Cost of living: How to save money on household bills
A guide to cutting household costs and reducing your cost of living
It’s no secret the UK’s cost of living has been rising steadily in recent years, with many households feeling the pinch. It’s therefore understandable that our customers might be worried about the long-term impact on their finances and looking for ways to save money on household bills.
At Furness, we want to support our members in any way we can. As part of the Mortgage Charter, we aim to help homeowners through challenging times. So, if you’re an existing customer concerned about making mortgage repayments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
If you’re simply looking for ways to lower your monthly outgoings, then we’ve also got you covered! We’ve put together some of our best tips to help you save money on your energy bills, groceries, and day-to-day spending. Even if you're on a tight budget, there are many simple, yet effective, habits you can adopt to help reduce your living costs.
5 tips for reducing your energy bills
1 - Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs, can significantly reduce your energy consumption by up to 90%, compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Not only do they use less energy, but they also have a much longer lifespan. Opting for energy-efficient lighting is a smart and eco-friendly choice that can save you money in the long run.
2 - Unplug electronics when not in use
Unplugging electronic devices when not in use is crucial, as many of them continue to draw power even when turned off or in standby mode. According to data from Cambridge University, leaving tech on standby costs UK households up to £57, on average, per year. What’s more, it’s reported that nine out of ten house fires are caused by electrical appliances, so unplugging devices is also a necessary safety precaution.
So, not only will this help you save energy, but also reduce electricity bills and minimise the risk of electrical hazards. It’s a responsible and energy-efficient practice that everyone should adopt.
3 - Take shorter showers
Did you know the average 10-minute shower uses 150 litres of water and requires 5.76 kWh to heat it? Based on the current energy price cap, that’s £1.55 per shower for electric, or 40p if using gas. And that’s not including the cost of the water itself.
It’s estimated that cutting your shower by just one minute could save you around £10 per year on your water bill. So, by taking shorter showers, you can reduce both the amount of water and energy you consume, which can lead to significant savings on your monthly bills.
4 - Wash clothes in cold water
One way to reduce your energy bill is by washing your clothes at 30 degrees or lower. Heating water consumes a considerable amount of energy, which is ultimately reflected in your energy bill. According to the Energy Saving Trust, washing clothes at 30 degrees will save around 40% of the energy used each year.
Modern washing detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures, so by opting for cold water you can save money while still washing your clothes effectively.
5 - Let your clothes air dry
It’s a well-known fact that tumble dryers can be expensive to run, costing households up to £190 a year (based on three loads a week), according to Uswitch. So it’s more economical to use natural drying methods whenever possible.
Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also eco-friendly and gentle on your clothes. You can hang your clothes on a clothesline, drying rack, or even on hangers. This simple yet effective method will not only save you money but also prolong the life of your clothes by reducing wear and tear caused by the dryer.
5 ways to save money on groceries
1 - Batch cook your meals
Cooking in batches and freezing half for later is a great way to save money on energy bills and prevent impromptu takeouts. Ordering food or eating out frequently can be expensive, but with this method, you can avoid overspending.
2 - Grow your own food
Growing your own food is a fulfilling and cost-effective activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter the size of the garden. Even with a small patch of land, you can cultivate fresh produce that saves money on groceries and also provides a sense of satisfaction knowing where your food has come from and the effort you put into growing it.
3 - Shop around for the best deals
In order to save money on your shopping, it’s a good idea to compare prices at various supermarkets and discount stores. Take your time to research which stores in your area carry the products you need, then compare the prices of those items across each store. By doing so, you can identify which stores offer the best deals and make informed decisions about where to shop.
Additionally, keep an eye out for special promotions and sales, as many stores offer regular discounts on certain products or during specific times of the year. With a little bit of effort and research, you can stretch your grocery budget further and get the most for your money.
4 - Use coupons and promo codes
There are many ways to find coupons and promotional codes on all your essentials. You can try browsing newspapers, magazines, and online ads, subscribing to newsletters, following social media influencers, and signing up for loyalty programmes of specific brands or retailers. You should also look at apps like Honey, which collate discounts from multiple online stores, saving you both time and money.
5 - Plan your meals ahead of time
One of the best ways to stay on track with healthy eating habits, and avoid overspending on your weekly food shop, is to plan your meals ahead of time.
By taking the time to carefully consider what you'll eat each day of the week, you can make a detailed shopping list that includes only the ingredients you need. This helps prevent impulse purchases and ensures that you have everything on hand to prepare nutritious meals at home.
Meal planning can also save time and reduce stress during the week, as you don't have to worry about what to make for dinner each night.
5 ways to reduce your household bills
1 - Cancel unused subscriptions and memberships
Do you really need all of those subscriptions and memberships? Take a closer look at each expense and ask yourself if it's really necessary, or if you can find a cheaper alternative. You may be surprised to find that you're spending more than you need to, and cutting unnecessary expenses can lead to significant savings over time. So, don't hesitate to cancel anything that you don't use and start putting that money towards something more important.
2 - Negotiate your bills
If you have been a loyal customer of a company, it is worth considering negotiating your bills to potentially obtain a lower rate. Don't be afraid to enquire about any available discounts or promotions. Lots of companies offer special deals and lower rates for long-term customers, so it's worth reaching out to customer service and asking about your options. With a little bit of research and negotiation, you may be able to save money on your monthly expenses.
3 - Get a roommate or move to a smaller home
Sharing a living space with a roommate or downsizing to a smaller home can be a practical and effective way to reduce your monthly expenses. By splitting the cost of rent and utilities, you can significantly decrease your household expenses and free up additional funds for other important areas of your budget. Whether you're looking to save up for a big purchase (such as your first home) or simply want to improve your financial security, exploring the option of living with a roommate or in a smaller home can be a smart financial move.
4 - Refinance your mortgage
If you have a good credit score, you may be able to refinance your mortgage to a lower interest rate. Refinancing (or remortgaging) means replacing your current mortgage with a new one that has a lower interest rate, which can save you a significant amount of money on your monthly mortgage payments. With a lower interest rate, you'll have the opportunity to pay off your mortgage faster or even reduce your monthly payments.
Remortgaging can also help you access the equity in your home, which can be used to finance home improvements, pay off high-interest debts, or cover other expenses. As always, it's important to consider the costs associated with refinancing, such as closing costs and fees, before making a decision.
5 - Buy used rather than new
It's no surprise that apps like Thrift and Vinted are gaining popularity. Most people have items in great condition they no longer use. If you can find what you need second-hand, you could save a significant amount of money in the long run.
This tip works both ways as well. Many people have items lying around their homes that they don't use, such as jeans that have never fit or Christmas presents that were never played with. Set aside a day to declutter and sell anything that's still in good, usable condition. This not only benefits the environment but also your bank account!
5 tips to avoid overspending
1- Create a budget and track your spending
One of the best ways to manage your finances is to create a comprehensive budget and keep a close eye on your spending. By doing so, you’ll be able to gain a better understanding of where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. This could include anything from reducing your daily coffee intake to finding more affordable alternatives for your regular expenses. By tracking your spending, you can make more informed decisions about your money and take control of your financial future.
2 - Set financial goals
It's important to have clear financial objectives to maintain your motivation to save money. Without clear objectives, it can be difficult to stay on track when saving money. Some examples of financial goals include saving for a deposit on a house, paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for retirement. Whatever your objectives may be, setting clear goals is an important first step towards achieving financial security and stability.
3 - Avoid impulse purchases
Impulse purchases can be a big drain on your finances and lead to overspending. It's essential to take the time to think before buying anything and only purchase things that you genuinely need and can afford.
One way to avoid impulse buying is to create a list of things you need to buy, and only buy what's on the list. This will help you stay focused and less likely to make unnecessary purchases. Another useful tip is to set a budget for your shopping trips and stick to it.
Remember, making well-thought-out purchases will not only save you money but also help you develop good financial habits.
4 - Pay off debt first
When it comes to managing your finances, paying off debt should be a top priority. Debt can be a significant financial burden, and the longer you carry it, the more you'll end up paying in interest. That's why it's essential to create a plan to pay off your debts as quickly as possible.
Start by making a list of all your debts, including credit cards, loans, and any other outstanding balances. Then, prioritise them based on interest rates, with the highest interest rates at the top of the list.
Next, look for ways to reduce your expenses and increase your income, so you have more money to put towards paying off your debts. This might include cutting back on discretionary spending, taking on a side hustle, or negotiating a raise at work.
As you pay off each debt, celebrate your progress and use the momentum to keep going. It may take time, but paying off your debts will give you a sense of financial freedom and peace of mind.
5 - Automate your savings
It's a good idea to schedule your direct debits to come out of your account shortly after payday. Consider setting up a monthly standing order to transfer some money into your savings account around the same time. This will help you get a clearer picture of how much money you can spend each month without going overboard. In other words, you can't spend money you don't have.