7 ways to get your finances ready for autumn

August is a good time to give your finances a seasonal check-up.

Household costs often start to build towards the end of the year as energy use increases and festive spending approaches. 

Spending a little time reviewing your bills, savings and insurance now could help you save money and avoid paying more than you need to.

Here are seven checks worth making before autumn.

1. Cut energy costs before winter

Although most households use less energy during the summer, now is the time to check your tariff before demand increases in the colder months.

The energy price cap increased by 13% in July for households on default tariffs paying by direct debit. While the cap limits the unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge customers on these tariffs, it isn't a cap on your total bill – what you pay still depends on how much energy you use.

Check whether you’re on a standard variable tariff or fixed deal, compare your options and submit an up-to-date meter reading. If you’re struggling to pay, contact your supplier as early as possible.

Booking a boiler service in summer will also help you spot problems before you need the heating every day. Always use a Gas Safe-registered engineer.    

Read our guide on how to get the best energy deal, including a table of the latest cheapest deals.  

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2. Make your savings work harder

Savings rates had been falling for months, but some of the top deals have started climbing again since spring, helped by competition between providers trying to attract savers.

Check whether money sitting in an old savings account is still earning a competitive return. The best deals won't stay around forever, so review your choices before rates move again. 

If you’re putting money aside for bills or Christmas spending, an easy-access account can keep it within reach. If you know you can leave the money untouched for longer, a fixed-rate account may pay more.

It’s also worth checking whether a cash Isa makes sense, especially if the interest on your savings could push you over your personal savings allowance.

• Find out more: best savings accounts and best cash Isas

3. Stop overpaying on broadband and mobile bills 

It’s easy to ignore broadband and mobile contracts, but staying put means paying more than you need to. In our latest survey, eight in 10 broadband switchers said changing provider was easy and saved them £100 a year on average.

Mobile bills are worth checking, too. Our survey of thousands of mobile customers found people on Sim-only deals paid £16 a month on average with one of the Big Four networks, compared with £9 on smaller networks.

Check when your contracts end, what you pay now and whether a cheaper deal still gives you the speed, data and coverage you need. If you’re happy with your provider, ask if it can offer a better price. 

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4. Check when your mortgage deal ends

Mortgage rates have been unsettled in recent weeks, with some lenders raising rates before others cut deals. Check your options early to stay ahead.

If your fixed or tracker mortgage deal ends this year or early next year, late summer is the time to look around. If you don’t arrange a new deal, you’ll usually move onto your lender’s standard variable rate, which is more expensive.  

Compare what your current lender offers against deals from other providers. Look beyond the headline rate to check the product fee, monthly repayments and early repayment charges. 

If higher repayments would be difficult to manage, speak to your lender or a mortgage broker early. Leaving it until the last minute could give you fewer options.

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5. Get your home cover ready for winter

Don’t wait for your home insurance to renew before checking whether you’re getting a good deal. Reports from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show average combined policy prices rose to £383 in April to June 2026, up from £375 in the previous three months.   

A sudden winter storm is the worst time to find out your cover isn't up to scratch, and our research shows storm claims are a common source of disputes between customers and insurers.

Check how your policy defines storm damage, as some insurers set minimum wind speeds before considering a claim. Also check your excess, alternative accommodation cover and whether home emergency cover is included.

If you’ve renovated or extended your property, check that your buildings cover reflects the cost of rebuilding your home, rather than its market value. Insurers won’t usually cover damage caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance, so deal with small repairs before the cold weather sets in. 

• Find out more: best home insurance providers

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6. Don’t let car insurance auto-renew

Leaving car insurance until the last minute will cost you extra. Go.Compare data found that the cheapest day to buy was 26 days before the policy start date.

If your policy is due to end in the next month or two, set a reminder to compare quotes around three to four weeks before your renewal date.

Compare your renewal notice against new quotes, but don’t choose on price alone. Check that your mileage, job, parking location, named drivers and cover details are still accurate.

Finally, check whether you still need add-ons such as breakdown cover, legal expenses, courtesy car cover or windscreen cover.

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7. Get your later-life admin in order

A will is easy to put off, but autumn can be a useful prompt to get it sorted. Free Wills Month runs in October, giving people aged 55 and over the chance to have a simple will written or updated for free.

Co-op research found that 57% of UK adults do not have a will, while 55% of those without one do not know what happens if they die without one.

A will lets you set out who should inherit your money, property and possessions. It can be especially important if you have children, own a home, are unmarried or want to leave money to someone who would not automatically inherit.

It’s also worth checking life insurance alongside this. Co-op found that 54% of UK adults do not have life insurance in place. If you already have cover, check whether the amount, term and beneficiaries still reflect your life now.

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