With the winter months well on the way, it’s important to keep an eye on your spending. Along with the cost of festive activities, planning your budget through winter involves navigating higher heating expenses and potential safety risks too.We’ve covered four of the most sensible money-saving tips to get you through the cold months.
Energy-efficient home heating
Firstly, choosing an energy-efficient home heating system is one of the most certain ways to cut down on your bills in winter.
If you’re running an outdated boiler, it won’t heat your radiators as well as a modern one and you’ll bemissing out on some of the latest cost-saving technologies. Choose a new model with a good energy label.
You may be eligible for a government grant towards a renewable heating system like an air source heat pump or solar panels. Even if you only use one of these systems partially, the benefits will still be noticeable when it comes to checking your monthly spending.
Winterproofing your car
Motoring gets more expensive in the winter, withsleet, snow and ice on the roads increasing the risk of accidents. Hazardous conditions make it more likely that your car might get damaged.
Fortunately, with some essential car maintenance,you can prevent the worst of the potential seasonal outcomes on the roads. For example, routine checks of your engine oil, coolant and other fluid levels will ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly on longer journeys. Also, upgrading to a set of winter tyres will give you more grip when you need it most.
If you’re going to be driving all winter, it’s important to have comprehensive car insurance too. To save money, you can shop around and check car insurance deals.
Save on grocery shopping
Food shopping is an unavoidable commitment that just seems to be getting more expensive thanks to grocery price inflation rises.
Even if you’re not willing to change supermarkets, there are plenty of ways to save money on your favourite products and keep the family fed. Check online before you go to see if there are any specific offers or deals on the products that you usually buy.
Stocking up on reduced items means that you can stay prepared and even cook your food in advance. For the ultimate cost-effective grocery approach, try preparing your lunches before the working week starts.
Reduce your energy bills
Making a few changes to your home could be beneficial in the long run, especially when it comes to saving money on your energy bills.
For example, insulating your loft and r will significantly reduce the amount of heat that’s lost from your home. Similarly, only using double or triple-glazed windows means that you can keep more inside too.
Finally, if you haven’t already got one, upgrading to a smart thermostat means that you can monitor your spending on-demand and adjust your heating as and when the temperature fluctuates. Perfect for those long, chilly nights!
With a sensible and proactive approach, you can keep your budget in check and stay financially confident through winter.