Be a savvy shoparound
How to save money on your bills and shopping.
Spend a little time researching so you can create new habits that will save you money every week.
Energy bills
• Once a year visit a price comparison website to ensure you are getting a good deal.
• There will be regional variations in bill levels. Visit consumerfocus.org.uk for how different companies perform in your area.
ALSO SAVE MONEY BY: paying by direct debit, getting bills by email and taking customer readings rather than overpaying on estimated bills.
Groceries
• Type your regular essentials shopping list into a supermarket comparison website to see who generally offers the best value for you. Ignore treats as these often come under special offers that will skew the results.
• Factor in other costs, though, like petrol and parking at your nearest branch.
• Food shopping online is a great way to stick to your budget.
ALSO SAVE MONEY BY: organising your shopping list by aisle so you don’t pass tempting extras, and not shopping on an empty stomach!
Phone
• Make sure your home and mobile deals only cover things you really need (for example, you might want an allowance to send photo texts but not need 900 minutes talk-time).
• If you get a mobile for your child, check if you can get a good deal via your own home or mobile phone contract.
ALSO SAVE MONEY BY: starting with a low deal – it’s to upgrade than change to a cheaper package!
Insurance
• A quick call once a year to your current insurance company could easily save you money.
• Check you are only paying for what you really need. Eg, contents insurance sometimes includes cover for expensive valuables irrelevant to you, or is a driver still insured as a ‘learner’ on your car’s policy?
ALSO SAVE MONEY BY: Finding out if your bank or credit card accounts already include insurance cover.
Pass it on – don’t waste £480 on food
That’s the estimated average each household throws away each year. Every day have a look at
what’s in the fridge and freeze things that you don’t think you will eat before their ‘use by’ date. Check out this great ‘perfect portions’ checker at lovefoodhatewaste.com so you don’t cook more than you need.