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Nationwide 2026 savings trends

ended 17. December 2025

Nationwide have just issued the findings of a survey into Brits' saving goals for next year. A lot of it is the usual stuff about squirreling money away for emergencies, blah (read it here). Send across you general thoughts but we're especially interested in the 100 envelope challenge, which is a TikTok ‘thang’. Fidelity explain it pretty well >> here <<. Is the 100 envelope challenge a good idea to get people saving and make it fun? Or will some people end up piling crazy pressure on themselves to make it through if they stick to the rules rigorously? And then be put off saving for life? Your thoughts on a digial postcard please.

  • Four in ten (43%) will maintain their savings in 2026, with 14% aiming to save up to £2,000
  • Almost half of Millennials (49%) plan five‑figure savings (£10k+), but most feel stressed saving (69%)
  • Emergency funds (43%), holidays (36%), retirement (23%) amongst top reasons to save in 2026
  • 62% of 25-34s would consider social media trends like ‘loud budgeting’ and ‘100 envelopes’

1 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Scott Gallacher
Director at Rowley Turton
Surveys like this aren't particularly useful as they measure good intentions rather than actual results. It's the financial equivalent of asking us if we plan to lose weight in 2026.

Sadly, one in five of us is just one pay day away from financial disaster. Building an emergency fund is a great idea. I hope that the survey results are matched by action rather than just intention.

As for the 100-envelope idea, it's a fad that will probably not last till the end of January. And you'd be better off saving in a bank and earning interest rather than sticking cash in an envelope. Who even has cash now? That said, if it gets people thinking about saving and actually putting something away, then that's not a bad thing