The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to reassess your financial habits and find ways to save money, improve efficiency and boost your bottom line. For business owners – whether you rely on a single vehicle, a few vans or an entire fleet – small, strategic changes can make a big difference. Here’s how you can create better financial habits in 2025 for managing fuel expenses and beyond.
9 hacks to handle your finances
1. An eye on expenses
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Start the year by analysing your business expenses like packaging, vehicle maintenance, travel and office costs. Break them down into categories and identify areas where you can cut back. To track petrol or diesel, use fuelGenie’s 24/7 account management to see how much your drivers are spending and claim back 100% of VAT with HMRC-approved invoices.
2. Control cash flow
Strong cash flow is vital for any business. Start by negotiating better payment terms with suppliers, offering incentives for early customer payments or finding ways to reduce overdue invoices. For fuel costs, use fuelGenie to benefit from the low-cost supermarket locations, predictable monthly billing and competitive payment terms to help you manage cash flow more effectively.
3. A smoother ride
Driving efficiently doesn’t just save fuel. It reduces vehicle wear and tear too. Train your team on smoother driving techniques like avoiding rapid acceleration, maintaining a steady speed and reducing idling. With fuelGenie’s tracking tools, you can reward drivers who keep fuel costs down, encouraging your employees to adopt money-saving habits.
4. Invest in energy
Running a business means managing more than just vehicles. Lowering energy costs in your office or warehouse can make a noticeable difference in your overall expenses. The changes might seem small but over a year, they can significantly reduce your bills:
- Switch to energy-efficient LED lighting
- Install programmable thermostats to optimise heating and cooling
- Power down computers, equipment and lights when not in use.
5. The power of planning
If you’re out meeting clients yourself or running a fleet, planning saves both time and money. Map out your route before setting off or use a navigation app to steer clear of traffic delays. With fuelGenie’s petrol station finder you or your drivers can decide where to fill up on the way to avoid unnecessary mileage.
6. Digital-first
Investing in digital tools that simplify your operations is a sure-fire way to save money in the long run. Whether it’s scheduling tools like Monday and Asana, easier expenses with fuelGenie and the HMRC-compliant invoices or cloud-based accounting like QuickBooks and Xero. It’ll help minimise your admin and free up time for strategic decision-making.
7. Save on subscriptions
Take a fresh look at your recurring expenses – software subscriptions, memberships or service contracts. Are there services you’re no longer using or alternatives that offer better value? Cancel or renegotiate where possible to free up your budget for more essential expenses.
8. Try bulk buys
Many businesses save money by buying frequently used items like parts, office supplies or cleaning products in bulk. Batch orders often come with discounts and reduce restocking trips. Remember to focus on durable, high-demand items to avoid waste. This simple swap lowers costs and saves time too.
9. Get goal-oriented
Finally, don’t forget to start the year by setting clear financial goals for your company. Whether it’s cutting expenses by 10%, reducing fuel usage or saving for a major investment, having clear targets will help you stay focused. Use tracking tools to measure your progress, including keeping an eye on your fuelGenie reports, to make sure you’re heading in the right direction.
