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Our Expert Money Saving Tips for 2024

Money saving tips 2024

Our Finance Tips for 2024

In 2024, as living costs continue to rise, it’s crucial to examine our money saving habits thoroughly.

For most bill payers, this includes your phone bills, broadband, energy efficiency, and subscriptions.

Aside from obvious money saving strategies, such as budgeting, we’ve highlighted a few less common hacks to help you save money.

Let’s explore some strategies to optimise money saving for each category:

Phone Expenses

With mobile phone ownership exceeding 90% and landline usage declining, it’s time to reassess our phone bills. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Check your contract status to see if you’re overpaying.
  • Explore options like switching providers or negotiating better deals.
  • Consider social tariffs for cheaper broadband if eligible.
  • Opt for SIM-only plans, especially if you own a handset.
  • If you still rely on your landline, bundle your services to save up to 34%.

Broadband Bills

A more complex tip which involves initial costs before money saving is transitioning to fibre broadband.

Overall, it offers better value in the long run, providing faster speeds when most needed.

This is especially true if you experience losses due to poor broadband. This includes not being able to work remotely, or having a smart home security hub that frequently drops out or disconnects.

To read more please visit our previous blog post.

Other ways to optimise your broadband expenses include:

  • Negotiating your broadband deal strategically, especially when your contract is ending or during promotional periods.
  • Research competitor offers and use them as leverage during negotiations.
  • Clearly express dissatisfaction with your current package and your willingness to switch providers if necessary. This can sometimes lead to compensatory money.
  • Highlight your loyalty as a long-term customer to inquire about loyalty discounts.
  • Utilize online tools and forums for additional support and guidance.

Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency not only lowers utility bills but also reduces environmental impact. Here are some energy-saving tips:

  • Invest in energy-efficient appliances like LED light bulbs and smart thermostats.
  • Ensure proper home insulation to prevent heat loss.
  • Optimise heating and cooling by adjusting thermostat settings and installing programmable thermostats.
  • Adopt energy-saving habits in your daily life. This includes turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
  • Use your washing line or clothes maiden instead of a tumble drier.
  • Explore renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines.

Subscriptions

Managing subscriptions efficiently can lead to significant savings. Here are some of our helpful tips:

  • Regularly review your subscriptions to assess their value.
  • Bundle services for discounts.
  • Negotiate better deals with subscription providers.
  • Take advantage of free trials to test services before committing.
  • Share subscription accounts with family or friends to split costs.
  • Opt for annual payments for additional discounts.
  • Keep track of renewal dates and use discounts or coupons to save money.
  • Downgrade plans if you’re not fully utilising higher-tier subscriptions.
  • Explore free or lower-cost alternatives to paid subscriptions.

By implementing these strategies, you can better manage your budget and achieve long-term financial stability in 2024 and beyond.

Which Expenses are Going up in 2024?

Unfortunately, annual inflation is common – and 2024 will be no exception.

We’ve covered the main household costs due to soar this year and advised on how to counteract them.

Council Tax

Council tax, a major monthly expense, typically increases in April.

While Scotland enjoys a freeze until April 2025, the rest of the UK awaits news.

Councils in England can hike taxes up to 5% annually, potentially adding £103 to the average bill.

Despite calls for fairer collection methods, missed payments can still lead to consequences.

Explore options like payment rescheduling, hardship relief, tax reduction, or challenging your property’s valuation.

TV Licence Fee

TV licence fees are set to rise to £169.50 in April, a £10.50 increase.

This is below the expected inflation-linked rise, offering some relief.

Renewing before April can lock in the current price.

Additionally, individuals over 75 receiving Pension Credit are eligible for a free licence.

Energy Bills

Energy bills may surge by up to 5% in January due to rising energy price caps.

Mitigate costs by ensuring accurate meter readings, questioning changes, and adopting energy-saving habits.

Mobile and Broadband

Mid-contract price hikes are common in mobile and broadband contracts, with some providers planning increases of over 8% in 2024.

Explore switching to a provider without mid-contract rises or negotiate with your current provider for a better deal.

Insurance Premiums

Home and car insurance premiums have soared, with the average quoted price rising significantly.

Shop around for better deals, consider annual policies, and compare ratings to find the best insurance options.

Mortgages

Mortgage rates have increased, driven by a freeze in the base rate.

Consider switching deals if nearing the end of a fixed term, or, seek advice from a mortgage broker to navigate your options effectively.

We recommend staying in the loop by checking out local money saving sites and news outlets.

Your suppliers also have a duty to inform you about any upcoming price hikes.

Cut your Household Bills With Switch Experts

Ready to find a new fast and affordable broadband provider?

In just a few clicks, we can help you see how much you could be saving on your broadband bills.

Simply search your postcode and browse our latest available deals.

 

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How to Introduce Eco-Friendly Business Practices

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Fostering an eco-friendly business

With UK businesses being collectively responsible for 18% of the country’s total carbon emissions, it’s understandable why so many brands are rushing to make a positive eco-friendly difference.

Not only will you be playing a significant role in caring for the planet, but there are a lot of benefits to implementing more eco-friendly business practices.

Simple, easy, and incredibly advantageous.

Below, our experts have explained why and how your business should be implementing green measures.

Why should I introduce eco-friendly business practices?

Whether you run a large business or an SME, eco-friendly habits will benefit you in a range of ways.

Companies that choose to invest in energy efficiency measures benefit from cost reductions, improved sustainability/productivity, and an overall better brand reception.

Did you know that 61% of people aged 22-35 would be willing to spend more with an eco-friendly business?

EON also found that 72% of people pay attention to whether or not a business acts in a climate-friendly way.

This might refer to your employees too.

Who wouldn’t be proud to represent an eco-friendly business?

Nurturing an eco friendly business environment

A little goes a long way, and your efforts are appreciated more than you realise.

What’s more, you will see your energy bills drop drastically when you follow our advice below, as you naturally start burning through less electricity.

We recommend taking the following steps to help you build an eco-friendly business environment.

  1. Firstly, Conduct an Energy Audit

Conducting a thorough energy audit will keep you informed and engaged.

This makes it easier to identify areas for improvement from the get-go.

Through your audit, you’re likely to find  more advice and guidance on implementing the behaviour of staff.

An energy audit can save businesses significant amounts of energy, money, and improve efficiency.

  1. Start Small by Repairing and Replacing Small Appliances

Implementing eco-friendly business measures such as LED lighting, insulation, and energy-efficient technologies can save companies thousands of pounds per year in energy costs.

For instance, replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lighting can provide energy savings of up to 70%.

Smart heating, or heating timers, could save you up to 30% per year.

Invest in these appliances once and you’ll quickly make the money back in how much you save on your bills.

  1. Next, Consider More Drastic Changes to Equipment and Energy Sources

This might be a bit more of a long-term overhaul project, but still a critical one.

If your workplace has a lot of computers, machinery or servers constantly plugged in, this will drain energy – but we understand that they can’t be turned off!

Look into energy-efficient computers, monitors, and printers, and consider power saving timer settings.

If you rely on servers, maybe it could also be time to look at moving to the Cloud.

You should also see if your business would be eligible for a solar panel grant.

  1. Go Paperless and Proud!

Paperless offices are much more common than you might think.

Going paperless is not just a trend; it’s a transformative shift that offers numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes.

Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but going paperless also helps you to save on costs and improve efficiency.

By digitizing documents, processes become streamlined, storage space is freed up, and the environmental impact is minimized.

With modern technology and secure cloud storage, making the transition is easier than ever.

  1. Educate Employees

Install signs around your workplace to remind staff to reuse, reduce and recycle.

For example, you could introduce a competition that motivates your employees.

Encouraging staff to turn off lights and equipment before leaving for the day, carpooling to work, and utilizing public transport are all great ways to promote energy efficiency.

Make a significant step in the right direction and start introducing some of our suggested practises today.

In conclusion, nurturing an eco-friendly business is a win-win situation.

Save on your other business bills

We’ve made it easy to save money and time when looking for a new deal on a range of business services.

From broadband to mobile, VoIP to waste management, we can help you score a new deal.

We have a whole team of business experts ready to help you switch and save hundreds on your bills every year.

Get in touch today and start searching new offers on any service you need.

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6 Household Bills Hacks to Save You Money

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6 hacks to lower your bills

Managing household bills can be a real challenge, especially when they seem to keep climbing higher each month.

But fear not!

We’ve got your back with six ingenious household bill hacks that will help you save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

These simple yet effective strategies will empower you to take control of your expenses and free up some extra cash for the things that truly matter to you.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can make a significant difference in your monthly budget!

Why are household bills soaring in the UK?

Since 2020, prices have been rising nationwide. Although this may have been kickstarted by the pandemic in several ways, the war in Ukraine has also led to soaring inflation.

Staying up to date on market trends is more important than ever and can help you stay prepared for further price rises.

Our weekly shops, insurance, petrol, and energy bills are sky-high, so it’s understandable that you’re looking to cut back where you can.

Our top 5 expert tips for cutting household bills

We asked our experts to explain the top six most effective hacks for reducing your home bills.

Everyone can try at least one of these – so read on for more!

  1. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Cut Costs, Not Comfort

One of the most impactful ways to save on your household bills is by investing in energy-efficient appliances. These modern marvels consume less power while delivering the same level of performance.

From energy-saving LED bulbs to Energy Star-rated refrigerators and showerheads, these appliances will not only lower your electricity bill but also reduce your carbon footprint.

We say that’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet!

  1. Embrace the Power of Smart Thermostats

Heating costs can take a considerable chunk out of your budget.

Enter the era of smart thermostats – the ultimate household bill hack. These intelligent devices learn your preferences, adjust temperatures accordingly, and can be controlled remotely through your smartphone.

By optimizing your home’s climate, you’ll avoid energy waste and save big on your bills.

Plus, some energy providers even offer rebates for installing smart thermostats, giving you an extra incentive to make the switch.

This is also the case for solar panels, depending on whereabouts you live.

It’s worth investigating if you would be eligible for a government grant.

  1. Bundle Up and Save on TV, Internet, and Phone Services

If you’re still paying for TV, internet, and your landline phone separately, it’s time to bundle up and save!

Many providers offer attractive bundle packages that combine these services into one convenient, discounted bill.

Not only will you enjoy the convenience of a single monthly payment, but you’ll also benefit from significant savings compared to individual subscriptions.

As for your mobile, could you consider a SIM-only plan?

If you’re nearing the end of your contract, and you’re happy with the device, you should look into it.

See our blog explaining everything you need to know.

  1. Unplug to Save: Combat Phantom Energy Drain

Did you know that even when your electronic devices are turned off, they still draw power? Our experts call this “phantom energy drain”, and it contributes to unnecessary energy costs.

Combat this sneaky expense by unplugging “vampire” devices when they’re not in use.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can save just by being more mindful of your off switches!

  1. Save on the Splash and Save up Your Cash

We all love a hot bubbly bath from time to time, but showering is much more efficient.

Even by just swapping to showers and having one bath per week, you can save tens of litres per month.

Putting your clothes on a slightly cooler wash of 30 degrees also saves you money every month, without decreasing the effectiveness of your washing powder.

  1. Don’t be Afraid to Switch, Shop Around and Haggle

When it comes to your bills, switching is your secret weapon. Many providers offer low priced and unbeatable introductory periods, or discounts for new customers.

We’re here to find these deals for you. Small changes make a big difference to your bills, and when it comes to broadband, you might be able to save AND upgrade!

In essence, our team will do all the haggling for you and find you a personalised deal within your budget.

Could you be Overpaying on Your Bills?

Switching your broadband or mobile deal could potentially save you hundreds per year. If you haven’t switched plans in a while, there’s a very real chance you could be overpaying.

Many suppliers will automatically enrol you onto a new standard tariff plan once your initial contract ends.

The catch? You’ll likely be paying more per month – and not necessarily for a better service in return.

We’ll find out how much you could be saving in no time, whilst also ensuring that your new contracts are well suited to your home.

Switch and Save Now

We can help you cut back on your expensive contracts. Whether it’s your mobile, or your home broadband, we can find you a personalised deal today.

Get started with a few clicks and you’ll be surprised by the savings!

 

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Review your waste disposal plan now

mini bins ft image for waste disposal blog

Every business generates some kind of waste

Where would we all be without our bins?

In a state of calamity, that’s for sure!

It’s predicted that businesses across the UK generate a total of 44 million tonnes of waste every year.

With the right disposal system in place, you can ensure that you’re fully compliant with environmental regulations and keep your workplace safe and clean.

As a side note, you could save a lot more money too!

What does waste disposal mean?

Business waste disposal is the process of removing and disposing of waste generated by businesses. This includes materials such as paper, plastics, and hazardous waste.

Proper disposal is essential for environmental responsibility and compliance with regulations.

Waste management companies provide specialized services to collect and dispose of various types of waste.

As a business owner, you likely know that waste disposal is an essential part of your operations – regardless of your company size or industry!

However, not all waste disposal deals are created equal, and shopping around can help you find the best option for your business.

Here’s why you should be taking your businesses waste disposal needs seriously and see if you could be on a better deal.

How have prices changed recently?

Commercial waste disposal costs in the UK have been increasing in recent years.

The cost of landfill tax has been rising annually, which has resulted in higher prices for businesses to dispose of their waste.

Additionally, due to changes in China’s import policies on waste, the UK has seen an increase in demand for domestic waste management services, leading to increased costs.

Some businesses have responded by investing in waste reduction strategies or seeking out more affordable disposal options.

It’s always helpful to see how you can increase recycling practices across your workplace too.

You can always do more for the environment, and it comes with reputational and cost saving benefits.

Quick tips to help your business recycle more:

  • Implement a recycling program: Set up recycling bins in common areas and provide clear instructions on what can and cannot be recycled. Make it easy for employees to recycle by placing bins in convenient locations
  • Conduct a waste audit: Conduct an assessment of the waste generated by your business to identify areas where you can reduce and recycle more
  • Use recycled products: Use recycled paper products, such as paper towels, napkins, and printer paper
  • Reduce packaging waste: Encourage suppliers to use minimal packaging and consider purchasing products in bulk to reduce packaging waste
  • Donate or reuse materials: Donate items that are still in good condition to charities or reuse them in-house. This can include furniture, electronics, and office supplies
  • Provide employee education and incentives: Educate employees on the importance of recycling and provide incentives for those who consistently recycle and reduce waste.

By implementing these simple steps, businesses can increase their recycling efforts and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Why you should switch waste collectors

Our experts have explained the top benefits of shopping around for waste disposal deals.

By shop around, we simply mean not just sticking with the first deal you find.

When you use our service, you don’t have to shop around – we do it for you!

The main reasons why our business customers switch plans:

  • Cost savings. One of the main reasons to switch waste disposal deals is to save money. Different waste management companies charge different rates for their services, and by shopping around, you can compare prices and find the best deal for your budget. Moreover, some providers offer discounts for long-term contracts or for businesses that generate a significant amount of waste.
  • Customized service. Ever felt like your bins aren’t emptied enough? We can find you an arrangement that is tailored to your specific business needs. For example, if your business generates hazardous waste, you’ll need a provider that specializes in handling these materials. Likewise, if your company generates a lot of organic waste, you may benefit from a composting service. By finding a provider that can meet your unique needs, you can ensure that your waste is disposed of responsibly.
  • Environmental responsibility. Ethical environmental practices are becoming increasingly important for businesses, as consumers and stakeholders demand sustainable practices. By comparing waste disposal partners, you can find a brand that prioritizes sustainability and offers eco-friendly solutions. For example, do you currently recycle enough or could you have more bins?
  • Compliance with regulations. Proper waste disposal is not only essential for environmental responsibility, but also for ensuring your compliance with regulations. Depending on the type of waste your business generates, you may be subject to laws that dictate how you must handle, store, and transport your waste. By finding a reputable waste disposal provider, you can ensure that your business complies with all applicable regulations, avoiding costly fines and legal issues.
  • Reputation and customer service. Finally, shopping around ensures that YOU receive the best service too. With our help, you can rest assured that you’ve picked a disposal company with a stellar reputation and reliable customer service. Good customer service can make a significant difference to your waste disposal experience, giving you flexibility and peace of mind that your bins will always be emptied on time, and issues are promptly resolved.

In conclusion, if you want to find a cheap, customised, and fully compliant waste disposal service, you should do your research beforehand.

Or, like we previously mentioned, let us do it for you!

What makes a good bin & waste disposal partner?

The top three qualities our business customers look for in their waste management partner are:

  • Outstanding environmental practices
  • A tailored, reliable and regular service
  • Fixed, low monthly prices.

With over 40 waste disposal suppliers to pick from across the UK, we understand it can quickly become overwhelming.

There’s no need to fret when our experts can find a deal for you!

We look at plans from leading commercial waste management providers nationwide and tailor deals to your exact needs/ bin preferences.

Ready to find your new waste disposal partner?

By letting us help you find the right provider, you can streamline your waste management operations and focus on growing your business.

If you’re still a fairly new brand, it’s definitely in your best interests to compare with expert help.

There are regulations to meet and daily requirements you want to get right – plus it’s entirely free to discuss with our team!

Start searching waste disposal deals in a click today.

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