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?
For some landlords, they value having good tenants living in their properties for a long time. If they question the rent or try to increase the amount of rent you pay, you could always try to negotiate a better deal.
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Tip #2: Do your research – what are rent prices in your area
Have a look online and see what other landlords are charging for rent? How does your rent compare? If you think you are paying much more than properties that are similar, why not ask your landlord why your rent is higher.
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Tip #3: Give up your parking space
If you pay for a car parking space, but you don't have a car, see if you can get this cost taken off your rent.
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Tip #4: Find out if you are eligible for housing benefit
If you are struggling to pay your bills, you might be eligible for housing benefits. To see if you are, call the Money Talk Team on 0800 085 7145. They will talk you through your current situation and will let you know if you are entitled to any benefits or grants or if you can reduce your household bills.
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How can I save money on my council tax?
Tip #1: Know your council tax band
Council tax is charged based on which band you're in and where you live. They range from A (very reasonable) to H (very dear). To find out the band for your property all you need to know is your postcode. Check on your council tax bill that you are being charged for the right band
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Tip #2: Who is entitled to save money on their council tax?
Lots of people get money off their council tax! Full-time students and care leavers aged between 18 and 26 don't pay any council tax at all, and there are lots of other reasons that the council might give you a full or partial council tax exemption. Why not call the Money Talk Team to find out if you're paying too much council tax? It's easy and confidential to freephone 0800 085 7145 or text to set up a face to face meeting.
Some of the reasons you might be eligible for a council tax reduction are if you
- Are a full time student
- Are living alone
- Are receiving housing support and are living in shared accommodation (with a shared kitchen or bathroom)
- If you or someone you live with is severely mentally impaired
- Are a full time live in carer
- Were looked after by a local authority on or after your 16th birthday
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Tip #3: What if I'm in arrears with my council tax?
If your council has contacted you about owing them payments, the Money Talk Team can try to sort that out and might be able to find a grant you’re entitled to, call them on 0800 085 7145.
When you chat to the Money Talk Team, they will figure out what benefits and entitlements you should be getting based on the information you give them.
Your adviser cannot take any grants or benefits away from you and if it turns out you're receiving something which does not match up with the information you gave, they will just let you know: your adviser cannot take any grants or benefits away from you. The Money Talk Team are a free impartial advice service funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Citizens Advice network in Scotland.
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How can I save energy at home?
Tip #1: Turn things off at the plug socket
Leaving your TV, radio or even your kettle on standby instead of turning it off at the plug can be a real energy waster. That little red light is costing you money!
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Tip #2: Turn things off when you leave the room
It sounds basic but turning off lights, the TV, and the radio can make a real difference and it only takes a few seconds. Get the whole family on board for the best results!
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Tip #3: Do your dishes in a bowl instead of under a running tap
Using a bowl cuts down on the amount of water you heat up at each wash.
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Tip #4: Turn the heating down just a little bit
You'd be surprised by how much of your energy bill is taken up by heating and hot water costs. Turning the heating down just a little bit (even just one degree if you have a digital thermostat) can make a big difference.
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Tip #5: Wash your clothes at a lower temperature
Heating water for a washing machine can really increase your energy bill. Try washing your clothes at 30 degrees, but don't forget to use the right type of washing powder!
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Tip #6: Wrap your windows
Get plastic lining for your windows for a cheap alternative to double glazing. You can get clear plastic insulation film which covers the whole window and can really make a difference to your heating bill!
It’s easy to install it yourself so there are no hidden costs.
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Tip #7: Draft-proof your house
Try putting down draft excluders at your doors and fill up any gaps you can see around your windows or walls. Even your letterbox can be causing a draft! If you have a fireplace, think about putting in a chimney draft excluder too.
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Tip #8: Shop around for deals
The quickest way to save money on your energy bills is to find the cheapest energy supplier for you. There are lots of bill comparison tools available online, make sure you're not paying more than you have to every month.
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How to make sure a broken appliance doesn't break the bank
Tip #1: Hunt around for local swaps
There are lots of groups across Scotland where people are giving away appliances to anyone who can come and pick them up. Have a look online for groups in your local area and maybe even post what you are looking for into a group. You never know your luck!
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Tip #2: Check if you’re eligible for grants or support
There is lots of help out there for families who need a hand getting kitchen supplies and appliances.
The Money Talk Team are a useful service run by the Citizen's Advice network in Scotland and they can check what you're entitled to in a quick confidential call on 0800 085 7145.
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Tip #3: Make sure you’re getting the right size appliance for you
Heating all of that extra water will waste your budget each month if you're not filling it.
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Tip #4: Buy energy efficient
Energy efficient products are usually more expensive but it's worth it over a long period of time because you'll make huge savings on your energy bills.
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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.