UK Savings Week: Why Saving Matters

22nd - 28th September 2025

Saving money can feel hard. But it's one of the best things you can do for your future. UK Savings Week reminds us why it matters.

Your Savings Are What You Make of Them

Think about savings in a new way. They're not just money sitting in a bank. Your savings can be two things:

A safety net. Life throws surprises at us. Your car breaks down. You lose your job. The boiler stops working. When you have savings, these problems feel smaller.

A trampoline. Savings can help you bounce forward too. Want to go back to school? Start a business? Buy your first home? Your savings make dreams possible.

Start Small, Think Big

You don't need lots of money to start saving. Some savings accounts let you start with just £1. That's right - one pound.

Here are some simple savings tips UK families use:

Save your loose change each day
If you can, put away £5 each week- less will also work
Save any money you get as gifts
Use the 50p challenge - save every 50p coin you get

The amount doesn't matter. What matters is starting.

Credit Union Savings Make Sense

Credit unions offer great savings options. They're owned by their members - that's you. This means they care more about helping you save than making huge profits.

Credit union savings often have:

Dividends
Access to savings based loans
Support when needed (think of the days when the bank manager knew your name!)

It's OK If You Can't Save Right Now

Many people are finding money tight. The cost of living has gone up. Bills are higher. Food costs more.

If you can't save right now, that's OK. Don't feel bad about it. Focus on getting by. When things get easier, you can start your savings journey then.

Save Smarter, Not Just Harder

Once you start saving, make your money work harder. Ask your bank or credit union about:

Christmas Savers- which come with festive high street vouchers and sometimes free prize draws
Secured Savings where you can attract dividends
Junior Saver Accounts - which attracts interest annually

Take Action This UK Savings Week

Ready to start? Here's what to do:

Pick an amount. Even £1 a week helps.
Choose where to save. Look at banks and credit unions.
Make it automatic. Set up a standing order.
Don't touch it. Let your savings grow.

Remember, your savings are what you make of them. They can be your safety net when life gets bumpy. Or your trampoline when chances come up.

Start small. Start today. Your future self will thank you.

Want more help with saving? Visit uksavingsweek.co.uk for tips, tools, and support.

Important Update: Christmas Loan Application Deadlines

As the festive season approaches, we want to remind our valued members about the upcoming deadlines for Christmas loan applications at Sheffield Credit Union.

Whether you're looking to spread the cost of Christmas or have a specific holiday expense in mind, we're here to help. However, please note the following important dates to ensure your application is processed in time:

New Members: To guarantee a timely decision, please submit your loan application by December 3rd.
Existing Members: You have until December 5th to submit your application.

Applications received after these dates cannot be guaranteed to be processed in time for Christmas. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid the holiday rush and ensure a stress-free festive season.

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We wish you a joyful and well-planned holiday season!

Sheffield Credit Union Celebrates 20 Years of Community Support.

Last week, Sheffield Credit Union celebrated a significant milestone - our 20th birthday! 🎉 We were thrilled to mark this special occasion with our valued members, enjoying a day full of celebrations, memories and community spirit.

Throughout the day, we welcomed members both old and new, offering drinks, nibbles and a space to share stories of how the credit union has impacted lives. It was a joy to hear the heartfelt testimonials from our members, many of whom have been with us since the early days. Your stories of how we’ve helped you save for the future, overcome financial challenges or achieve personal goals are the reason we exist.

A Message from Our CEO, Paul Hancock.

“Our 20th anniversary is a momentous occasion for Sheffield Credit Union and I want to personally thank every single one of our members for making this journey possible. It’s your support and trust that have allowed us to grow into the thriving, community-driven organisation we are today.

"As we look to the future, our mission remains the same - to provide affordable, accessible financial services that make a real difference in people’s lives. Here’s to the next 20 years of supporting the wonderful people of Sheffield!”

A Legacy of Support in Sheffield.

Since our inception, Sheffield Credit Union has been dedicated to offering affordable financial services to the local community. From savings accounts to low-interest loans and providing financial education, we’ve strived to be more than just a financial institution - we’ve been a lifeline for many in times of need.

As we reflect on the past 20 years, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us for the festivities - your presence made the day unforgettable. Here’s to the next 20 years and continuing our mission of community-focused, member-driven financial services!