Spring into Savings: 5 Ways to Lower Household Bills
Spring cleaning, you say? How about spring savings as well! As the end of winter tapers off into memory, it leaves a final sting in its tail. Post winter energy bills. They can be notoriously eye-watering! The good news is that there are things you can do to lower your bills, and unlock savings that make a difference.
We have gathered our 5 best tips to help lower your bill, so you can make savings, and feel that little bit more excited for spring.
1. Compare your Bills
Jump on NZ Compare’s comparison platforms to compare your broadband, power, mobile, and money bills. Our user-friendly platforms make it easy to find a better plan within just minutes, without bias or obligation. We simply want to empower you to make a fully informed decision by giving you all the information. Comparing is the best way to find savings because you are more likely to find a plan that offers more value for your money. Compare now to find a better deal and save money!
2. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
Old household appliances can be the culprit of high power bills. They consume a lot of energy! If you have the means, consider investing in new, modern appliances such as a new washing machine, fridge, chest freezer, heat pump, or dryer, and one that has a high energy star rating. Invest in energy efficient appliances! This means that the appliance will use less energy to do its job, therefore, reducing your power consumption and lowering your electricity bill.
3. Avoid Hot Water
Heating water generally requires electricity. Try to avoid using the hot water for your loads of washing. The cold water setting works just as well for weekly washes. Save the hot water wash for the sheets after you’ve finished a bout of cold or flu. Limit your showers to five minutes, and pause the shower while you are using soap or shampoo.
4. Cancel Subscriptions
Just how many subscriptions do you have? Do you really use all of them? Take the time to go through each of your subscriptions, and cancel ones you don’t use. For streaming services, try having only one at a time, or choosing the cheapest platform. You can also jump on Broadband Compare to find a better broadband deal. Many providers offer joining perks when you switch to them, such as a free year subscription to a streaming service – talk about double savings!
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5. Establish a Budget
It’s important to have a clear picture of where our money is going month-to-month. Create a budget, using a spreadsheet, or notes, or whatever method works best for you, to track your expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and your leisure spending money. This is a good way to see where you can possibly make changes. For example, do you buy a coffee every work day? Could you make your coffee at work, or bring one in from home? What about your groceries? Can you swap chicken for cheaper alternatives such as a tin of chickpeas? Can you shop seasonally, or plan your meals so you don’t overspend?