The cost of living is the amount of money needed to cover basic expenses, such as housing, food, fuel and clothes.
Prices for the essential goods we need are increasing. This is putting strain on family finances and we are all looking for ways to better manage our outgoings.
Top Tips for cutting your bills and spending
Check your entitlement to financial help. Not all benefits are means tested. There are additional benefits if there is someone in the household who has a disability. Using a benefits calculator is a great way to check you are receiving any help you are entitled to. Visit the Turn2Us benefits calculator
Keep track of your spending. You could use a free online budget planner to help manage your money, like Budget planner by Money Helper
Try to reduce any debts. If you have debts, no matter how small, look at ways to lower your repayments. Visit the Citizens Advice website for some tips and advice
Haggle. Check your phone, broadband, TV and music subscriptions to see if you can get a better deal
Review your food spend. Home cooked meals are cheaper than takeaways. A weekly meal plan can help save money. Visit our page on Meal planning
Save on fuel. Cycling or walking whenever possible is a great way to lower fuel/transport costs and boost your physical health
Look out for coupons/vouchers. Look online for money saving vouchers and codes before buying
Give second hand a chance. Pre-loved school uniforms are available at Wirral FUSS. Have a look at online marketplaces for bargains. These are also great for selling clothes, toys, books that you have finished with
Look to save on childcare costs.You could be entitled to government help towards childcare costs, check this out at Childcare Choices
Free family activities. Check out our What’s on pages for free fun things to do near you
Check if you can access financial support. LLoyds Banking Academy and Lightning Reach have teamed up to provide a a website to help you find financial support, head to Lightning Reach to find out more.
For tips to save money on your energy bills visit Energy advice
Talk to your children about money, budgeting and saving (without sharing any finance worries). What they learn as they’re growing up comes in handy when they are older and raising a family of their own.
We’re all feeling the pinch at the moment. For more advice, information and support take a look at the links below.
