As the new year begins, financial resolutions are at the forefront for many across the UK. Whether the goal is to save more, spend smarter, or finally get organised, a suite of digital tools can provide the necessary support. We have compiled a definitive list of 26 essential resources to help you achieve your money goals in 2026.
Planning for Your Future
Getting a clear picture of your long-term financial health is crucial. The Scottish Widows Pension Mirror uses AI to estimate your age from a photo and then shows the average pension savings for that age group. One user was estimated to be 47, a decade younger than their actual age, and shown that typical savings for that age are £75,500, compared to £124,800 for a 57-year-old. The app then helps you project your own retirement pot.
For those in middle age, the government-backed Money Midlife MOT is an invaluable check-up. Aimed at 45-65 year olds, it guides you through key areas like estate planning and pension provisions without needing detailed account numbers, delivering a personalised action plan.
Pensioners on a low income should investigate the Pension Credit calculator. This government tool determines if you're eligible for this top-up benefit, which can raise your weekly income to £227.10 if single or £346.60 for couples.
Managing Daily Spending & Saving
Day-to-day budgeting and savvy shopping are made easier with several innovative apps. HyperJar is a free money management app that uses digital "jars" for budgeting and offers prepaid cards, including for children. For grocery savings, Trolley.co.uk lets you compare prices across major supermarkets like Tesco and Asda, potentially cutting bills by up to 30%.
To combat food waste and save money, Too Good To Go connects you with discounted surplus food from local eateries, while Olio facilitates free food and item giveaways from individuals and retailers like Iceland. For bargain hunters, the community-powered Hotukdeals app surfaces and ranks the best sales.
When planning a holiday, use Travel Money Max from MoneySavingExpert to secure the best foreign exchange rates, far superior to high street or airport offers. And for Amazon shoppers, the Camelcamelcamel browser extension reveals price histories to ensure you're getting a genuine deal.
Essential Checks & Calculators
Several free tools can uncover money you may have forgotten or highlight potential entitlements. The Turn2us benefits calculator confidentially checks your eligibility for financial support, while the Share Foundation's Child Trust Fund finder helps locate the £7.5bn still held in accounts opened between 2005 and 2011.
With £111m in premium bond prizes currently unclaimed, NS&I's online prize checker is essential. Among the 2.6 million unclaimed wins are 11 prizes worth £100,000 each. To see if your bonds are likely winners, MoneySavingExpert's Premium Bonds odds calculator predicts returns based on your holding.
For tax matters, the HMRC app is vital as the 31 January self-assessment deadline approaches. Separately, HMRC's tax code checker explains your personal allowance and deductions. Parents can use the government's free childcare calculator to check entitlement to up to 30 hours of funded care in England.
It's also wise to monitor your credit score. Services like Credit Karma, which partners with TransUnion, offer free checks. For security, Trend Micro ScamCheck (£19.99/year after a 30-day trial) focuses on detecting fraudulent calls and texts.
Practical Tools for Financial Health
Building a safety net is easier with the Post Office's emergency fund calculator, which sets a target based on your essential monthly outgoings. For homeowners, the Energy Saving Trust's home efficiency tool, available via banks like Halifax, creates a tailored plan to cut bills and improve your property's EPC rating.
To make healthier consumer choices, the Yuka app scans food and cosmetic barcodes, rating products and suggesting alternatives. For lost accounts, the My Lost Account service searches for dormant bank or building society holdings, typically providing a result within 12 weeks.
Finally, to avoid endless hold times, iPhone 12 and later users can employ the Hold Assist feature, which notifies you when a customer service agent becomes available. For insurance customers, the Compare the Market Meerkat app unlocks exclusive rewards like two-for-one cinema tickets.
By leveraging these digital resources, you can gain a comprehensive and accurate view of your finances, empowering you to make informed decisions and build a more secure financial future in 2026.
