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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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6 Household Bills Hacks to Save You Money

household bills ft image

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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