Money Makeover
We could all do with saving money at the moment, and the good news is there’s lots you can do today to start cutting your bills.
SWITCH OF STANDBY
Some of your electrical equipment uses energy whilst left on standby – ‘Vampire devices’. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that vampire device usage is around 9% to 16% of all energy consumed in a typical home. British Gas estimates that the average household could save £147 per year just by turning off standby on devices!
- £24.61 per TV
- £23.10 for each Sky / Virgin media set top box
- £12.17 for each game console
- £11.22 per computer
- £16.37 for the microwave
- £3.81 for the printer
- £1.26 per phone charger
BECOME ENERGY SAVVY
Turning down the thermostat by 1 degree could save up to £105 per year.
Turning off lights when not in use could save up to £20 per year.
Not over filling the kettle when boiling water could save up to £11 per year – try measuring out the water you need for your brew with your mug.
Washing at 30 degrees and reducing usage by 1 wash a week could save up to £28 per year.
Avoiding using the tumble dryer could save up to £60 per year – if you have space, install a washing line outside or use a maiden.
Limiting your time in the shower to 4 minutes could save up to £70 per year.
CUT YOUR FOOD WASTE
Take some time to plan your week’s meals before you go to the supermarket. Write a list and stick to it.
Keep an eye on “Use By” dates – make sure that you plan to use the food whilst it’s still in date. If you have multiple packs of the same item, put the ones which expire first at the front or top of the shelf.
A meal planner can help you keep on track – stick it somewhere you will see it regularly. Head over to our Engagement Portal for a free printable meal planner.
Check out these five blogs for budget meal ideas:
- A Girl Called Jack
- Thrifty Lesley
- Frugal Queen
- Feed Yourself for £1 a Day
- Skint Dad
SWITCHING BANKS
When was the last time you reviewed your bank account? Are you getting a good service and decent benefits?
Most banks offer good incentives to switch such as £150 cash, better interest on savings and even vouchers. Best of all, you can use the automatic switching service where everything is taken care of for you. Using the switching service only takes 7-days to get you up and running.
USEFUL APPS
There’s loads of apps available that can help you save money, all of which can be downloaded on any smart device. Here’s our top 5 apps you should download today.
Too Good to Go - this app lets you buy and collect Magic Bags of food at a great price, directly from businesses with the aim of reducing food waste.
OLIOEX - OLIO connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. It’s super easy to use and you can offer food as well as accept food.
Fudget - is a free budgeting app that allows you to add your income and all your outgoings, creating a weekly budget that’s easy to stick to.
Freecycle - with over 10million members, Freecycle is a great place to offer unwanted items a new home or give an item a new home. Everything from furniture to TV’s and curtains to cutlery.
TopCashBack - cashback apps work like a ‘refer a friend’ scheme – and your friend splits the money with you. Download the app and earn cashback when you shop with big brands like Amazon, B&Q etc. Save up your cashback and then withdraw it to your bank, or to a giftcard.
BBE FOOD & DRINK
After Approved Food’s appeared on Dragon’s Den with its proposal to sell food that was past it’s best before date, people went mad for bargains! The basic principal is that food and drink is still ok to use after it’s BBE, but not use by date.
Have a look at www.approvedfoods.co.uk and www.cheapfood.co.uk for some bargains on single and bulk items. Best of all, they’ll deliver straight to your door.
Need a money make over but don’t have the digital skills? Book an appointment with our Digital Skills team by calling 0800 953 0213 or text digital to 07976 756 115 for a free home appointment.
