Hunting money saving tips
Do I laugh or scream now health concerns are second on my list – or even third – below fuel costs and food?
So I am searching around for money-saving tips; kind friends keep sending me ones they have found, and every time I manage to get something knocked off a bill – that’s a little triumph! And a bit more saved for the massive fuel bill I am expecting. If you feel the same, these tips on obtaining discounts might help.
Rules for obtaining discounts very – it’s a question of asking until you find the right combination. But if even one of the following applies to you, it’s worth applying :-
- disability
- Over 65
- On benefit
- low income
Telephone My landline and broadband provider is BT; I suspect other companies will have similar schemes – so ask if they have a SOCIAL TARIFF. I am on this now, and get almost £10 discount per month.
Water bills Abby at Age UK Oxford told me to ask if my water supplier offers discounts to OAPs or those on benefits, etc. My supplier is Thames Water, one of the largest suppliers,and their scheme is called WaterSure. This offers financial support (up to 50% discount on your water bill).
Boiler Next time you have your boiler serviced tell the company you want to discuss economy settings with the Engineer. Your water could possibly be set at a lower temperature; which could mean running your tap longer to get the temperature you want – but hey – no one is going to blame you if you want to save money. Then a good Engineer can almost certainly give you some more hints and tips on saving money.
Energy bills I am dreading receiving my bill from British Gas. Am making plans as to what I can do, and trying to reassure myself that if I am sent to jail for non-payment, not only will I be in good company with half my neighbours, but in jail I will get free heating, lighting and three meals a day!
Dennis Reed from Silver Voices has posted some sensible advice, which I pass on here : https://aftercancers.com/silver-voices/
Bleed your radiators
Getting more surface area heat out of your radiators and reducing cold spots can help lower the amount of energy they need. And you don’t need to be a DIY whiz to do it – here’s our engineer to show you how.
Unplug your devices
Your phone, tablet or TV still use energy on standby. Avoid paying for energy you don’t use by unplugging them when you can.
Move your sofa
Big furniture close to your radiator can stop heat reaching the room.
Close the curtains
Heat starts to escape when the sun goes down. Draw curtains or close blinds to keep the warmth in – especially if you have older windows.
Unplug your devices
Your phone, tablet or TV still use energy on standby. Avoid paying for energy you don’t use by unplugging them when you can. You can save around £55 a year just by remembering to turn off your devices and appliances when you’re not using them.1 You could also think about getting a standby saver or smart plug which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby automatically.
Move your sofa
Big furniture close to your radiator can stop heat reaching the room. Move them an inch or two away for better air circulation and your rooms will be warm and cosy much faster.
Close the curtains
Heat starts to escape when the sun goes down. Draw curtains or close blinds to keep the warmth in – especially if you have older windows.
Switch off the lights
Remember when your parents told you to turn the lights off when you left a room? They had a point. Getting everyone in the habit of only lighting rooms that are being used can help you save around £20 on your annual energy bills.
