MONEY is tight – but The Sun’s Squeeze Team is here to help.
Today is Day One of a special three-part series and we can save you some serious cash.
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Use our checklist to make sure you are not missing out on benefits and free money.
Then follow our experts’ advice on how to bring your household bills down NOW.
Mortgage
ACT now to prepare for any rise in mortgage bills.
First, find out the end date of your current mortgage deal, and if there are any early repayment charges.
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If the end date is within three months, see if you can switch to a new deal with your current lender.
Also, look at what you might be able to get if you opt to remortgage.
You may be able to submit an application up to six months before the end of your current deal.
Nick Morrey, from mortgage broker Coreco, said: “If you are worried about mortgage payments rising then you can secure a new rate now – it’s likely to be cheaper than the rate in three months’ time.
“Check the offer will be valid for six months so that it expires after your current deal, to avoid any penalty payments.
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“Some lenders reduce penalties over time, so it may also be worth checking if you’ve got more than six months left on your deal.”
Use an online comparison site such as money supermarket.com or Which? – or speak to a broker.
Energy
DUE to worldwide market volatility, there is no way to save money by switching providers at the moment.
But you can still apply for free cash support, or lower your bills by reducing energy usage.
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Struggling households can apply for grants from their energy supplier if behind on bills.
British Gas offers up to £750 in grants and Bulb £140, – but in certain circum- stances they can write off up to £2,000 in debts.
Andy Shaw, from the StepChange charity for debt advice, said: “If you give them details of your financial position and energy debt, they will decide if you qualify and, if successful, they will give you a grant towards energy costs.”
Think about how to reduce energy usage in your home, too.
Visit the energysavingtrust.org.uk website for tips.
For example, time your showers to last four minutes or less – and save £70 a year.
Victoria Leyton, from HotUKDeal, said: “Wateraid has a playlist of songs around the four-minute mark.”
To save the most money, stop draughts.
Uswitch says millions of us waste up to £128 a year this way. DIY draught-proofing starts from £3 a roll.
You may be able to get a grant to help improve home energy efficiency.
See simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/grants.
Water
IF you have more bedrooms than people living in your home, you could save up to £500 a year by installing a water meter.
Visit ccwater.org.uk/watermetercalculator/ to check.
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Be aware you may need to cut back your usage or bills could go up.
Apply for water-saving freebies such as a low-flow shower head and tap regulators at savewatersavemoney.co.uk.
Low-income households on benefits can save up to £500 a year on water bills as part of the WaterSure scheme.
To qualify, you need to have a water meter installed, have two under-19s living with you and receive child benefit.
The average saving is £270 a year. Apply via your supplier.
Individual firms also offer cheaper social tariffs.
Visit ccwater.org.uk for help.
Search for free grants on the turn2us.org.uk website using the keyword “water”.
If in debt, you can ask your supplier to match your repayments.
Victoria Leyton, from hotukdeals.com, adds: “Leaky taps are money down the drain – avoid a costly plumber with the many straightforward step-by-step repair tutorials online.”
Council Tax
CHECK if you are eligible for reduced bills if you are on a low income, live alone or claim benefits.
Single people get 25 per cent off bills. Check with your local council.
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A whopping £33.7million is sitting in closed or dormant council tax accounts.
Martyn James, from financial dispute resolution service resolver.co.uk, said: “Millions of pounds in council tax overpayments are sat around waiting to be claimed back.”
You could even have your council tax debt written off if you are really struggling.
Debt charity StepChange’s Andy Shaw said: “Most local authorities will only do this for households in severe financial hardship but they should have a published policy that outlines the criteria for their scheme.”
You will need to fill out a Section 13A application form.
Households living in band A to D properties have started receiving the £150 Council Tax rebate.
Councils have until September to make the payment.
Mobile, TV & Broadband
YOU can save hundreds of pounds by switching supplier.
Don’t forget to haggle if you are out of contract, or see what freebies they can throw in to keep your custom.
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If you do switch, don’t forget to search for cashback.
Four million low-income homes could save up to £144 a year by applying for a discounted broadband deal.
At present, six providers – BT, Community Fibre, G. Network, Hyperoptic, KCOM and Virgin Media O2 – offer deals costing £10 to £20 instead of £27 a month for speeds ranging from 10Mbit/s to 67Mbit/s.
Check with the provider to see if you are eligible.
And beware of roaming charges this summer if you are going abroad.
Many firms have introduced new fees.
Rent
IF you are on Universal Credit and claim housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you could be eligible for a discretionary housing payment.
Local authorities distribute the cash, and it varies based on where you live.
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Don’t forget to try haggling on the cost of your rent, with your landlord or management company.
Victoria Leyton, from hotukdeals.com, said: “If you are at the end of your contract with an estate agent and have a great record as a tenant, it may be worth contacting the landlord and asking if you can pay them direct, as cutting out agency fees may create a discount window.”
The best time to do this is when they notify you of any planned rent increase.
Insurance
SWITCHING your home insurance, rather than simply allowing it to renew, could save households an average £30 a year, according to comparethemarket.com.
Martyn James, of Resolver, said: “You can save a decent sum by switching to another insurer. Know when your deal is due to end.
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“Your current insurer may offer you a better rate the earlier you renew.”
Also look at other ways to cut your costs.
Martyn added: “Simple and relatively cheap changes can shave vital pounds off premiums.
“For example, don’t forget to tell your insurer if you have a video doorbell or CCTV camera fitted.”
Get at least four quotes from price- comparing sites before you switch or renew.
And don’t forget to haggle down costs over the phone.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
