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Taking control of compulsive spending

Compulsive spending can affect us in different ways. You don’t have to be struggling financially to be worried about the way you manage your money.​ If you want to take control of your spending habits, we have some tools and tips to help.

How to stop spending money

1. Make a budget

1. Make a budget

Getting better at budgeting can help you take control of your finances over the long term. It can also make it easier to stick to a monthly plan. Understand what’s coming in and going out by using our handy budget calculator.

Making small changes can help you control the urge to spend compulsively. Try changing your contactless limit, deleting apps and blocking notifications from shops that tempt you.

Our budgeting tips page has lots more really helpful guides and tools to help you.

2. Track your spending

2. Track your spending

Knowing where your money is going is key when trying to control your spending. Our spending insights app can show you exactly where and when you’re spending, and our app notifications can help you understand your spending habits.

It’s easy to buy online or to sign up for services you might not need and not realise where that money is going. You can review and manage your subscriptions online directly with us.

If you have a credit card, then managing your card balance, repayments and credit limits is really important. You need to make sure you don’t fall behind on payments. Understanding any interest, fees and charges can also help you manage your money better. You can also quickly freeze and unfreeze different types of debit or credit card payments, such as contactless or gambling transactions.

3. Understand your borrowing

3. Understand your borrowing

As well as keeping track of your spending, it’s also important to manage any debt you have, such as loans, overdrafts and credit cards. We’re here to help you get any debt under control.

We’re by your side with a range of tips, tools and advice to help you reduce the cost of your credit and to help you to manage your bills.

Check your credit score for free, it won’t affect your credit file, and can help you better understand how credit works. It can show you what you’re doing well, and what to work on to boost your score.

4. Start a saving habit

4. Start a saving habit

Getting into the habit of saving could help break your habit of spending money you might regret. We know it’s not always easy to save, so check out our savings tips to help get you on the right track.

Whether you want to save to travel the world or improve your home, our free savings calculators can help you create a savings plan and work towards your goal.

You can book a free 1 hour personal review with one of our Banking Consultants at your nearest Halifax branch. One of our Banking Consultants will take a look at your spending and see how you can better manage your money.

5. Get independent help and support

5. Get independent help and support

You can also get help with your spending habits from free and independent organisations.

Our partner PayPlan can create a personalised action plan for your money with help available online or over the phone. StepChange can also help get your debt under control with free and impartial advice.

If your money problems are affecting your mental health, it can be difficult to find the right path forward, Mental Health and Money Advice are there with valuable techniques to help you today.

Other ways we can help you

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Support with the cost of living

With the rising cost of living, it's natural to worry about your money. To help you manage your money, we have some useful tips and tools. 

Free independent help and advice

Free independent help and advice

Explore the range of help on offer to support with your finances, including free debt services, independent organisations or your government.

There is also help and guidance on a range of benefits and housing options that you may qualify for.

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