Save Money on Monthly Bills
Monthly bills are inevitable: modern living means spending money on a range of services that we simply can't live without.
Just because these bills are unavoidable does not mean they cannot be reduced however. One of the easiest ways to save money is by shopping around to make sure you are getting the best deal. You can also make some small changes to your lifestyle to cut down on the amount you pay on utility bills such as gas, electricity and water.
Competition between energy companies is fierce and gas and electric prices change frequently. As energy is often one of the biggest bills we have to pay each month, reviewing your energy account is one of the easiest ways to start saving money. Begin by using a price comparison website such as U Switch or Energy Choices and use one of their calculator services to see if it would be worth you changing provider or switching to a different tariff.
Changing the way you pay your bills can also make a difference. Suppliers often offer discounts to customers who pay by direct debit, so contact your provider to see what is available. Don't automatically assume that dual fuel tariffs will work out cheaper either, as getting your gas and electricity from separate suppliers can sometimes reduce costs.
Whilst switching suppliers and changing the way you pay your energy bills can often reduce your bills, the biggest savings will most likely come from reducing the amount of energy you consume. Easy ways to cut your gas consumption include lowering the thermostat on your central heating, wearing extra warm clothes and taking showers instead of baths. Turning off lights and appliances when not in use will mean you use less electricity, which again could reduce your bills. Saving energy at home can become second nature after a while; take a look at the Energy Saving Trust website for more ideas.
Utility bills are not the only ones which have an impact on your finances. Consider how much you are spending on your home phone, broadband and mobile phone bills and what impact these have on your budget. If you have been in a contract with your supplier for over a year, it could be possible to make savings by changing provider or even bundling services together in one package. Some suppliers can include digital TV in a package as well as phone services, which can be another way to save money if you currently pay separately.
Insurance is another expense which is virtually impossible to avoid. Whether it is car insurance, home insurance or pet insurance, staying loyal rarely pays. Just because your provider was the cheapest last year doesn't mean the same it true today so shop around. Comparison websites make it easy to find the lowest price as you can collect quotes from multiple providers and compare costs before you buy.
There may well be more monthly bills you have to pay, but if you're serious about saving the rules remain the same. Consume less and compare the market to make sure you get the best deal.
