Running your home

A bit of research and a few small changes to your habits can knock pounds off necessities such as Utility bills, White goods and furniture, Insurance, Maintenance and Gardening. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Utility bills

• Use the price comparison sites to see if you are paying more than you need for gas, electricity and telephone landline. Cross-reference the results from three sites – they often have different deals – and read the small print carefully, in case there are hidden charges.
• If you do not want the hassle of changing suppliers, tell your suppliers that you can get a better deal elsewhere and ask them to beat it. Be ready to provide the competing quote as proof.
• You can often get a discount for setting up a direct debit or paying bills promptly – just pick up the phone or go online and use your debit card the day the bill arrives.
• You may make extra savings by taking more than one service, such as gas and electricity, from a single supplier – but check individual service prices too, because some companies have great single service deals.
• Consider putting in a water meter, especially if there are not many people in your household. Lag your hot water pipes and cylinder.
• Limit waste – turn off lights in empty rooms, avoid leaving televisions or computers on standby, use energy-saving light bulbs and do not leave the tap running while you clean your teeth or wash up. Turn the thermostat down a notch in winter and have showers, not baths.
• If you cannot live without your satellite or cable subscription service, check whether you would benefit from cheap-rate telephone and broadband deals from the same provider.
• Insulation stops heat loss and keeps energy bills down. Many people qualify for a grant – find out if you do at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk. Block any drafts at doors and windows and get your boiler serviced regularly to make sure it operates at peak efficiency.
• If you are over 60, apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth from £125 to £400, depending on your age and circumstances. Most pensioners are eligible.

White goods and furniture

• If you need new household appliances, shop around. The Internet is almost always the cheapest option for electrical goods – but if you want to buy from a physical store, try haggling. Many will match a competitor’s price to get the sale.
• Take a leaf out of your grandparents’ book and save up for what you need. Only take out interest-free finance deals if you are sure you can save enough over the interest-free period to pay off the entire amount when it is due.
• Go second-hand – try auction sites and check your local paper’s small ads. You may even get what you want for free via www.uk.freecycle.org, where people give away items they no longer want.

Insurance

• Go back to the price comparison sites for buildings and contents insurance. While you are at it, look for the best deals on other domestic insurance, such as boiler cover and extended warranties.
• If you pay by monthly instalments rather than annually, check the cost difference – it could be as much as 20 per cent more to pay 12 times instead of once.
• Increasing the excess on your policy – the value of any claim that you must pay yourself – can result in quite a big cut in your premium. Agree to exclusions such as water damage or carpets and you may bring the cost down further.
• Fit window locks, upgrade door locks and install a burglar alarm, all of which lower the risk that you will suffer from theft and may lead to an insurance discount. Some insurers give a further discount if you are a member of your local Neighbourhood Watch.
• Specialist insurers generally offer better value if you live in an unusual or period property or have valuable contents, such as antiques or fine art.

Maintenance

• Always get at least three quotes for repairs and renovations and do not be afraid to haggle.
• Builders often have money-saving ideas and can buy fixtures, paint and electrical equipment at trade prices.
• Do not DIY unless you are good at it – bodges cost money to mend. Or check whether your local college runs a DIY course.
• Buy basics, such as white paint and nails, from superstores or trade outlets – there is no point wasting money on expensive brands when you cannot tell the difference.

Gardening

• Invest in a water butt if you have a water meter – rain is free and better for your plants.
• Pool equipment with friends and neighbours – you do not all need a lawn mower or strimmer, for example.
• Grow your own plants from seeds or cuttings and swap plants when you have too many.
• Compost your garden and vegetable food waste – then you will not have to buy fertiliser.

Back to the top