As the cost of living crisis continues, more and more people are looking for ways to cut costs and save money at home. Whether you’re managing a tight budget or are saving for something big, there are plenty of ways to cut back on your expenses. Not sure where to start? This updated guide for 2025 will provide household tips and tricks to save money and achieve your financial goals.
Checklist for how to cut costs at home
- Review your spending and establish a budget
- Cut out any unnecessary subscriptions
- Check your utility providers
- Save on food bills
- Use energy-saving appliances
- Try a no-spend weekend
- Repair items as soon as possible
- Stock up on heating oil when prices are low
Top tips to save money on household bills
1. Use Budgeting Apps to Stay on Track
Long gone are the days of using a pen-and-paper budgeting book. There are a large number of apps that’ll help you manage your finances effectively. With a budgeting app on your phone, you can easily access your financial information on the go. Ultimately, this will make it easier for you:
- Discover your current spending habits
- Establish a budget and set financial goals (and stick to them)
- Identify areas where you may be overspending
- Stay on top of your budget
2. Cut Back on Subscriptions and Memberships
In this world of never-ending subscriptions and memberships, it’s easy to sign up and then forget about them. Therefore, our second household tip to save money is to list the subscription services you’re paying for.
Are there any you could do without? Whether it’s streaming services or fitness apps, try cancelling some temporarily to see whether or not you miss them. These tips and tricks to save money may seem small, but they really add up in the long term.
3. Check Your Utility Providers
Use comparison websites to find the best deals on utilities like gas, electricity, and broadband. Switching to a cheaper provider could help you cut costs and save money at home. This could add up to hundreds of pounds annually. If you’re able to switch to a cheaper energy supplier, try putting the amount of money you’ve saved into your savings account. You could do this via direct debit so you don’t even have to think about it.
At Certas Energy, we offer a range of flexible payment plans. Whether you choose monthly direct debit instalments or pay as you go, managing and paying for your energy couldn’t be easier.
4. Plan Ahead to Save Money on Your Food Bills
Planning your food shop can make all the difference in cutting costs at home. By knowing exactly what you need, you avoid the temptation to overfill your trolley with unnecessary items. When in-store, look out for any yellow stickered items as well. Supermarkets often reduce the prices of products nearing their best-before date to prevent them from going in the bin at the end of each day. Buying these items instead of paying full price is a great way to help you save on your weekly food shop. If you know you’ll be too tempted to pick up extra bits when shopping in-store, try shopping online as an alternative.
Planning your food shop can also help you with cooking your meals in batches. By batch cooking food in bulk, you can freeze extra portions for later. This helps reduce food waste and the temptation to order a quick takeout when you don’t feel like cooking.
5. Use Energy-Saving Appliances
Energy-efficient devices like air fryers are game changers. They use less energy than conventional ovens and cook food faster, saving time and money. They’re also great for reheating leftovers, helping you reduce waste while lowering household energy bills.
Why not also consider investing in other energy-saving appliances, such as slow cookers, induction hobs, and pressure cookers? These appliances consume less energy compared to traditional cooking methods. Energy-efficient washing machines and tumble dryers that use less water and electricity can dramatically cut costs. Similarly, upgrading to energy-efficient refrigerators and dishwashers can save money on household bills while reducing your household’s carbon footprint.
Looking for more ways to reduce your impact on the planet? Read our handy guide to living a more sustainable lifestyle.
6. Try a ‘No Spend’ Weekend
Set yourself a ‘no spend weekend’ every month if you can. This doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside, though. Activities like going on walks, movie nights, board games, and free museums are a great way to have fun whilst saving money. And if you use up any leftover food from the week as well, this can make your salary go further!
7. Repair Small Things As Soon As Possible
When something in your home is starting to show signs of wear and tear, don’t delay repairs. For example, a small boiler leak can turn into a major repair project that drains your bank account. The same is true for your car too.
If you’re looking to keep your boiler in check all year round, discover our 7 top tips for oil boiler care and maintenance. Or check out our Boiler Care Plans, carried out by OFTEC registered engineers.
8. Stock Up On Heating Oil When Prices Are Low
The price of heating oil fluctuates throughout the year, based on various factors like supply and demand. The best time to buy heating oil is typically summer. It may sound counterintuitive, but when the weather is warm and households use their heating less, the demand for heating oil is low. Therefore, to ensure you get the best energy prices, consider bulk buying your oil in the summer months, before autumn and winter hits.
At Certas Energy, we provide Standard Kerosene and Premium Kerosene at competitive prices you can trust. Simply fill out our quick online form for an instant quote – it couldn’t be easier.
We understand that the cost of living crisis is a worrying time for many households across the UK. By following just a few of these household tips and tricks to save money, you can make your money go further.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team for further guidance or read our handy guide on how to save money on your heating oil bills.
