Talk Money Week 2023 – Reduce your household bills
Today marks the start of Talk Money Week and this year’s theme is ‘Do one thing’. Throughout this week, we’ll be featuring ‘one thing’ each day that you can do to boost your financial wellbeing.
Today, we begin with some tips on how you can reduce your household bills – including energy, food and broadband.
Get the best deal for energy
To save money on energy costs, it makes sense to shop around for the best prices and tariffs – to make sure you aren’t paying more than you need to.
Depending on the type of meter you have, there are different ways to pay for the energy you use. From pay-as-you-go, paying when you receive your bill, to automatic payments by Direct Debit.
There are also different gas and electricity tariffs available. For example, you could get a lower price if you sign up to a specific provider for a fixed period.
You do not always have to switch supplier to save money of your bill. Sometimes switching payment method or tariff with the same provider can reduce the amount you pay.
It’s simple to switch to a different energy provider if you want to take advantage of a better deal. Try out the Consumer Council Energy Price Comparison Tool.
Save money on your food shop
Follow these food shopping tips to help you save money and reduce waste.
Before you go shopping:
- Do a stock take of your cupboards, fridge and freezer to see what you have.
- Plan the meals you are going to have for the week and think about using up leftovers.
- Make a shopping list and stick to it.
- Set yourself a target budget.
- Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach.
- Remember to take your bags for life.
- For more useful tips and advice see this Consumer Council Food Shopping Guide
Cut the cost of broadband
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
How a social tariff could help you:
- It’s available to those on a variety of benefits. If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.
- It’s cheaper than a regular package. Current prices range from £10 to £20.
- Fast, unlimited broadband. Most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s – fast enough for you to keep in touch with friends and family, stream HD films or shop online.
- You’ll pay next-to-nothing to get set up. If you do have to pay any setup costs, these should only be small. Your provider should tell you before you sign up.
- It could cost nothing to switch. If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge.
- The price won’t go up mid-contract. You won’t pay any more than what you agree at the start of the contract.
- It costs nothing to leave. You won’t pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.
To check eligibility, contact your current provider or check out this comparison tool from Moneysavingexpert.com
Apex Welfare Advice Service
Our Welfare Advice Officers are here to provide you with advice, guidance or to resolve any problems you may have with budgeting, debt or applying for benefits.
Tel: 028 7130 4800
Email: welfareadvice@apex.org.uk
