Cost-of-living worries? Check out our cost-cutting tips!
Cost-of-living worries? Check out our cost-cutting tips!The cost-of-living crisis is a constant worry for families as household bills continue to rise. So, where do you begin with getting control over your expenses?
We’ve compiled useful budgeting tips to help you stay on top of your spending.
How can I reduce my energy bills?
There are a million and one tips for keeping bills low during the colder months. It’s easier to relax around energy usage during the summer months, as we aren’t always using our heating. Be aware, that the cost of running air conditioning and ceiling fans can quickly add up. Reducing your bills during summer will allow you to build more of a credit on your account to put towards those higher winter payments.
How do you keep your bills lower in summer?
How do you keep your bills lower in summer?- When it’s warm keep windows closed and blinds drawn during the day, as this stops the heat from getting in, so you don’t need to fight to cool it down again.
- Keep internal doors open so the air can flow through the house keeping it cool without using a fan.
- Make use of the rare warm weather we get in England and ditch the tumble dryer and dry your washing outside.
- Choose a slow cooker or air fryer over the oven. These use less energy as they heat a much smaller space than an oven, plus it keeps your kitchen cooler during the summer heat.
How can I reduce my food shopping costs?
‘When we fail to plan, we plan to fail’ feels fitting when it comes to the weekly food shop. Buying without a list and adding a mismatch of items, usually results in a higher bill and incomplete meals.
Spending 10 minutes planning your meals, seeing what ingredients you need, checking what you already have in the cupboards and then making a list, will reduce your bill if you stick to it!
When writing your list, think about what other meals you can make with the same items. This stops you from having to spend extra money on multiple sets of ingredients.
Don’t like the same meals throughout the week? ‘Batch cooking’ or making extra portions of your meals allows you to freeze them for another week.
A final tip is to switch to supermarket own-brand alternatives where possible.
How can I manage my budget?
Setting a budget is the first step in managing one. List all your outgoing bills, costs, direct debits, and subscriptions, along with all your income. To set a budget for the month, take away your outgoings from your income, and see how much money you have left over.
Now is the perfect time to assess your budget and see if everything you’re spending is worthwhile. Are there any expenses you can cancel? There’s no point paying for the gym each month if you don’t find time to use it!
If you’re struggling with your bills and considering cancelling your insurance, let us help you. Our advisors will find you the most suitable cover they can within your set budget, and a lower cover is better than no cover at all, so call us today on 01543 464 144.
We hope this guide inspires you to help get your rising bills under control. Remember we are here to help; we can review your mortgage or insurance policies at any time to make sure you’re still getting the most suitable cover to fit your budget.