Whether it’s the cost of gas and electricity, petrol prices or your weekly supermarket shop, many of us are feeling the squeeze these days when it comes to making ends meet. According to research from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in March 2022, almost a quarter of adults said that it was ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult to pay their household bills compared to last year.

As the cost of living continues to increase, it can be a challenge to pay your mortgage or rent in addition to filling up your car, heating your home and buying groceries for your family. To help you navigate these times, we have outlined some money-saving ideas which you can begin practicing around the home.

Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Making small changes to your habits around the home can have a considerable effect on your monthly energy bills. This could include taking showers instead of baths, washing your clothes in cold water using a cold-water detergent and hanging them out to dry rather than using your drier.  Use full loads for appliances such as your washing machine and dishwasher and make use of the ‘eco’ function if there is one as this uses lower temperatures which means less energy is needed to heat the water. It also keeps water usage to a minimum.

Consider swapping your light bulbs for energy-efficient ones, and make sure you switch your lights and appliances off when they are not in use or needed. This includes switching appliances off standby mode, otherwise, they will continue to drain energy.

Supermarket Rewards and Discounts

Take advantage of your supermarket’s loyalty scheme which may offer you discounts, vouchers and coupons, as well as cash back or points which you can redeem to pay for your shopping. It is also good practice to look out for special offers on items that you buy regularly such as toilet paper or washing up liquid. For example, ‘buy one, get one free’ or ‘two for the price of one’ offers. Instead of purchasing expensive brands, opt for a cheaper supermarket brand which often has the same ingredients but at a lower price.

Another money-saving idea is to buy your toiletries and non-perishable goods from wholesalers who offer discounted prices and allow you to buy in bulk. This also saves you money on having to travel to the supermarket regularly. Certain wholesale clubs such as Sam’s Club offer membership which entitles customers to many perks such as free services, discounts and offers. Find out more about becoming a Sam’s Club employee here.

Switch Your Tariffs

Whether it’s your mobile phone, internet, gas or electricity supplier, review your tariff to see if you are on the best deal available. You can do this through an online comparison site or by calling your service provider to discuss your current tariff and usage and ask if there is another tariff that would suit your needs at a lower price.

Often, companies reward long-standing customers for their loyalty by agreeing to special deals which are only available upon request. It is also worth reviewing subscriptions you pay to streaming sites such as Netflix to see if they are worth renewing or not.

By following the three tips in this article you can help to reduce your monthly expenses and save money.