Back-to-school costs can put pressure on household budgets, particularly after summer holidays. With Christmas only a few months away, September can be a useful moment to pause, review your finances and make a practical plan for the months ahead.

Small changes will not solve every financial pressure, but planning ahead can help families feel more in control of their spending and reduce the likelihood of relying on expensive short-term borrowing later in the year.

Stephen Gibney, Partnerships Manager at Cornmarket, shares seven ways to make September a financial reset point. 

1. Set a realistic Christmas budget now

Christmas may feel distant in September, but deciding what you can realistically afford now can make the end of the year more manageable.

Start by listing the main expected costs, including:

  • Gifts
  • Food and entertaining
  • Travel
  • Social events
  • Children’s activities
  • Decorations and seasonal bills

Once you have a total in mind, decide how much you can set aside regularly between now and December. A dedicated savings pot can make it easier to keep Christmas spending separate from everyday household money. 

For help with this one, check out our article on household budgeting and money savings tips.

2. Try one no-spend day each week

A no-spend day means avoiding non-essential purchases for one day each week. Essential bills and genuine necessities still apply, but coffees, takeaway lunches, online purchases and impulse buys are put on hold.

The purpose is not to be restrictive. It is to become more aware of where small, regular spending can add up and redirect some of that money towards a financial priority, such as Christmas, school costs or an emergency fund.

Choose a day that feels achievable for your household and transfer any money saved into a separate account or savings pot. 

3. Review your health insurance cover

Health insurance is a significant household cost, so it is worth reviewing your policy regularly to make sure it still suits your needs and circumstances.

Before renewal, consider:

  • Whether the cover still meets your family’s healthcare needs
  • Whether you are paying for benefits you are unlikely to use
  • Whether alternative plans provide suitable cover at a different price
  • Any waiting periods, excesses, hospital access or other policy conditions before switching

The cheapest policy will not always be the right choice. The aim is to understand what you have, what you need and whether your current plan remains suitable.

We cover this in detail in our 2026 guide on the cost of health insurance in Ireland.

4. Plan meals and shop with a list

Multiple supermarket trips during the week can make it easier for unplanned purchases to creep in. Planning meals in advance and doing one main weekly shop can help households manage grocery spending more deliberately.

A few simple habits can help:

  • Check cupboards, the fridge and freezer before shopping
  • Plan meals around food you already have
  • Make a list and stick to it
  • Compare unit prices, rather than focusing only on special-offer labels
  • Consider preparing extra portions for lunches or another evening meal

This approach can also reduce food waste, which benefits both household budgets and the environment. 

5. Check whether you are using the rewards you already earn

Many banks, card providers, retailers and payment apps offer loyalty points, cashback, discounts or reward schemes. If you already use one of these services, check how the scheme works and whether any available rewards could help with planned purchases.

Rewards should not be a reason to spend more than you otherwise would. They are most useful when they support spending that is already within your budget.

6. Put part of unexpected or additional income aside

Extra income can be easily absorbed into day-to-day spending without a plan. If you receive overtime, a bonus, a tax refund or another unplanned payment, consider deciding in advance how much will go towards your immediate needs, savings or longer-term goals.

Even putting aside a portion can help build a buffer for known future costs, such as Christmas, driving lessons, education expenses or home repairs.

For families who receive Child Benefit, it may also be helpful to decide whether part of the payment could be allocated to a specific future expense rather than being absorbed into general spending.

7. Think ahead about your children’s future

A new school year is often a reminder of how quickly children grow up. If your household budget allows, you may wish to consider setting aside money regularly for future costs, such as education, driving lessons, a first home or other major milestones.

Regular saving can help build a habit, and investing may be an option for some people with longer time horizons. However, investing involves risk, the value of an investment can fall as well as rise, and it may not be suitable for everyone.

Before making a decision, consider your wider financial position, your time frame, your capacity to absorb losses and whether you may need access to the money in the short term.

Make September your financial reset point

Back-to-school season can be expensive, but it can also be a useful opportunity to take stock. A realistic Christmas budget, more deliberate weekly spending and a review of major household costs can help create a stronger financial foundation for the months ahead.

The most effective approach is usually the one that is realistic enough to maintain. Choose one or two changes to start with, review your progress regularly and adjust your plan as your circumstances change. 

Need help understanding your financial options?

Book a free one-to-one appointment with us today. Call us or request a call back for a time that suits you.