There’s something about coming back from holiday, full of chips, ice cream and time for contemplation, that makes you want to finally get to grips with your finances.
Going from slow summer days to more predictable work and school routines gives September a far more new-year-y feel than New Year itself. It’s a chance to start afresh.
With climate change and other big world problems getting harder to ignore, now is also a great time to ensure your money is in line with your morals – this means choosing providers that prioritise the planet and people as well as your pocket.
Here are six money tasks for September that can be sorted easily, and sustainably.
1. Your spending
Spent too much on holiday? Join the club. September is a fantastic time to rein in the spending and set some new good habits. Cut out anything you don’t need for a bit – unnecessary subscriptions to music or TV services, for example.
Reduce expensive food waste (which will help the planet, too) by trying a recipe box service such as Green Chef (get 45 per cent off your first box here) or Hello Fresh (get 60 per cent off your first box, 20 per cent off for two months and free desserts for life here).
Try more veggie or vegan meals. A study by Oxford University found that people who follow a vegan diet could cut their food costs by up to one third. It’s also better for the environment as meat production drives deforestation and carbon emissions.
Cutting down on the booze after a summer of Whispering Angel at sunset is also a major cost cutter – and easier in September than in other months.
2. Your mobile phone contract
It’s always worth shopping around for a new phone deal, once your current one comes to an end – just beware of price hikes for new customers from some operators.
If your smartphone is still fit for purpose, getting a SIM only deal could save you a lot of money. Instead of paying off a new handset, you’ll only need to pay for data, calls, and texts.
When it comes to sustainable options, we love The People’s Operator (TPO) because of its commitment to good value AND values. The company offers pay as you go and pay monthly deals through Three, and funnels 10 per cent of its profits into charities chosen by its customers. It also contributes to a circular economy by extending the life of old devices.
Or, if you’re in need of boosting your credit score, we recently discovered Boshhh. It describes itself as “a revolutionary mobile phone network designed to help users build their credit scores effortlessly”.
3. Your energy supplier
OK, this won’t be high up your list until you turn the heating on. But when those higher heating bills start rolling in, we promise sorting out your supplier now will pay off. It’s been a while since switching provider has offered any kind of gain, but better deals are now trickling in – especially when choosing renewables.
Ecotricity, Good Energy, Octopus Energy, 100Green and SO Energy are all good green choices. Look out for a growing number of financial rewards for actively participating in making energy smarter, greener and cheaper.
4. Your savings
If you’ve got some savings in a low interest savings account with a high street bank, consider getting them out. The big five banks – HSBC, Barclays, Santander, NatWest and Lloyds – have been named and shamed by the Financial Conduct Authority for failing to pass on interest rate rises to savers. That’s before you even get into how bad they are for the environment.
Ethical providers are not only fair to the people and the planet (they won’t invest in harmful industries, and some actively invest in positive ones), they also treat their customers fairly.
Check out our top-paying ethical savings accounts and the most ethical banks and building societies in the UK.
5. Your investments
Start some if you have none, and consider increasing your contribution if you have some. Stocks and Shares ISAs, into which you can invest £20,000 a year without having to worry about paying tax on the gains or returns, are the first stop.
A growing number of people are choosing Stocks and Shares over Cash ISAs, thanks to them providing higher returns on average, according to the latest government figures. If you fancy joining the investment converts, and want to make a positive impact with your money too, read our Good Guide to Impact Investing. But remember investing involves risk and should be considered for the long-term – not for something you need to pay for in six months’ time.
Platforms like The Big Exchange and Interactive Investor, as well as wealth managers like EQ Investors – a Good Egg firm – all offer sustainable portfolios you can invest in easily online. The first two have a minimum monthly investment of just £25 (for Simply EQ it’s £100). Another useful resource is our free Good Investment Review, which looks at a growing universe of impact funds.
6. Your current account
If you feel like your bank is fleecing you every time you go a bit into the red for a second, consider one of these more ethical offerings. We like Good Egg firm Triodos Bank, The Co-operative Bank, Nationwide and Cumberland building societies and digital bank Starling.
Top 7 ethical current accounts
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