Household bills are one of those things that can add up quickly – and nobody wants to overcharge their bills if they don’t have to.
Fortunately, there are small changes that can result in long-term savings, and experts have compiled a list of areas where bills can be cut.
Nima Ghasri, GoodMove director for regulated homebuyers, said, “We all know how quickly household bills can add up, especially over the past year when so many of us have spent a lot of time at home.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce your weekly household bills, but it’s just a matter of knowing where to start. So we decided to put together some of our top tips to help you save some money. “
Turning the heating down just one degree can save you 10% on energy costs
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Here is the list of seven saving hot spots.
1. Organize your utilities
An effective way to cut your household bills is to keep your utility bills in order, with the average standard variable rate being around £ 1,125 per year. 1
Easy ways to do this is to simply remember to turn off appliances when plugged in, or get smart plugs instead. In addition, washing at a lower level will reduce the temperature, which in turn will lower your energy consumption. If you want to keep saving, you can have better control of your heating by installing a smart thermostat or even investing in energy-efficient equipment.
2. Rethink your broadband package
While decent broadband and WiFi are hugely important to many of us (especially with more of us working from home than ever before), there are ways you can try to save some money. Do you really need the deluxe package or the fastest speed for a family of five? If not, reduce your package.
Haggling with your supplier is another way to cut costs. as the saying goes, if you don’t ask, you get nothing. Make sure you stand up and try to negotiate a lower price or other incentive.
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3. Check if you are entitled to reduce monthly bills
The council tax is based on where you live, but there are certain other criteria that can entitle you to reduced monthly bills.
For example, if you have a low income, you may be eligible for universal credit, unemployment benefit, pension credit, or income support. Are you a student or a member of the household? Or you or another member of your household has a physical or mental disability. If you are the only adult in your household, you will also receive a 25% reduction in council tax.
4. Reduce your water consumption
Currently the average annual water bill in England is £ 408. So if you’re happy with your fixed plan, you can stick with this method. 2 However, if you are on a budget, there are a few very simple ways to reduce your water usage.
Basic steps you can take are to spend less time in the shower, turn off the tap when you shave and brush your teeth, and limit how often you flush the toilet. Other options are to only use the washing machine with a full load and fill the dishwasher instead of doing the dishes at the sink, and if you don’t have a dishwasher, use a dishwasher.
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5. Learn how to prepare meals
Food and drink make up a large chunk of a person’s household bills, so being able to cut costs here can make a real difference. Try to create a weekly meal plan to avoid unnecessary trips to the grocery store, spread ingredients over multiple meals, and prepare servings in large quantities, which will also help reduce waste.
6. Comparison of suppliers
Probably one of the most popular ways to cut your household bills is by using a price comparison portal. That way, you may find that it’s cheaper to switch suppliers, or if you can find an equivalent product cheaper elsewhere, you can always call your current supplier to request a price adjustment.
7. Pay on time
It may seem obvious, but paying your household bills on time is crucial, especially if you are using a credit card, as it can also affect your credit score and nobody wants to be charged a late fee.
It can be helpful to set up a direct debit plan because then you no longer have to worry about transferring the money. However, be sure to double-check your bank statements to make sure everything is correct and up to date. If you’d rather do it manually, make sure you set reminders so you don’t miss any deadlines. Try to make it so that your monthly bills coincide with payday. When you’ve got your expenses sorted for the day you get paid, you can enjoy the rest of the month with peace of mind.
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