SAVE $$$ for Christmas

COMPARE THE MARKET

Think your gas or electricity bills are too high?

‘Everyone should go and explore and Australian government website Energy Made Easy, which allows you to compare your energy offers,’ advises Laura (energymadeeasy.gov.au).

‘Shop around, ask questions, get the best deal you can get that suits your circumstances and your needs.’

Wealth advocate Marion Mays agrees: ‘Shop around, then negotiate with your current provider. If they won’t budge on their prices, switching is always an option.’

CONSERVE ENERGY

It really does cut back on the energy bills if you turn off appliances at the power point when you’re not using them. With computers and TVS, switch off standby mode.

‘Make it a fun challenge around the house. Encouraging kids to cut back on energy use by turning off lights and appliances is always something good to do with the family,’ says Laura from Moneysmart.

GROUP YOUR SERVICES

When you bundle you can often save a lot of money. ‘Consider group-buying of services, whether telecommunications, power or gas. Often by grouping your services, you can save on the overall rate,’ says Marion. ‘Check your terms and conditions to see whether you’ll actually save on your current rate.’

KNOW YOUR ENERGY RATINGS

Need to buy a new appliance? Always check the energy star rating before you buy. Efficient items will save you money now and in the future.

Download the government Energy Rating Calculator app: energyrating.gov.au/apps.

SAVE WATER FOR RE-USE

It’s getting warmer and sunnier, and that means our gardens need more love. How do you tackle this without using more water? Save the water from boiling eggs, vegies and pasta for use on the garden. Or shower with a bucket next to you for any run-off, instead of turning on the sprinkler.

CONSIDER A NEW INTERNET PLAN

Are you streaming more movies, TV and music than you did years ago when you signed up with your internet provider? It may be time to negotiate a new plan that suits your needs now. Shop around to get the deal that suits your family and usage the best.

GO OFF-GRID

Want to save for Christmas and all the Christmases after? Consider going off-grid. Begin by using a rainwater tank and going solar with your power.

Sustainability coach Michael Mobbs was an early adopter of the concept when he took his Sydney home off the grid.

‘Everything I have is off the shelf,’ says Michael. ‘And I have had energy and water bills of less than $300 per year for 21 years now.’

With his sustainable home, Michael is saving money, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Find out more at sustainablehouse.com.au.

PLANT MORE TREES

The efficiency of a house is directly affected by the outside air temperature. Michael says planting trees can cool your house by two to three degrees.

‘We have 1000 fruit trees in the Sydney suburb of Chippendale and our street is cooler. The shade of the tree shades the road which, in turn, cools the street,’ he says. NI

Cut your utility bills by following this advice from the experts