Stop the money leak
Five ways to stop money leaks from home essentials
Talking money is all about putting more money into your pocket. You’ll be surprised how taking little actions can make a massive change to your budget. Take a look at your budget sheet….
Could you be paying less for some things? Maybe?
1. Gas/Electricity
Check that you are on the best tariff. The information you need is on your bill. If not, call your supplier to enquire or use a utility comparison website to check and compare with other suppliers. If you are not happy with the tariffs your supplier is offering, switch and you could save up to £300 per year.
For more information on how you can save on your gas and electricity bills including switching and if you have a pre-payment meter, click here
You could also get a discount of up to £140 paid into your electricity account if you qualify. This is called the Warm Home Discount. Contact your electricity supplier or for further information visit the Warm Home Discount Scheme website
2. Water Bill –Discounts & Reductions
Can I get a reduction?
If you are on low income or a low income household with earnings below £16,105 or below £19,565 in London boroughs and are a Thames Water Customer, your whole bill can be reduced by up to 50%. The scheme is called WaterHelp (previously known as WaterSure Plus) is available until March 2020.
For more information, visit the Thames Water website, or to discuss help that is available and to apply for WaterHelp, contact Citizens Advice Westminster here
3. Council Tax -Discounts and Reductions
Council Tax is usually paid to the local Authority where you own or rent a home. You have to be 18 or over and a full Council Tax bill is based on at least 2 adults living in a home. Spouses and partners who live together are jointly responsible for paying the bill.
Discounts & Reductions
You’ll get 25% off your bill if you count as an adult for Council Tax and either:
- you live on your own
- no-one else in your home counts as an adult
You’ll usually get a 50% discount if no-one living in your home, including you, counts as an adult.
You will not have to pay any Council Tax if anyone in your home, including you, is a full-time student.
To find out more information who counts as an adult, how you can claim and if you qualify for a discount click here
4. Savvy shopping /cooking
You can stop food wastage that ends up in the bin. Think saving!
Lockdown is the time to start making a list of easy to make recipes with less costly ingredients. It is good to have a list when going shopping, otherwise you will stray and buy what you do not need.
Aim to save at least £5 a week and you will have a whopping £260 at the end of year to spend for Christmas shopping. You can get the family in on the cooking/savings fun. Batch cook and freeze in portions. This saves on gas and cooking time. More money in your pocket and time to relax.
Click here for more information
5. Check that you are on the right phone/tv/broadband tariff
Many people because of busy lives just get on with it without checking what they are paying for these services. You may be losing hundreds of £’ss. Use a comparison website and check for better tariffs. Use the best price to haggle with your current supplier and ask for a better reduced price or switch and save. For more information, click here