2026 Money Curriculum: A New Year Financial Checklist for Education Workers

The start of a new year is a bit like a new term. There’s a fresh planner, new timetable and good intentions all around.

Whether you’re a teacher, school administrator, librarian or technician, January is the perfect chance to audit your finances. Especially after several years of rising living costs and squeezed budgets across the sector.

A financial checklist can help you take stock, regain control and build healthier habits for the months ahead. Think of this as your personal money curriculum for 2026, covering everything you need to meet the grade next year.

Auditing 2025 spending & setting 2026 priorities

Before making any financial resolutions, take time to understand where your money went last year.

Review your bank statements, credit card bills and direct debits for the past three to six months. Look for recurring costs you’ve forgotten about. That could be subscriptions you don’t use, membership fees or inflated bills that haven’t been renegotiated.

Quick tip: Many finance apps now categorise spending automatically, giving you a quick picture of patterns like food, transport, leisure and home expenses.

Once you know your baseline, set two or three realistic priorities for 2026. Good goals are specific and measurable, such as:

• Saving £500 for emergencies
• Building a £1,000 home improvement fund
• Reducing a credit card balance by 25%

Education roles often follow an academic rhythm, so consider using terms or half-terms as financial checkpoints. This will spread out your goals in line with your natural working pattern, making them much more achievable. £100 by February half term feels a lot more doable than £1,000 by the end of 2026.

Strengthening your savings strategy

A strong savings foundation gives you breathing room when unexpected expenses arise. In a sector where workloads can spike suddenly, that peace of mind matters. Start by reviewing your emergency fund.

If you don’t have one, aim for £500 to £1,000 at first. If you already have some set aside, try adding the equivalent of one month’s essential expenses over the next year.

For those on term-time or variable hours, consider putting aside some of your irregular income directly into savings before it blends into everyday spending. That could be exam marking fees, holiday overtime or occasional tutoring sessions. Automating transfers right after payday is one of the most effective habits you can build.

Tax-efficient savings like ISAs are worth considering too. They allow interest or returns to grow without tax being deducted. Some institutions also offer payroll savings schemes, which can make saving feel more structured and manageable.

Quick tip: Round-up tools can also help you accumulate a surprising amount over the year by saving a few pence every time you spend.

For more advice, check out A+ Savings: 6 Helpful Tips for Teachers.

Improving your credit score for 2026

Your credit score affects everything from loan approval to mortgage rates, so making gradual improvements can pay off significantly.

Start by checking your credit reports with main credit reference agencies and ensuring all information is accurate. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the big three. If you’ve moved institutions, changed address or switched contracts, details could be outdated.

Simple steps to strengthen your score include:

• Registering on the electoral roll.
• Keeping credit utilisation below around 30% of your total limit.
• Paying bills and minimum payments consistently on time.
• Avoiding submitting multiple credit applications close together.

Some education roles involve irregular or temporary contract arrangements, which can cause lenders to view your income as inconsistent. Keeping a stable track record with bills and managing existing credit responsibly is the best way to counter this. Small, steady improvements now can give you greater financial flexibility later.

Making a plan to reduce your debt

If debt reduction is part of your 2026 plan, prioritise high-interest balances first. Typically, these are credit cards or overdrafts. A clear repayment strategy makes a big difference, and two well-known methods work for most people:

• Avalanche method: Pay off your highest-interest debt first while making minimum payments on others.
• Snowball method: Pay off your smallest debt first to build momentum and motivation.

Choose the one that fits your personality and financial habits.

Balance transfer cards with 0% interest periods can offer breathing room, but only if you’re confident you can meet the repayment terms and avoid new charges. And always check the fees and conditions carefully.

If you’re paid term-time only or have months with reduced income, build these patterns into your repayment schedule so that lower-pay months don’t create strain. And if things feel overwhelming, free organisations like Citizens Advice, StepChange, National Debtline and MoneyHelper can offer confidential, impartial guidance.

Borrowing responsibly in 2026

Borrowing isn’t always a negative. Sometimes, it’s a necessary and practical step for essential transport, home repairs or professional development.

The key is to borrow with intention. If a purchase isn’t urgent, try building a short-term savings pot and revisit the decision after a few weeks.

Before taking out a loan or finance agreement, compare interest rates, check for early repayment penalties and look closely at total repayment costs rather than just the monthly figure.

You should also avoid high-cost credit options, including payday loans or financing with high APRs. Responsible borrowing should support stability, not add pressure.

Read more: 6 Schoolboy Errors to Avoid with Teacher Loans

Making the most of workplace benefits

Education workers often overlook the value hidden in their employee benefits. Pensions are one of the strongest long-term assets available at many schools, colleges and universities.

Review your pension statements and consider increasing contributions by even 1% if affordable. It can make a meaningful difference over time.

Explore salary sacrifice schemes your workplace offers too. That could be bike-to-work, tech purchase plans or childcare support. Many education unions also provide financial services, legal advice, insurance discounts or wellbeing funds that can reduce costs.

Take 10 minutes to review your payslip, intranet pages or HR portal. You might find benefits you’re not currently using.

Building your 2026 money curriculum

Slow and steady wins the race when you’re managing your money. These small, consistent steps can help you take control of your finances in 2026.

By reviewing your spending, strengthening savings, improving credit habits and making the most of workplace benefits, you’re creating a personal curriculum designed for lasting financial wellbeing.

If you’d like any help saving or borrowing, Metro Moneywise Credit Union is always on hand. As an employee-based credit union, we offer safe savings and responsible loans for all education staff. From teachers and heads to cleaners and admin roles, anyone working for an educational institution can join. Become a member today or contact our team to find out more.