Christmas might still feel a little way off, but the financial pressure often starts much earlier.
Before You Spend More This Christmas, Check What You’re Already Spending
We’re halfway through October, the evenings are getting darker, the heating is coming back on, and before we know it, we’ll be thinking about presents, Christmas food, travelling to see family and everything else that makes the festive season special.
Of course, we’d all like to enjoy Christmas without worrying too much about what it will cost. But for many households, that’s easier said than done.
And this year, there’s another consideration. From 1 October, the energy price cap increased, with the typical annualised bill for a household paying by Direct Debit rising from £1,663 to £1,723. That’s not a fixed bill for everyone — what you actually pay depends on how much energy you use and your tariff.
It’s another reminder that the cost of running a home deserves our attention.
But here’s something I’ve been thinking about.
Before we worry about what we’ll spend over Christmas, shouldn’t we check what we’re already spending every month?
The household expenses we stop noticing: Check household bills before Christmas
Most of us know roughly what our mortgage or rent costs. We probably know how much we spend on groceries, too.
But what about everything else? Check household bills before Christmas
Our energy, broadband, mobile phones and insurance policies can quietly become expenses we simply accept.
The Direct Debit goes out, the service continues, and unless something goes wrong or the price rises significantly, we rarely think about it.
It’s understandable. We’re all busy, and comparing providers isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a relaxing evening!
But the problem is that the deal you arranged two or three years ago may no longer be the best option.
Your circumstances may have changed. Your household might be using services differently. Your contract may have expired, or a renewal might be approaching.
And unless you check, how would you know?
Loyalty is valuable, but is it saving you money? Check household bills before Christmas
I’ve always believed in the importance of good relationships and loyalty.
But with household services, being a loyal customer doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting the best available value.
That doesn’t mean your current provider is necessarily expensive or that you should change everything.
Sometimes, after reviewing your arrangements, you might discover you’re already getting a very good deal.
If you’re unsure how the energy price cap affects your household, Ofgem provides a useful explanation of how it works and who it applies to.
That’s great news!
At least you’ve checked, and you can stop wondering whether you’re paying more than necessary.
But occasionally, reviewing those same services can reveal opportunities to reduce costs, simplify your household administration or find arrangements that better suit your needs.
And surely that’s worth knowing?
Think beyond the energy bill
Energy understandably receives a lot of attention, particularly as we move into winter.
But it’s only one part of the picture.
When did you last review your broadband contract? Are you paying for a mobile allowance you barely use? Is your insurance renewal approaching? Would bringing some of your household services together offer better overall value?
Looking at these costs collectively can sometimes reveal opportunities that aren’t obvious when you consider each bill individually.
It’s also important to compare the full picture, including contract terms, service quality, exit charges and any discounts that depend on taking multiple services.
After all, saving a few pounds on one service isn’t much use if it creates extra costs elsewhere.
The objective isn’t simply to find the cheapest headline price.
It’s to make sure you’re getting good value for the money you’re spending.
A little preparation now could make the coming months easier
Imagine going into Christmas knowing you’ve reviewed your household essentials and checked whether your money could be working a little harder for you.
Perhaps you’ll discover some savings. Perhaps you’ll find ways to simplify things. Or you may confirm that your existing arrangements are already competitive.
All three are useful outcomes.
Because financial wellbeing isn’t only about how much money we earn.
It’s also about understanding where that money goes and making informed decisions about what we do with it.
And that brings me to something I regularly say through Building Better Futures UK:
Creating more choices often starts with owning what we can control.
Let me help you Check household bills before Christmas
Through SaveUpOnBills, I offer a FREE, no-obligation household bill review.
We’ll review your current arrangements, including energy, broadband, mobile, and relevant insurance services, and explore opportunities to improve the value you’re getting.
If you’re already on good deals, I’ll tell you.
If there are alternatives worth considering, I’ll explain them so you can make an informed decision.
There’s no charge for the review and no obligation to switch.
So before the Christmas spending really begins, why not take a little time to check the household costs you’re already committed to?
You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
To arrange your FREE household bill review, contact me through SaveUpOnBills.
It’s never too late to build a better future.
Take care,
Eric Couturier
SaveUpOnBills | Building Better Futures UK