Money-saving Tips around the Home

Below are a few things you can do to ensure you keep your outgoings in good shape:

Make shopping lists for your groceries and stick to the list. Don't be tempted by "Bargains" or "Bulk Buys" unless you regularly use that item.
Shop in the £1, 99p or value shops (Primark, LIDL) as often the quality is as good, if not better than some of the brand leaders.
Turn your room or radiator thermostats down by just 1°C. It can cut as much as 10% off your heating bills.
Don't set your Hot Water Cylinder Immersion Heater water thermostat too high; 60°C/140°F is usually adequate for bathing and washing.
At night, pull all curtains to stop heat loss through the windows. Heavier lined curtains are better at insulation.
Take care not to let curtains hang over radiators as this will direct the heat straight out of the windows. It could also be very dangerous as a fire hazard if there are electric convector heaters.
Use a shower if possible, this saves money and water. (Don't stay in too long though!)
If you have a dripping tap ensure it is repaired quickly. In just one day, you could waste enough hot water to fill a bath. It will also save you money by reducing your metered water bills.
If you have electric convector radiators turn the thermostat down until the room is comfortable. If possible set up a time-switch to bring the heat in about 30 minutes before you need the room warm.
Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room for long periods.
Switch off your TV, video and Hi-Fi at the set. Standby can use as much as 10%-60% of the power that would be used by the device if it was switched on.
Remove or switch off, all those transformers for recharging mobile phones, laptops, printers, batteries etc. when not in use as they still use power even when not connected to the equipment.
Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently.
Where possible wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine.
If you use a dishwasher select the low-temperature programme unless you have very soiled dishes. Try to make sure that it is a full load too.
Use a kettle to boil water for cooking. Avoid over-filling the kettle but be sure to cover the element. If you use gas don't let it boil longer than required either.
Use a toaster rather than the grill to make toast. Select the correct browning and number of slices for your needs.
Use low energy lamps wherever you can as they can use less than a quarter of the electricity used by ordinary light bulbs and last up to ten times longer.
Make sure your hot water cylinder and hot water pipes are fully lagged, this can pay for itself in a few months and go on saving you money for years to come.
Put draught strips around windows and exterior doors. If possible fit a flap across the letter-box.
If you haven't got double glazed windows then you can fit a cheap sheet of plastic film to the inside of the window frame to reduce heat loss and draughts.
Loft insulation can help you reduce heat loss by up to 25%. Lay at least 100mm and preferably 150mm deep material.
Move all your households bills onto direct debit, most utility companies also offer discounts of up to 5% for setting this up.
Take packed lunches to work instead of buying sandwiches.
Re-use those plastic soft drink bottles for lunch boxes. Wash them out in the washing up water before you start cleaning any dishes.
Check the interest on your bank accounts and credit cards. Average bank accounts pay just 0.1 per cent interest but if you shop around you can get up to six per cent a year. Some credit cards are more expensive than others.
Keep track of what you spend This will make you more aware of where all your money goes.
Check you are getting the best deals from service companies in your area. Many companies are now offering the 'cheapest' electricity, gas and telephone services, but which one really is? Switch to The Utility Warehouse Discount Club for a fantastic all-round service as well as savings in your pocket!
Rather than carrying on using credit cards why not decide to fix your spending budget by having a "Pay as you go" Maestro Debit card such as this one from "Bread"? It's easy to top up, so that you can control your spending.

If you would like more help, call us to see how we may be able to point you in the right direction and work with one of our financial advice associate companies.

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