Cost of Living
Cost of living
If you are interested in saving money please take a look below for advice and usful links.
Highest household costs
Make a budget and stick to it: One of the most effective ways to save money is to create a budget and do your best to stick to it. This will help you to understand your financial situation and make informed decisions about how to allocate your money.
Cut expenses: Look for ways to reduce your expenses, such as canceling subscriptions or memberships that you no longer use, negotiating your bills, and shopping around for the best prices on goods and services.
Save on food costs: There are several ways to save on food costs, such as cooking at home instead of eating out, making a grocery list and sticking to it, and buying in bulk when possible.
Save on transportation costs: Consider walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving to save on fuel and car maintenance costs.
Save on housing costs: If you own your home, consider refinancing your mortgage to a lower interest rate. If you rent, try negotiating with your landlord for a lower rent or consider moving to a cheaper location.
The biggest household bills can vary from person to person, depending on their individual circumstances. However, some common examples of large household bills include:
1. Mortgage: This is often the biggest household expense, as it represents the cost of housing.
Just Mortgages, NatWest, Lloyds Bank, Barclays Mortgages, Halifax, Aviva, Santander, Virgin Money, Nationwide, HSBC, Santander, Virgin Money, Aldermore, Coventry Building Society & Yorkshire Building Society.
2. Utilities: This includes expenses such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage.British Gas, Eon, Scottish Power, EDF Energy, Npower, Uswitch, Octopus Energy, Bulb , Ovo Energy & Utilita.
3. Groceries: The cost of food and household essentials can add up quickly.
Ocado, ASDA, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Iceland, Aldi, Co-op & Lidl.
Heat your home
With costs high you may be avoiding turning your heating on. But heating your home is important for both your health and the health of your home.
Look after your boiler and as it gets colder, keep your home at a set temperature between 18-21°c. And check if you are eligible for extra financial support to help with heating costs.
Save energy where you can
Everyone is talking about energy prices, and with good reason. Check out our energy saving advice, customer top tips and information on the energy price cap to help you be energy efficient and save on your bills.
Manage the condensation in your home
Often damp in your home can be due to condensation. Luckily there are some simple steps you can take to ensure condensation doesn't become a problem. How to prevent condensation and damp.
Sometimes damp is caused by something we need to fix. If that sounds like you, then report your damp and mould online.
Be prepared for ice and snow
Cold snaps can lead to icy conditions for you, and damage to your home. Keep yourself and your home in good shape with our Winter weather tips.
Keep on top of your budget
We know the cost of living crisis is making things difficult. Read our budgeting for beginners guide. Remember you can contact our financial inclusion team for free, one to one support, if you're struggling to pay your bills. Just drop us an email at contactus@homegroup.org.uk and ask for a referral.
Keep safe
Consider having lights on a timer, set an alarm if you have one and make sure all doors and windows are locked.
Self care
Looking after your own mental health and wellbeing is important too. The NHS has some really great advice, like this five steps to mental wellbeing.
Food bills – if you're going hungry then help is available from your local council or foodbank. Speak with your support worker, housing manager or our financial inclusion team about a referral.
Topping up your pre payment meter – if you can't afford to top up your pre payment meter, you might be able to get a fuel voucher from your local council. Our financial inclusion team can support you.
Cost of living payments – there's a further £301 payment this Spring for some people. Find out if you're eligible for a cost of living payment.
Give your finances a spring clean – set yourself a target to do at least three things from our customers’ top tips guide to saving money
Struggling to pay your energy bills – after this Winter’s cold spell you might find your energy bills higher than you hoped. Find out what help is available with energy bills.
Take time for yourself – it’s been a stressful few years for many of us. Set aside some time every day in February to look after your wellbeing with these top tips.