This article was published on 13 Oct 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
As temperatures drop, many households feel the pressure of rising energy costs. Heating, lighting, and everyday appliances all add up – and for people all around the country including police officers, staff, and their families, managing energy bills this winter can be a real challenge.
The good news is that there are plenty of practical steps you can take to keep your home warm, reduce your bills, and protect your wellbeing.
Simple ways to reduce energy costs
Making small changes to how you use energy at home can add up to big savings:
Block draughts: Draught excluders, rugs, or even rolled-up towels at the bottom of doors help keep heat in.
Use appliances efficiently: Wash clothes at 30°C, only boil the water you need in the kettle, and switch appliances off at the wall when not in use.
Make the most of natural light: Open curtains during the day to let in warmth, then close them in the evening to keep heat inside.
Staying warm without overspending
It’s important to strike the right balance between saving money and staying healthy:
Layer up indoors: Wearing extra layers and using blankets can help reduce the need for constant heating.
Focus on heating the rooms you use most: Shut doors and turn off radiators in unused rooms to concentrate warmth where you need it.
Consider hot water bottles or heated throws: Low-cost options to keep cosy without heating the whole house.
Look after your wellbeing
Cold homes can impact your physical and mental health, especially during the winter months. Staying warm and comfortable is just as important as saving money. If you’re struggling, check whether you qualify for government schemes or local support with energy costs.
How Police Mutual can support you
At Police Mutual, we’re here to support the financial and overall wellbeing of the police family. Alongside money-saving tips, we have information on different products that can help protect what matters most:
This article was published on 06 Oct 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
Why musculoskeletal health matters in Policing
Police Officers face a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) due to the physically demanding nature of their work. Daily tasks such as foot patrols, rapid response driving, physical interventions and prolonged standing place significant strain on the body, especially the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues.
Common MSK issues reported across UK police forces include:
Sprains and strains
Back and neck pain
Repetitive stress injuries
Joint dislocations
Soft tissue damage
What is a musculoskeletal injury (MSKI)?
A musculoskeletal injury refers to damage affecting the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or related tissues like nerves. These injuries can range from short-term sprains to chronic conditions such as arthritis or persistent back pain.
Key facts from NHS England:
MSK conditions affect nearly one-third of the UK population
They cause pain, stiffness, reduced mobility and disability
MSKIs are a leading cause of lost working days and GP consultations
How to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in Policing
Musculoskeletal injuries often result from:
Repetitive movements (e.g., prolonged driving or typing)
Heavy lifting or physical restraint
Poor posture or ergonomics
Sudden exertion during pursuits or confrontations
Prevention strategies that could help include:
Physical fitness: Strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardiovascular conditioning
Ergonomic equipment: Use duty belts, footwear, and body armour designed to reduce strain
Workstation assessments: Evaluate patrol vehicles and office setups to prevent repetitive strain
Safe lifting techniques: Learn proper methods for lifting and carrying during arrests or emergencies
Check with your force for wellbeing initiatives that support Officer health, these may include fitness standards, mental health resources, injury prevention programs, and tailored wellness support.
Support through the Police Mutual Healthcare Scheme
The Police Mutual Healthcare Scheme is a discretionary scheme created by the Police, for the Police family. It helps cover the cost of private medical treatment, offering faster access to diagnosis and procedures at UK private hospitals.
Scheme Highlights:
No medicals required
Up to £30,000 in-patient / day patients treatment per year
Covers over 20,000 members
Excludes pre-existing conditions (within 5 years), dental, emergency, cosmetic, and cancer treatments
Between November 2024 and March 2025, 44% of all our healthcare claims were for musculoskeletal issues*. Members were supported in accessing guidance and received treatment from qualified physiotherapists, helping them recover faster.
The Police Mutual Healthcare’s (PMHC) healthcare scheme is discretionary and is not an insurance product. It is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and therefore is not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation scheme.
This article was published on 03 Oct 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
The menopause is a natural stage of life that millions of women experience. It’s marked by hormonal changes and the end of menstruation and can bring a range of physical and emotional changes. The important thing to remember is, you’re not alone. Millions of women go through menopause, and today there’s more support, knowledge, and understanding than ever before.
In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51, but the menopause commonly happens any time between the ages of 42 and 56 as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. But around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause and may be caused by hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy, radiation or a hysterectomy.
The menopause is a natural turning point in a woman’s life that marks the end of the menstrual cycle.
Please note this guide is not intended to replace professional consultation. Please see your doctor for all medical concerns.
Stages of the menopause
The menopause usually happens over a few years and occurs in three stages:
Peri-menopause. The ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen in the four to five years leading up to menopause. In the last two years of peri-menopause, oestrogen levels drop significantly. This is usually the stage where the most severe menopausal symptoms are experienced.
Menopause. Twelve months after the last period marks the official stage of the menopause. At this point, the ovaries produce no progesterone, low levels of oestrogen and stop releasing eggs.
Post-menopause. In the years after the menopause, symptoms like hot flushes usually ease while health risks caused by decreased oestrogen levels typically increase.
Symptoms
There are many possible symptoms of the menopause and each woman feels them differently but most women will experience some menopausal symptoms. The duration and severity of these symptoms varies from woman to woman. About 8 in every 10 women will have additional symptoms for some time before and after their periods stop. Some of these can be quite severe and can have a significant impact on everyday activities for some women.
Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around 4 years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer.
Low levels of oestrogen are linked to a number of health problems common in older women. Postmenopausal women are more likely to suffer from:
It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age.
They can usually confirm whether you’re menopausal based on your symptoms, but a blood test to measure your hormone levels may be carried out if you’re under 45.
If you’re experiencing severe depression or anxiety, bleeding after menopause, or your symptoms are interfering with daily life, you should seek medical attention straight away.
Your GP can offer treatments and suggest lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life.
These include:
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – tablets, skin patches, gels, sprays and creams that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen
vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness
If your symptoms are giving you discomfort, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which provides almost instant relief from many symptoms by replacing the hormones that you are losing.
Different HRTs contain different levels of oestrogen and progesterone, obtained from different sources. Your doctor will recommend the best type for you. HRT isn’t suitable for everyone. HRT may not be recommended for women with certain health conditions, such as a personal or family history of breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, active liver disease, or a history of blood clots or stroke. In these cases, your Doctor will explore alternative options to help manage symptoms and support your wellbeing.
Your GP may refer you to a menopause specialist if your symptoms do not improve after trying treatment or if you’re unable to take HRT.
It’s crucial that you see your doctor regularly in the years leading up to and following menopause. Get regularly screened and checked to keep an eye on these conditions. Stopping smoking, reducing your blood pressure, regular exercise and a healthy diet will all help lower the risks for the concerns above.
Self-care
There are many ways to help relieve your symptoms yourself and make the transition as comfortable as possible. Here are some things you could try:
Make some time for yourself: It’s extremely important that you look after your own wellbeing and this includes finding time for yourself. This may be regularly meeting friends, doing exercise, yoga, meditation, going for a walk, having a bath or just sitting reading a book. For more details on Self Care read our guide here.
Hot Flushes: Your hot flushes may be triggered by something, so try documenting what you’re doing when they start. It could be things like spicy food, alcohol, weather changes and hot beverages. Once you know the cause, you can try and avoid the trigger and reduce their effects. Another tip is always to dress in layers, it’s then much easier to take off an item of clothing. Confined spaces can increase hot flushes for some people, if this is the case for you, then try to avoid them.
Sleep: You may be struggling to sleep, if this is the case try to avoid caffeine and instead exercise in the morning. Use relaxation techniques before going to bed and stick to a regular schedule. If hot flushes are disrupting your sleep, adjust the temperature in the room and always sleep with layers. If you are struggling to sleep read our sleep guide here.
Weight: It’s common to gain weight during the menopause. It’s thought that this may be due to hormonal changes, ageing or lifestyle. During the menopause your metabolism starts to slow down, which leads to weight gain unless you change your lifestyle. Eating more healthily and exercising regularly will not only help you lose weight, but it may also help you avoid heart disease and other health problems. Losing weight has also been found to help reduce hot flushes and night sweats.
Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, this will help you feel good, improve your sleep and help you remain at a healthy weight, which is likely to increase during the menopause, as well as keeping your heart healthy and bones strong. Other forms of exercise like yoga have also been proven to help reduce hot flushes and help you to relax.
Your diet: Ensure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet that’s low in saturated fats, sugars and oils and high in fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D or take a supplement. Some women find that soya products (soya milk, tofu, etc.) and whole-grain foods bring relief. This may be due to the oestrogen-like effects of the phytoestrogens contained in these foods. For more details read our healthy eating guide here.
Drink water: During menopause, women often experience dryness. This is likely caused by the decrease in oestrogen levels. Therefore, keeping hydrated is essential. Drinking at least 2 litres of water a day can help with these symptoms. Drinking water can also reduce the bloating that can occur with hormonal imbalance.
Vitamins: It is commonly known that changes in hormones can cause bones to weaken, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D are linked to good bone health, so it’s vital to get enough of these nutrients in your diet. There is a wide range of foods that are calcium-rich, for example dairy products (yogurt, milk and cheese), green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach), tofu, beans, sardines are also worth considering.
For vitamin D, sunlight is your main source, since your skin produces it when exposed to the sun. However, as you get older, your skin gets less efficient at making it. The main foods sources are oily fish, eggs, cod liver oil and foods fortified with vitamin D.
If you struggle to eat the vitamin rich foods, then take a general vitamin tablet every day.
Smoking: As well as all the health problem associated with smoking, it’s also linked to early menopause and may increase hot flushes. For help quitting smoking click here.
Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, meditation and relaxation techniques may be able to reduce the stress of menopause.
Natural remedies: Try evening primrose oil, licorice, ginseng or wild yam. There is limited scientific evidence on their safety or effectiveness so talk to your doctor before trying alternative treatments.
Before selecting a type of treatment or making a dramatic change to your lifestyle, though, you should always talk to your doctor.
Menopause brings many changes, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s important that during this time, you make your health a priority.
This article was published on 01 Oct 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, but 10 October is a great day to show your support for better mental health and start looking after your own wellbeing.
World Mental Health Day is run by the World Federation for Mental Health and takes place on 10 October each year. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’. For more details click here.
Today is an opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, how we need to look after our own and others wellbeing, and how important it is to talk and get help if you are struggling.
Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health.
Mental health problems affect one in four of us*, yet many people can feel isolated, ashamed and worthless because of this. Poor mental health can affect anyone, of any age, gender or background.
It is important that we all as individuals do what we can to look after ourselves and each other. You may have concerns about how others are coping.
Starting a conversation with someone around their mental health can feel daunting. You may be worried that you will say the wrong thing but remember saying nothing is far worse.
Like adults, the emotional wellbeing of children and young people is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health will allow them to develop the resilience to cope with life’s ups and downs and to grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. For more details on supporting your children, read our Children’s mental health guide here.
According to the Police Federation, research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help. So during it’s even more important to look after your own mental health when working on the frontline.
Here are some tips
Think about your purpose: Be clear about why you are doing this job.
Be clear on expectations: Make sure you know what is expected of you and whether it is realistic.
Keep your boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, don’t take work home with you.
Talk to colleagues: Make time to talk to your colleagues about your experiences and share fears and concerns.
Value your own family and relationships: While work is important, your family and relationships need to be valued.
Exercise: Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, can help you concentrate, relax and increase your overall wellbeing.
Get plenty of sleep: Sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions and an imbalance in those chemicals can result in us becoming depressed or anxious. Read our sleep guide here.
Eat well: A balanced diet that is good for your physical wellbeing is also good for your mental wellbeing. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well. For more information read our guide here.
Avoid alcohol: The numbing effects of drinking are only temporary and can often lead to mental health issues. It’s advised that if you do drink, that you stay within the governing bodies recommended unit guidelines.
Keep in touch: It’s good for you to catch up with friends and family face to face or over the phone.
Take a break: A change of scenery or pace is good for you.
Do something you’re good at: Enjoying yourself can help beat stress.
Care for others: Supporting others uplifts you as well as them.
Ask for help: If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP or a professional organisation, see the list at the end of this guide for details.
Making positive change is important but it’s difficult to know where to start. Do one thing today, whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else, take the opportunity to do one thing this World Mental Health Day.
Whatever you’ve been through this year, World Mental Health Day is a chance to make a positive change for your mental health.
This article was published on 01 Oct 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
Police Officers dedicate their lives to protecting others, but safeguarding your own financial future is just as vital. With shift work, unpredictable overtime, and high-stress duties, budgeting can be tough. Still, building savings is achievable with the right strategies.
Top money-saving tips for Police Officers
1. Create a realistic budget
Track all sources of income, including overtime and list essential expenses like rent, groceries, and transport. Identify non-essential spending (e.g., takeaways, subscriptions) and trim where possible to free up cash.
2. Automate your savings
Set up automatic transfers from your salary to a savings account. Treat savings like a fixed monthly bill to stay consistent and avoid temptation.
3. Use Overtime Strategically
Rather than relying on overtime for everyday expenses, use it to:
Boost your savings
Pay off high-interest debt
Build an emergency fund
4. Shop smart & reduce debt
Use public-service discounts, buy in bulk when practical, and prioritise paying off credit cards to avoid interest charges.
Best discounts for Police Officers
Stretch your salary further with exclusive offers for public-sector workers:
Blue Light Card – Save on retail, dining, travel, and entertainment.
Police Discount Offers – Deals on phones, insurance, hotels, and more.
Boundless by CSMA – Reduced prices on holidays, attractions, and leisure.
Force-Specific Perks – Check your force intranet for travel concessions, wellness benefits and staff discounts.
Every pound saved can be redirected into your savings account.
Why building savings matters
Emergency Fund – Cover unexpected costs like car repairs or medical bills.
Lower Stress – Financial stability reduces anxiety in a high-pressure job.
Career Flexibility – Savings give you freedom to explore new roles or take time off.
Retirement Security – Consistent saving builds long-term wealth and peace of mind.
Police Mutual & No1 CopperPot: Savings Made Simple
Police Mutual have partnered with No1 CopperPot Credit Union to offer serving or retired Police Officers, Police Staff, Police Specials or PCSOs, tailored savings solutions:
Start saving from just £5/month
Contribute via payroll deduction (where available) or direct debit
Access funds anytime via app or online
Opening a Member Account commences your membership with No1 CopperPot Credit Union.Find out more here.
Whatever you’re saving for, whether it’s for life’s essentials, a car or home improvements, or a well earned holiday, a No1 CopperPot Credit Union savings account could give you peace of mind knowing you’re building a healthy pot for the future.
PMGI Limited trading as Police Mutual acts as an introducer for Number One Police Credit Union Limited who provide a range of savings accounts for members. This introduction is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
This article was published on Mon 29 September 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming more mainstream, many UK drivers are asking: Is now the right time to make the switch? From government grants to lower running costs, there are plenty of reasons to consider going electric. In this article, we’ll explore the current incentives, practical benefits, and how Police Mutual can support you with car insurance tailored to your needs.
Why Consider an Electric Car?
Electric cars offer a range of benefits that go beyond environmental impact:
Lower running costs – Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, and EVs require less maintenance.
In July 2025 the government launched an Electric Car Grant to support the transition to zero emission vehicles and incentivise sustainable automotive manufacturing. The grant provides up to a max. of £3,750 off new cars.
The EV Chargepoint Grant offers up to £350 off the cost of installing a home charger, available to anyone who owns and lives in a flat or rents and lives in a residential property.
If you’re still working and considering an EV as a company car, the Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate is significantly lower for electric vehicles compared to petrol or diesel models.
Whether you’re already driving electric or just starting your journey, having the right insurance is essential. Police Mutual car insuranceis designed with the police community in mind, giving you peace of mind and reliable cover.
This article was published on 25 Sep 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
Starting on 1 October quit smoking this Stoptober. There’s never been a better time to quit. Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your own health and those around you. Research has shown that if you quit for 28 days, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good. For more details click here.
Many people who quit smoking are surprised by how good they feel. They feel more relaxed, have more money, they look and feel better, their skin looks healthier and they have more energy when they do something active like going for a walk or playing with their children, they no longer smell of smoke and they are not as worried about their health.
When you stop smoking, your lungs will start to repair and you’ll start to be able to breathe easier. The sooner you quit, the sooner you’ll notice the positive changes to your body and health.
Some of the benefits will be felt almost immediately and in the long term the benefits will be lifesaving:
After a day – Your oxygen levels will recover, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will reduce by half.
After 2 days – Nicotine will be totally eliminated from the body and your senses of taste and smell will improve.
After 3 days – Your breathing will become easier as the airways begin to relax. Your energy levels will also increase.
After 2 to 4 weeks – Blood will pump through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will improve, meaning you can walk and run easier.
After 3 to 9 months – Your lung function will improve by up to 10 %, meaning any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems you have will improve.
After 1 to 3 years – Your risk of having a heart attack will have halved compared to a smoker’s.
After 10 years – Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
You will save money – giving up a pack of cigarettes a day could save you around £4,000 a year.
Stopping smoking tips
1. List your reasons to quit and when you are struggling and feel like you need to smoke, read through the reasons.
2. Tell people you’re quitting; your friends and family can then support you.
3. Use stop smoking aids, like nicotine patches and gum.
4. Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke; this should include someone you can talk to for support.
6. Keep busy to help reduce the cravings. Click here for more help with cravings.
7. Regularly exercise, as studies show that exercise reduces the urge to smoke, it also strengthens your heart and lungs.
8. If you have tried to quit before, remember what worked and learn from what didn’t.
9. Use support groups for help and advice.
Try using the free NHS Stoptober App, click here for more details.
During Stoptober you may also want to consider stopping or reducing items in of your lifestyle, like the amount of alcohol you drink or the amount of time you spend gambling. Which can both contribute to poor mental health.
Gambling can lead to problem debt. Having a gambling problem can also have a devastating impact on your relationships with other people.
It is important to speak to professionals if you are concerned about your gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline on Freephone 0808 8020 133, advisers are available 24 hours a day. For more information read our guide here.
There are many benefits to reducing the amount of alcohol you’re drinking, including feeling more energetic, better mood, an improved immune system and better sleep.
Here are some tips on cutting down
Set your limit – plan ahead how much you’re going to drink.
Set your budget – once its spent, stop drinking.
Tell your friends and family – they will then be there for support.
Reduce the size – go from a double to a single or from a pint to a half.
Reduce the strength – swap to a lower strength beer or wine.
A little at a time – take one day at a time, this will make you more likely to be successful.
Take a break – have several drink-free days each week. You may decide to only drink at the weekend and not in the week.
This article was published on 25 Sept 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
Christmas is a time for joy, connection, and reflection, but for many Police Officers, it can also bring financial and emotional pressure. With shift work, overtime, and the demands of the job, the festive season can feel overwhelming.
It’s never too early to plan-ahead. Here are some practical, budget-friendly Christmas tips tailored for those in policing and emergency services, helping you celebrate without overspending.
1. Plan early and set a Christmas budget
Start by setting a realistic Christmas budget. Include costs for:
Gifts
Food and drink
Travel
Decorations
Social events
Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track spending. Early planning helps avoid last-minute splurges and January financial stress.
2. Use Police discounts and perks
Take advantage of exclusive discounts for Police Officers:
Platforms like Blue Light Card offer deals on gifts, travel, and experiences.
Check your internal staff benefits portal for seasonal offers.
These perks can significantly reduce your Christmas expenses.
3. Choose thoughtful, not pricey gifts
Meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive. Consider:
DIY gifts: Homemade treats, crafts, or candles.
Experience gifts: Walks, coffee dates, or movie nights.
Memory jars or photo albums: Celebrate shared moments.
These ideas are budget-friendly and heartfelt.
4. Secret Santa for work and family
Suggest a Secret Santa gift exchange with colleagues or family. It:
Reduces the number of gifts you need to buy
Adds fun to gift-giving
Keeps spending fair with a set budget
5. Shop smart and spread the cost
Avoid financial strain by:
Shopping sales and using cashback sites
Redeeming loyalty points
Buying items gradually over weeks
Avoid buy-now-pay-later schemes unless you’re confident in repayment.
6. Plan around shift work
Shift work can make festive planning tricky. Try:
Shopping online during quieter hours
Wrapping gifts or prepping meals in advance
Celebrating on alternative days if working Christmas Day
It’s the togetherness, not the date, that matters.
7. Cut costs on Christmas food and drink
Christmas dinner doesn’t need to be extravagant. Try:
Potluck meals with friends or family
Batch cooking and freezing ahead
Choosing supermarket own brands – many taste just as good!
8. Decorate on a budget
Save on decorations by:
Reusing items from previous years
Creating DIY decorations
Visiting charity shops or joining community swaps
9. Wellbeing support for Police Officers at Christmas
We understand that the festive season can be emotionally challenging for Police Officers. Increased work demands, limited time with loved ones, and stress can take a toll.
Support Resources:
Police Mutual Wellbeing Hub: Offers confidential counselling, financial wellbeing tools, and mental health support
Practical Wellbeing Tips:
Schedule time for rest and connection, even if not on the holiday itself
Set boundaries to protect your downtime
Stay connected with colleagues and loved ones
Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and exercise
Limit alcohol to reduce stress and improve sleep
Acknowledge your emotions, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed
Be kind to yourself, you’re doing your best in a tough role
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. You’re not alone this Christmas
Celebrating Christmas on a budget doesn’t mean compromising joy. With smart planning, meaningful gifting, and wellbeing support, you can enjoy a stress-free, affordable festive season.
This article was published on 15 September 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
From June 2025 to 2028 Q2, roughly 3.6 million households are expected to re-finance onto higher rates. Some who fixed during the 2022–23 volatility may see payments fall, others coming off 2% and 3% deals could face higher monthly costs.
What you can do before your mortgage deal ends.
6–9 Months Before Your Deal Ends:
Lock in a rate early Many lenders let you secure a new rate up to 6 months ahead. If rates drop before your deal completes, you can switch to the lower one. This could give you protection and flexibility.
Improve your Loan-to-Value (LTV) Making small extra payments or adding savings can reduce your LTV. A lower LTV often means better mortgage rates.
Check your credit report Make sure your address is correct, it would be good to clear any small debts, and avoid taking out new loans or credit cards if possible.
Choose between Fixed or Tracker rates
Fixed Rate: Good if you want predictable payments.
5-year fix = long-term stability
2–3 year fix = short-term option if you think rates will drop
Tracker/Discount Rate: Offers flexibility (e.g., easier to overpay or repay early).
Be ready for rate changes and have a financial buffer.
Compare Product Transfer vs Remortgage
Product Transfer: Usually quicker to arrange and more straightforward, less paperwork.
Remortgage: Might get better rates or features (like offset or portability) but involves a full financial check.
Build a safety net Try to save 3–6 months of essential expenses. If that’s tough, you could set up a monthly transfer to build it gradually.
Think about protection Income protection or life/critical illness cover can help keep your finances stable if something unexpected happens, especially if your mortgage costs are going up.
When you apply:
Get your documents ready Depending on the lender, you’ll typically need:
Last 3-6 payslips and P60 (or SA302s if self-employed)
ID and proof of address
Evidence of deposit or any overpayments
Bank statements: Showing regular outgoings like rent, loans, credit cards
Other commitments: Insurance, child maintenance, etc.
Look beyond the rate Make sure you compare fees, early repayment charges and features like offset or overpayment options. Sometimes the best deal isn’t the lowest rate.
If you’re a Buy-to-Let landlord
Expect lenders to keep using strict rent coverage checks.
Review your portfolio and consider adding funds if needed.
If you’re buying a new build
If you reserved off-plan, check how long your mortgage offer is valid (usually 3–6 months).
Be ready to update paperwork if the build is delayed.
You can find more information on the Police Mutual Fee-Free Mortgage Advice Service, provided by Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd here.
This article was published on 8 September 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
Serving in the Police, whether as an officer or staff member, comes with unique challenges. But it also brings access to a range of benefits designed to support you and your family. From nationwide discount schemes and financial products tailored for the Police community to wellbeing resources and charitable support, there’s much more available than you might realise.
Exclusive Discounts for the Police Community
One of the biggest perks is access to exclusive discount schemes. Blue Light Card is the most well-known, offering savings on:
Supermarkets and everyday essentials.
High street fashion and footwear.
Restaurants, cafés, and takeaways.
Cinema tickets and family attractions.
Hotels, holidays, and travel experiences.
For a small membership fee, the savings can quickly add up, helping your pay go further. Other regional Police Federations and associations sometimes run their own local discount schemes too – it’s worth checking with your force’s intranet or welfare team.
Financial Products Designed for the Police
Some financial services providers, like Police Mutual, offer products created specifically for the Police community. These products are built with your role in mind and may include benefits that those designed for the general public don’t. For example:
Car Insurance that offers extra protection for serving Officers commuting or carrying Police Kit, when selecting class 1 business cover.
Home Insurance that allows you to pay monthly at no extra cost.
Mortgage Advice through Police Mutual’s partnership with Grange Mortgage that affords access to some exclusive products not available on the high street.
Because these products are tailored for your lifestyle, they can provide flexibility and features that mainstream providers can’t.
Police Mutual Wellbeing and Money Advice
The nature of Police work means it’s vital to take care of both your physical and mental health. The Wellbeing Hub offers free resources on topics such as stress management, healthy eating, and resilience. Meanwhile, the Let’s Talk Money Hub provides practical guidance on budgeting, debt, savings, and planning for the future.
Both hubs are open to the entire Police community – not just Police Mutual customers -and are a valuable resource for staying healthy, both mentally and financially.
Additional Schemes and Support
Beyond discounts and insurance, there are other ways to get support:
Police Federation & Staff Associations – These often provide legal advice, welfare support, and access to special offers.
Police Charities – Organisations like the Police Benevolent Fund (The Ben Fund) and Care of Police Survivors (COPS) offer financial help, grants, and emotional support during times of need.
Occupational Health & Employee Assistance Programmes – Many forces offer confidential counselling, health checks, and advice lines.
Union and Association Benefits – If you belong to a union or professional body, check for additional member benefits such as training, development grants, or other useful resources.
Making the Most of Your Benefits
Whether you’re still serving, retired, or part of a Police family, it pays to know what’s available. Sign up for discount schemes, explore tailored financial products, and don’t hesitate to use wellbeing and support services when you need them.
Ready to find out more? Explore our Car Insurance, Home Insurance and Mortgage Advice pages to see how we can help you protect what matters – while making the most of the benefits you’ve earned.
PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No.114942. Registered in England & Wales No.1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB.
Car Insurance is provided by ERS and Home Insurance is provided by Bspoke Underwriting Ltd.
PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, has chosen Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd to provide customers with a mortgage advice service. Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd will provide you with independent mortgage advice and make a recommendation based on your circumstances and requirements. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Police Mutual.
Grange Mortgages & Protection Services Ltd, is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Advance Mortgage Funding Ltd. Advanced Mortgage Funding Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
