Bill busters to keep you on track

Seven ways to keep on top of your household costs this winter

1 Make small changes to your routine

Traditionally, people would have shopped around for their energy to make big savings. But with cheap deals having vanished, there may be changes you could make to your routine which could offset some household bill increases. By taking a short shower instead of a bath, someone could potentially use around 70 fewer litres of water each time, according to Smart Energy GB. It also suggests drying clothes outside on sunnier days rather than always using a tumble dryer, and washing clothes at 30 degrees to save electricity. Turning off standby appliances before going to work, at night and when not in use could help, Smart Energy GB says.

2 Make sure your boiler is efficient

Having a boiler serviced will help to minimise energy bills by getting it to run more efficiently and reducing the risk of a future breakdown, according to gas registration body the Gas Safe Register.

Although money may be tight, it’s vital to make sure gas appliances are safe. Warning signs include lazy yellow flames, pilot lights that keep going out, black marks or stains on gas appliances and increased condensation inside windows, according to the Gas Safe Register. 3 What other bills could you cut?

Jo Thornhill, a money expert at Moneysupermarket, says: “If your car or home insurance is coming up for renewal make sure you shop around. And if you’re paying interest on any outstanding debts, consider moving your balance to an interest free credit card. Just don’t forget to pay off the required balance every month.”

4 Check out grants and benefits

Regulator Ofgem says some people could be entitled to Winter Fuel Payments,

Cold Weather Payments or the Warm Home Discount, for example. Some home workers may also find they can claim tax relief by checking at www.tax.service.gov.uk

5 Save on food

Taking a shopping list with you to keep you focused, and visiting your local supermarket at a time of day when it is making reductions could help keep bills down. There may be other ways to save – for example, users of the ‘Too Good to Go’ app buy food from their local shops and cafes that may otherwise go to waste, at a discounted price. You won’t know exactly what food you’ll get until you collect it. The way food is cooked could also keep costs down. One-pot meals mean fewer items to wash up, cutting heating and water costs.

6 Look at your mortgage deal?

For many people, their mortgage is their biggest regular expense. Even for some people who think they would have difficulty switching, it may be worth checking. The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), says many providers will lend to applicants with ‘non-standard’ financial circumstances. The IMLA’S research among mortgage providers found 88% would accept applications from self-employed borrowers and 71% would consider borrowers with irregular incomes.

7 Sort your savings

If you do have any leftover cash, make sure it’s earning some interest. Tina Hughes, director of savings at Yorkshire Building Society, says the Society estimates people typically have a £7,220 shortfall between the amount of cash savings they have and what they need to feel secure. She suggests making sure money isn’t sitting in a zero interest current account when it could be earning at least some interest in an easy access savings account, or even a fixed term account if you can lock your money in for a while.