How to cut your household bills, in seven steps.

Step 01

Gather your bills in one place

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks.” Proverbs 27:23 (KJV)

Set aside one afternoon. Using your bank statements, list every household bill: energy, broadband, mobile, TV, insurance, water, council tax and subscriptions. Next to each, write the monthly cost and when the contract ends. Most people find at least one bill they had forgotten about.

Step 02

Energy: know your tariff

Find out whether you are on a fixed tariff or a standard variable tariff, and when any fix ends. Send regular meter readings (or make sure your smart meter is sending them) so you are billed for what you actually use, not an estimate. If you are struggling to pay, contact your supplier early: they have to work with customers in difficulty, and you may be eligible for help such as the Warm Home Discount.

Step 03

Broadband and mobile: are you out of contract?

Once a minimum contract term ends, many people keep paying the same price, or more, for the same service. Your provider must tell you when your contract is coming to an end and what its best deals are. Check your dates, and if you receive Universal Credit or certain other benefits, ask about a cheaper social tariff.

Step 04

Insurance: never renew on autopilot

Home and car insurers can no longer charge renewing customers more than they would charge a new customer for the same cover, but that does not mean the renewal price is the best one available. Check your cover still fits, and compare before you renew.

Step 05

Council tax and water: claim what you are due

If you live alone, you can usually claim a 25% single person discount on council tax. Check your band too. For water, ask your company about meters and help schemes if money is tight; many have social tariffs for lower-income households.

Step 06

Subscriptions: cut what you do not use

“Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” John 6:12 (KJV)

Streaming services, apps, gym memberships, magazines: small amounts that add up. Go through your statement and cancel anything you have not used in the last month. Faithfulness in small things is still faithfulness.

Step 07

Ask for a free review

If comparing deals feels like too much, you do not have to do it alone. Through my partnership with Utility Warehouse, I offer a free household bill review covering energy, mobile, broadband and insurance. It is done remotely, takes about five minutes, and there is nothing to buy.

Get your free quote →

Disclosure: I am a Utility Warehouse partner, so I may be paid if you take a service through this link. You are never under any obligation to switch.

Going further

Make the savings count

Money saved on bills only helps if it has a job to do. Give it one: an emergency fund, a debt paid down, or more to give. My post on Christian budgeting in five steps shows you how, and the two-minute stewardship check shows you where to start.