Household bills can add up quickly, but they don’t need to. If you are a little bit savvy, you can reduce your household bills, leaving you more money for fun or savings! Here are our top tips for saving money on your bills.
Many UK homes are paying more council tax than they should be. How do you know if you are paying too much council tax? Look at the council tax bands of similar houses in your area on Zoopla and see how yours compares. If you believe your property is in the wrong council tax band, then you can call and get it adjusted. Be warned; if you are in a lower council tax band than you should be, you might end up paying more, so do your research thoroughly.
If you are a lower-income family, have a disability, or live alone, you might also be eligible for council tax reductions. Double-check if you are eligible on the UK government website. There are also options to pay council tax over 12 months, instead of the usual 10, to decrease your monthly bills. Check with your local council if they offer this service and how to get it set up; there are usually no eligibility requirements for this.
Most utility companies will negotiate contracts to get customers to stick around. They will price match or reduce your bills to stop you from switching to another company if you ask. Call your utility provider with details of a like for like deal you have seen from a competitor and ask them to match it. The worst they can say is no.
Similarly, a lot of companies will waive fees if you ask it. If you pay a bill a day or two late, call them after you make payment and ask if they will waive the fee. You might be able to save yourself some money.
You should check every 6 months or year to make sure you are getting the best deal possible, especially for things like electricity and internet and phone bills. Find contracts that match your needs and don’t charge you for extra services that you don’t use. Don’t be afraid to switch to a company that is offering a more suitable package.
Paying your bills late and missing payments is the quickest way to make your household bills more expensive. Set up automatic payments where possible to ensure you don’t miss a payment and set reminders in your phone or on your calendar for anything else. If you are having trouble paying your bills, then look for cheaper options until you are in a better financial position. Also, discuss payment options with your utility providers and see if they can put you on a more manageable payment plan.
Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment; it is great for your wallet too! Install water-efficient showerheads and energy-efficient lightbulbs to decrease your electricity bill. They may cost a little upfront, but they will save you money over time. Another great way to save on your bills is to reduce electricity and water use in the home. Take shorter showers and turn off appliances and lights when they are not needed.