Under-35 savers eye envelopes and revenge-saving as 2026 trends emerge, Nationwide finds

Nationwide Building Society says a majority of savers aged 24 to 35 are considering savings challenges in 2026, including the traditional 100-envelope method, revenge saving and no-spend periods. The data, which This Is Money reports on the basis of Nationwide’s survey, reflects the late-2025 outlook for a generation that has faced ongoing inflation and variable returns on savings. The firm’s update, dated December 18, 2025, notes a willingness to try structured saving approaches as a way to build habit and accumulate funds for the year ahead.

The Nationwide findings show that more than three in five savers in the 24–35 age bracket intend to take part in at least one saving challenge next year. Among the ambitions are the envelope method, revenge saving and no-spend challenges. Savers in this group also set notably higher goals for 2026, with an average savings target of £14,912 compared with the overall average of £7,535. By comparison, this year Britons earned an average of £436 in interest on savings, while about one in eight earned no interest, leaving money in current accounts that usually offer little or no return.

The most discussed plan among the 24–35 cohort is the 100 envelopes challenge. In this method, savers use 100 envelopes labeled 1 to 100. Each week, they randomly select two envelopes and fund them with the amounts shown on the envelopes. Over roughly 50 weeks, that approach yields £5,050 in savings. Proponents can then move the accumulated sum into a higher-yield account, such as a one-year fixed rate. The article notes that the current top one-year fixed-rate deal pays about 4.51% and is offered by Kent Reliance. If £5,050 were placed into that account, the resulting interest would be about £282.52 over the year.

No-spend challenges, another popular tactic among the under-35s, involve restricted purchases beyond essentials for a defined period, which could last a week or longer. Participants may aim to consume or use up existing products before replacing them, a discipline sometimes shared on social media. A related thread on Reddit catalogs no-spend or “no buy” efforts and the savings achieved through these restrictions.

Revenge saving has gained traction on social platforms after gaining visibility in the United States and abroad. The practice involves deliberate, planned restraint: savers track progress closely and may sell belongings or divert new income directly into savings before paying regular bills such as rent or mortgage payments. Experts say the trend reflects a proactive approach to budgeting and debt reduction, and Nationwide’s savings chief, Richard Stocker, said it is encouraging that many people want to save more in 2026. He cautioned, however, that money left in current accounts misses out on interest, especially in an inflationary environment, and urged savers to start early and save regularly to form a habit.

To amplify the appeal of saving when rates are variable, the piece highlights a strategy some readers may favor: use a regular saver. These accounts allow savers to contribute small, steady amounts in exchange for a higher interest rate. The article cites a regular saver offering a 7.1% rate from Zopa Bank, with a limit of up to £300 per month for 12 months. The example in the coverage suggests that contributing £3,600 over 12 months could yield about £137 in interest after the year, on top of the principal. The takeaway is to avoid letting funds sit in low-yield or checking accounts where inflation can erode value.

The publication also presents a snapshot of the broader savings landscape, including promotional offers from various providers. Readers are cautioned that This Is Money may earn commissions from some affiliate links connected to savings products and investments. The page emphasizes that the editorial process remains independent.

For context, the article’s reporting aligns with a broader market focus on how households across age groups seek higher yields amid inflation and rate fluctuations. Nationwide’s data underscore a tangible shift toward structured saving plans among younger savers, with 2026 framed as a year to establish or reinforce good saving habits through tangible, time-bound challenges and higher-yielding accounts. The conversation around envelopes, no-spend and revenge-saving reflects a mix of behavioral finance and practical budgeting, as households seek to optimize savings while navigating a variable interest-rate environment.

Prosper and other savings-forward platforms are among the tools highlighted in the recommended options for readers seeking higher yields, as are general high-yield or cash-ISA solutions. The article’s inclusion of multiple product types—regular savers, fixed-rate accounts and promotional offers—illustrates the ongoing market diversity as individuals experiment with ways to maximize returns while staying within monthly budget constraints. The overall message remains: start early, save regularly, and consider moving funds from low-interest places to accounts that can better offset inflation.

This Is Money’s coverage on savings trends is part of a broader business-and-markets focus on consumer finance behavior, with emphasis on how younger generations adapt to changing rates and savings incentives. The reporting reflects data and expert commentary available through Nationwide’s analysis and is intended to help readers understand practical steps they can take to improve their personal balance sheets in 2026.