10 Simple Ways to Save Money This Autumn
Autumn has a habit of sneaking up on us. One minute you're enjoying long summer evenings, and the next you're reaching for a jumper, thinking about turning the heating on and wondering how Christmas suddenly feels quite so close.
With colder weather and the festive season on the way, September can be a good time to give your everyday spending a quick reset. Reviewing subscriptions and household bills, using up food you already have and planning ahead for upcoming costs are just a few simple ways to spend a little less.
That doesn't have to mean giving up everything you enjoy or completely changing the way you live. Small changes to everyday habits can add up, and you might even find you're already paying for or buying things you don't really need.
Here are 10 simple ways to save money this autumn.
1. Give your subscriptions an autumn clean
When was the last time you checked everything you're subscribed to?
Streaming services, apps, cloud storage, gaming subscriptions, gym memberships and other monthly payments can easily be forgotten, particularly when they're taken automatically.
Take 10 minutes to look through your bank statement and make a list of your regular subscriptions. If there's something you haven't used recently, consider whether you still need it.
Just remember to check any cancellation terms before making changes.
2. Shop your wardrobe before buying for autumn
The change in weather can make it tempting to start shopping for new coats, jumpers and boots.
Before you do, have a proper look through what you already own. That jumper you'd forgotten about might suddenly look a lot more appealing when you haven't seen it since March.
It's also a good opportunity to sort out anything you no longer wear. Clothes in good condition could be sold online, donated or swapped with friends and family.
You could end up making a little extra space – and perhaps a little extra money – at the same time.
3. Try a freezer and cupboard challenge
There's often more food hiding in our kitchens than we realise.
Pick a few days when you try to build your meals around what's already in your freezer, fridge and cupboards before heading to the supermarket.
You don't have to create any questionable baked-beans-and-frozen-peas combinations. The idea is simply to use up forgotten ingredients and reduce food waste.
As an added bonus, you might find your next food shop is a little smaller.
4. Bring back the packed lunch
Buying lunch while you're at work, college or out and about can quickly become part of the daily routine.
You don't necessarily need to stop altogether. Even taking your own lunch a couple of times a week could reduce how much you're spending over the course of a month.
Leftovers from the night before can make this even easier, and save them from ending up in the bin.
5. Have a 'fakeaway' night
Autumn evenings and takeaway menus seem to go together remarkably well.
If Friday night usually means ordering food, try making your favourite takeaway-inspired meal at home occasionally instead.
Homemade pizzas, burgers, curries and wraps can all make an ordinary evening feel a little more like a treat without necessarily costing as much as ordering in.
Add a film and you've got an inexpensive night in sorted.
6. Get your home ready for colder weather
As the weather gets cooler, now is a useful time to look at how your home uses energy.
Simple things such as closing curtains when it gets dark, checking for draughts and making sure furniture isn't blocking radiators could help you use your heating more efficiently.
It's also worth understanding your current energy tariff and how much energy your household actually uses rather than relying solely on the amount of your monthly Direct Debit.
The energy price cap is changing from 1 October 2026. Ofgem has announced a 4% increase for a typical household using gas and electricity and paying by Direct Debit. The amount you actually pay will depend on how much energy your household uses, where you live and your tariff, meter and payment type.
You may also be able to get help with your energy costs. Find out more about the Warm Home Discount and check who may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment.
7. Start thinking about Christmas now
Yes, we know. It's only autumn.
But starting early can make Christmas spending feel a little less daunting than leaving everything until December.
You could start a separate Christmas savings pot and add whatever feels manageable each week or month. Even a small amount gives you something to work with later.
It's also worth making a rough list of who you normally buy for and setting yourself a budget before the Christmas shopping begins. If you're starting to plan early, our Get Ahead for Christmas 2026 article has more ideas to help you prepare.
Future you may be very grateful.
8. Plan a free weekend
Saving money doesn't have to mean sitting at home doing nothing.
Challenge yourself to plan a weekend where your activities cost little or nothing.
Depending on where you live, that might include a walk somewhere new, visiting a free museum or gallery, finding a local event, having a games night, taking the kids to the park or finally watching one of the films that's been sitting on your watchlist for months.
Search what's available locally and you might be surprised by how much there is to do for free.
9. Pick one household bill to review
Trying to review every household expense at once can turn a quick money-saving exercise into a job nobody wants to start.
So don't.
Pick one.
It could be your broadband, mobile plan, energy tariff or another regular household cost. Check what you're paying, when your current deal ends and whether you're still using everything included in it.
You don't necessarily need to change anything. Simply knowing what you're paying and when a contract or deal ends puts you in a better position to review your options.
Then choose another bill next month.
10. Try a 24-hour pause before non-essential purchases
Spotted something you want?
Rather than buying it immediately, try waiting 24 hours.
If you still want it the following day and it comfortably fits within your budget, you can make the decision then. You may find that some of those 'I definitely need this' purchases become much less essential after a night's sleep.
For larger purchases, you could even make it a 48-hour or seven-day rule.
Small changes can still make a difference
Saving money doesn't have to involve a dramatic lifestyle overhaul.
Clearing out one forgotten subscription, using what's already in the freezer, bringing lunch from home or having an occasional free weekend might seem like small changes individually, but together they can help reduce everyday spending.
The key is to find changes that work for you and your household rather than setting unrealistic rules you're unlikely to stick to.
Why not choose three ideas from this list and give them a go this autumn?
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