Images Lucy Hooker & Charlotte Edwards and Tom Espinergetty
It is nicknamed “Horrible April” with a range of household bills that should increase in the coming days.
You can do nothing if your municipal tax increases, or if you buy a house and face a higher stamp law bill.
But with regard to other invoices, such as energy, water or broadband, here are three strategies that could help relieve the pressure.
1.
For some services, you can often get a better offer simply by calling the company with which you are and saying that you plan to leave.
“Buy the tour for better offers and merchanting your existing supplier,” explains Alice Haine, of the Professional Services Group Evelyn Partners.
“It is always worth walking. Setting for everything.”
This applies to a whole range of invoices, including insurance, energy and broadband.
“Our research shows that the change of providers if you are not contractual can reduce broadband, paid television and mobile invoices up to £ 235,” said Emily Seymour, of the consumer group who?
Gas and electricity are often the largest invoices that people face and the price ceiling set by the regulator increases by 6%, so it is worth finding the best offer for you.
This may include the choice of a fixed rate agreement, explains MS Seymour. If you load an electric vehicle or use household appliances overnight, look for an agreement with a cheaper night rate.
“We also recommend that you take a counter to read as close to March 31 as possible to make sure you are charged the correct amount for your energy consumption,” she said.
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2. Reduce
An infallible way to keep your bills is to reduce what you use.
Taking shorter showers and putting a shower head with a slower flow will save money on your water and energy bills.
“You should treat water as an expensive resource,” says Haine.
Getting a water meter can save money, she adds.
Intelligent meters for electricity and gas can also help you keep an eye on what increases your energy bills the most, says the energy of energy energy.
The trust advises the test of your home, including round floors, pipeworks and old extractor fans, and setting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature. For most people, he said between 18 ° C and 21 ° C.
MONEYSAVINGEXPERT says you can save money using the principle: “Heat the human, not the house”. The use of hot water bottles and electric blankets should be cheaper than mounting the radiators.
You can also modify the settings of combined or conventional boilers to save money, explains Martin Lewis in MoneysAvongexpert.
Regarding the transport of invoices, you cannot avoid increasing the tax on the vehicle unless you let the car completely abandon.
But if you take the train, it is also worth checking if a train card will help you, underlines MS Seymour.
“To reduce costs on rail tariffs, we recommend that you book tickets in advance and divide the prices if possible,” she said.
3. Get help
If you have trouble paying your cleaning bills, do not panic, explains Richard Lane, director of customers of the Stepchange debt. He suggests creating a detailed budget that captures all your income and expenses.
“This will allow you to get a clear image of your finances and see how many remains you have for all debts or saving money,” he said.
Then check which medium you are entitled.
Water companies offer “social” and lower difficulties for people on very low income, so it is worth calling your supplier. People who claim services can also also obtain lower rates for broadband.
“These organizations are responsible for treating customers fairly and will be able to offer you tailor -made support,” added Mr. Lane.
There is the warm reduction of the government, for people with high energy costs on a very low income, including retirement credit. And low -income people are also eligible for a reduction in the council tax.
Check if you are eligible for a free television license. If you are over 75 and have a pension credit or live with someone who is, you will.
You can also increase your income. Check the advantages to which you are entitled to the independent website of Moneylper, supported by the government or by using calculators of advantages managed by the policy in practice and charitable organizations entitled and Turn2us.
If you are struggling with debt, here are some other organizations that could help you.
