Thinking about money can be stressful. Trying to find ways to make ends meet every month is hard enough, but there can also be hidden expenses thrown in from having a family. Here we have some ideas and ways you can try and save some money from the big expenses of the month - including rent, council tax and energy bills.
If you aren't sure if you are entitled to any of the benefits or grants listed below, why don't you call the Money Talk Team on 0800 085 7145? They will talk through your monthly outgoings and bills, and let you know if there are any benefits or grants you are entitled to.
Housing benefit and help with paying the rent
Who doesn't want to save some money off their monthly rent bill? Here we have some top rent saving ideas that might work for you.
Top tips for saving money on rent
Tip #1: Stayed somewhere for a long time? Can you negotiate a better deal?
Tip #1: Stayed somewhere for a long time? Can you negotiate a better deal?
Tip #2: Do your research – what are rent prices in your area?
Tip #2: Do your research – what are rent prices in your area?
Tip #3: Give up your parking space
Tip #3: Give up your parking space
Tip #4: Find out if you are eligible for housing benefit
Tip #4: Find out if you are eligible for housing benefit
How can I save money on my council tax?
Tip #1: Know your council tax band
Tip #1: Know your council tax band
Tip #2: Who is entitled to save money on their council tax?
Tip #2: Who is entitled to save money on their council tax?
Tip #3: What if I'm in arrears with my council tax?
Tip #3: What if I'm in arrears with my council tax?
How can I save energy at home?
Tip #1: Turn things off at the plug socket
Tip #1: Turn things off at the plug socket
Tip #2: Turn things off when you leave the room
Tip #2: Turn things off when you leave the room
Tip #3: Do your dishes in a bowl instead of under a running tap
Tip #3: Do your dishes in a bowl instead of under a running tap
Tip #4: Turn the heating down just a little bit
Tip #4: Turn the heating down just a little bit
Tip #5: Wash your clothes at a lower temperature
Tip #5: Wash your clothes at a lower temperature
Tip #6: Wrap your windows
Tip #6: Wrap your windows
Tip #7: Draft-proof your house
Tip #7: Draft-proof your house
Tip #8: Shop around for deals
Tip #8: Shop around for deals
How to make sure a broken appliance doesn't break the bank
Tip #1: Hunt around for local swaps
Tip #1: Hunt around for local swaps
Tip #2: Shop second-hand
Tip #2: Shop second-hand
Tip #3: Check if you’re eligible for grants or support
Tip #3: Check if you’re eligible for grants or support
Tip #4: Apply for an affordable credit loan
Tip #4: Apply for an affordable credit loan
Tip #5: Make sure you’re getting the right size appliance for you
Tip #5: Make sure you’re getting the right size appliance for you
Tip #6: Buy energy efficient
Tip #6: Buy energy efficient
Make sure you're getting all of the help you're entitled to
The Money Talk Team are a great service for helping parents make their money go further and finding ways to get a little extra back. They'll be able to advise you on how to get help with anything from switching energy supplier to school uniform grants and school lunch vouchers.
Family Support Directory
Find more support for your finances from trusted organisations in our Family Support Directory.