The Autumn Reset: Simple Cashflow Tweaks That Make a Big Difference

With the Autumn Budget set for Wednesday 26 November 2025, now’s a great time to tidy your money and make small changes that add up. Think of it as an autumn reset: quick wins today, less stress tomorrow and you’ll be in a stronger spot whatever the Chancellor announces.

1) First, get the basics in shape (15–30 minutes)

• Map your money. A quick budget check shows what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what can change. The MoneyHelper planner is simple and free.
• Sort your direct debits. Cancel unused subs, switch to cheaper tiers, and set key bills to land just after payday so you’re never chasing cash.
• Build a small buffer. Even £25–£50 a week into a separate pot helps you dodge overdraft fees and “payday panic.”

2) Use the allowances you already have

• ISAs remain flexible. The 2025/26 ISA allowance is £20,000; flexible ISAs let you withdraw and replace money in the same tax year without losing allowance. If your ISA isn’t flexible, withdrawals still count. Check before you move cash.
• Marriage Allowance (if eligible). If one of you earns under the personal allowance and the other is a basic-rate payer, you may be able to transfer some allowance; apply online via GOV.UK.

3) Cut waste, not your lifestyle

• Right-size your bills. Review energy, mobile, broadband, insurance and ditch “auto-renew” loyalty penalties.
• Automate good habits. Move “spare” cash on payday to savings/investments, not at month-end when it’s gone.
• Tackle debt early. If you’re juggling payments, talk to lenders sooner rather than later – there’s formal guidance for firms to support customers in difficulty.

Quick wins by life stage

Pre-retirees (50s–60s)

• Top up pensions while you can. Understand your annual allowance position and avoid last-minute scrambles. If you’ve triggered the Money Purchase Annual Allowance previously, plan contributions carefully.
• Stress-test income. Nudge more into cash for near-term spending; keep longer-term money invested if appropriate.
• Tax-efficient drawdown planning. Line up ISA and pension withdrawals so you’re not forced to sell at a bad time.

Business owners

• Speed up cash in, slow down cash out. Chase overdue invoices and consider early-payment incentives; review payment terms with suppliers.
• Know your dates. Companies House and Corporation Tax deadlines creep up—build them into your cash plan now.
• Salary/dividend mix. Sense-check drawings against profitability and your personal tax bands ahead of year-end.

Families

• Child Benefit check. From April 2024 the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) threshold increased to £60,000, tapering to £80,000. If you previously opted out, you may be able to restart payments – run the numbers. 
• Protect the essentials. Review life/illness cover and emergency savings to keep the household steady.

Young professionals

• Build a buffer, then invest. Aim for 3–6 months’ expenses; after that, automate monthly investing.
• Trim “leaks.” Ride-hailing, food deliveries, unused gym – set a monthly cap and stick to it.
• Skill-up on tax basics. If you freelance or have side income, understand payments on account—31 January and 31 July matter.

A mini action plan before Budget day

1. Run the MoneyHelper budget and highlight 3 cuts you’ll make this month. 
2. Review cash pots: bills, essentials, goals, fun. Rename them in your banking app to keep you honest.
3. Check allowances: ISA flexibility, Marriage Allowance eligibility.
4. If self-employed: estimate your January bill now and set up a weekly transfer to meet it. 

Want help tailoring this to you?

We’ll listen first, then build a plan around your life—no jargon, no surprises on fees. Get in touch and let’s get you set for a calmer winter