, where you just only buy replacement clothes ideas or even just new underswear.
- Make sure you use your leftover food -not only will you
- Try a savings hack – if you are in a company pension consider taking and opting for salary sacrifice to increase your savings