Why winter always feels more expensive

Winter doesn’t just mean a change in the weather. It can mean a change in the way we live. It’s getting dark earlier, the kids might have a permanent sniffle, and the heat pump is probably working overtime.

Sometimes, it can mean your budget feels a bit tighter, even if it seems your spending hasn’t really changed.

Winter can be great for lots of things: An excuse to get into your snuggliest jumpers, relax in front of an open fire and warm up with a hot chocolate, to name just a few. For lots of households, though, it can also bring extra expense.

That’s not only because it can be more expensive to heat your home in winter, but because winter might bring with it subtle differences in your spending behaviour and household routine, which all add cost.

If you’re wondering why this happens, and how you might handle it this year, there are a few things you might think about.

Comfort costs

Sometimes you just need a bit more luxury in winter. Whether it’s keeping your home a comfy temperature, making sure you’re getting out of the shower into a towel warmed by your heated rail, or spending a bit more on groceries for slow cooker meals and roasts, there may be extra things you’re spending on. Perhaps you’re even picking up a hot drink as a reward for walking the dog in the rain.

That’s not necessarily a problem. There’s nothing quite like tucking into a delicious home-cooked meal on a cold and rainy weekend. It may just mean you take a more mindful approach to the spending you choose, and make sure you’re allocating your funds to the things that you and your family really value.

There are often ways to add comfort without a lot of cost, such as ensuring your heating is running efficiently, that your home is dry and that you’re on the right power plan for you. Maybe you pack a thermos of coffee for your stint on the sidelines of an early morning rugby game to warm your hands as well as save a few dollars.

Winter ills

Whether your kids are bringing home daycare bugs or you catch a cold that’s going around at work, you may have to take a few more sick days at this time of year. For some people, that’s not a problem, but if you’re getting to the end of your available leave, or you’re self-employed, it could affect your income. Again, this isn’t necessarily always a major issue, but it’s something to be aware of and have a plan for, if you can.

Changing your routine

Shorter days, longer nights and cooler temperatures might change your habits through winter, even unconsciously. It can be harder to get out for a run before work, and you might opt for takeaways on a few extra nights. We often also drive more in winter, when the weather makes commuting on foot less appealing.

Sometimes everything just feels a bit more difficult, and our energy can drop even without us really realising. Acknowledging how winter changes your routine may help you to determine whether you need to update your household budget, or goals.

Small changes can easily add costs, but tweaks can also help you to reduce them.

Winter can be a great time to focus on the things that matter most, like your family and home. It’s also a great opportunity to take stock of what’s working and what’s not across your financial life and wider habits.

Like to chat?

Winter can change the way we spend money. If you’re finding more pressure on your budget, talking about your options might help. If you have any questions about anything to do with personal lending, get in touch with the team at better finance™️. We’re personal loan experts and we can help you with any questions you may have, whatever the weather.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.