Household bills are a large part of our monthly budget, but there are ways to make them more manageable.
This guide can help you with ways to save money on bills each month, by making small changes or shopping around for better deals.
How to save money on household bills
These days, many people are keeping a close eye on their spending, but there may still be savings you can make on your household bills. The first step is to review them regularly to make sure you’re not paying more than you should.
Keep in mind that you should check the terms of a contract before deciding to switch providers, as your existing supplier may charge you an exit fee if you try to leave while you’re still in a contract. Try to keep a note of the contract’s end date somewhere so you don’t forget.
How to save money on your energy bills
Gas and electricity prices are still higher than they were a few years ago, and the energy price cap is limiting how much gas and electricity companies can charge people who are on the standard variable tariff.
You may be able to save money by switching to a different tariff with a new supplier.
How to save on your mobile phone bill
You can contact your provider to discuss renewal deals or shop around elsewhere as soon as your current contract runs out. You can also use price comparison sites to see what other providers are offering.
It’s possible to keep your current phone number when you switch providers. You can move your number.
How to save money on broadband, landline and pay TV
Like mobile phone contracts, once your contract is about to end, you can speak with your current broadband provider to see if they will offer you a cheaper deal. Another option is to use a price comparison site to see if a better deal is available. It’s also worth telling your current provider that you’re thinking of leaving, to see if they can move you to a better package.
You could also save money by bundling your broadband, landline and pay TV together under the same provider – if you’re not already doing this – as this can be cheaper than paying for them separately.
How to save money on your mortgage
Switching your mortgage to a new lender is known as ‘remortgaging’ and it could save you money on your monthly payments. However, the amount you save, and whether you save anything at all, will depend on a range of factors, such as the level of interest rates, how competitive the mortgage market is and your own financial situation. An alternative to remortgaging is switching your mortgage. This is where you move to a new mortgage deal with your existing mortgage lender.
If you’re currently on a fixed-rate, discount, or tracker deal, it’s likely that you’ll move back to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) once the deal ends. The SVR could be a lot higher than the rate you’ve been paying previously.
If you are on a fixed-rate mortgage, many lenders will charge you a fee if you try to switch elsewhere before the initial term ends. That’s why it’s better to start shopping around six months before the deal ends, so you can move your mortgage as soon as the term is over. It’s a good idea to get advice from an independent mortgage broker if you are thinking of remortgaging. They may charge a fee for their time but they should tell you how much this is.
How to save money on food bills
Grocery bills can make up a big chunk of household spending, so it makes sense to look for savings.
- There are many ways to cut back on spending without making major sacrifices, such as:
- Planning your meals for a week and then writing your shopping list to avoid buying unnecessary items
- Changing to a cheaper supermarket or cheaper brands
- Avoiding shopping when you’re hungry, as you’re more likely to buy things you don’t need
- Signing up for loyalty cards – as they could offer special discounts for card holders, and points that could earn you extra savings
How to save money on petrol and diesel
Use a price-checking website to make sure you’re always getting fuel for the cheapest price possible.
Other ways to save on fuel costs include:
- Driving at a lower speed
- Avoiding accelerating and braking quickly, unless absolutely necessary
- Not using air conditioning and fan heaters
- Turning on your car’s stop/start technology (if it has it)
- Making sure your tyres are at the right pressure
- Removing heavy, nonessential items from your car boot.
How to save on your life and term assurance
Talk to us, we have access to all the leading Insurers and their products and 9 out 10 times we will save you money and offer at least an alternative, so you end up saving money to spend on whatever you want or need.