Bills are a fact of life — but they don’t have to take over your budget. From energy and broadband to insurance and subscriptions, regular payments can quietly eat into your income if left unchecked.
The good news? With a bit of organisation and a few smart changes, you can reduce your bills, avoid late fees, and stay in control every single month.
This page covers how to track, compare, and save on your everyday bills — all with simple, practical steps that work for real life in the UK.
🧾 1. Get a Clear View of Your Bills
Start by writing down every regular payment you make — monthly, quarterly, and annually. Include:
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Rent or mortgage
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Energy (gas and electricity)
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Water
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Council tax
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Broadband and mobile
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TV licence and streaming services
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Insurance (home, car, contents, life)
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Subscriptions and memberships
List the amounts, payment dates, and providers. A simple spreadsheet or notes app works fine, or use a money management app like Emma, Snoop, or Money Dashboard that automatically tracks them for you.
When you can see everything in one place, it’s easier to spot where your money’s going — and where you could cut back.
💷 2. Switch and Save
Loyalty doesn’t pay when it comes to bills. Providers often reserve their best rates for new customers, hoping existing ones won’t notice.
Every year, check comparison sites such as:
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Compare the Market
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Uswitch
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MoneySuperMarket
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Go.Compare
Switching your energy supplier, broadband, or insurance can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Tip: Set a reminder one month before each renewal date so you have time to shop around instead of rolling onto a more expensive plan automatically.
⚡ 3. Energy Bills: How to Bring Them Down
Energy prices have been volatile in recent years, but there are still ways to keep your costs under control.
Try these proven tips:
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Submit regular meter readings to avoid overestimates.
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Install a smart meter to monitor real-time usage.
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Switch to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.
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Draught-proof doors and windows to retain heat.
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Turn off standby power — small changes add up.
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Check for grants such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) or local council support for insulation.
Comparison tools like Trolley.co.uk or MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Energy Club can also alert you when better tariffs become available.
💧 4. Save on Water Bills
If your home has a water meter, you only pay for what you use — which often works out cheaper for smaller households. You can usually request a free meter from your local water company.
Other easy ways to reduce water bills include:
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Fix dripping taps promptly.
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Take shorter showers.
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Use a washing-up bowl rather than running the tap.
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Collect rainwater for plants or gardens.
Some providers offer free water-saving devices (like shower timers or tap inserts), so it’s worth checking their websites.
🌐 5. Broadband and Mobile
Broadband and mobile contracts are notorious for creeping costs — but they’re also among the easiest to renegotiate.
When your deal ends, contact your provider and ask for a better rate. If they won’t budge, switch. Comparison sites like Broadband Genie and Uswitch can find faster and cheaper plans in minutes.
For mobiles:
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Avoid auto-renewals once your handset is paid off — switch to a SIM-only plan.
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Use Wi-Fi calling to reduce data use.
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Check network coverage before changing provider.
If you’re on benefits, ask about social tariffs for broadband — these offer discounted rates for eligible households.
📺 6. TV, Streaming, and Subscriptions
Entertainment costs can easily spiral without you noticing. To keep them manageable:
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Review all subscriptions every few months.
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Cancel what you rarely use (even if it’s just £5/month — they add up).
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Rotate streaming services — keep one or two active at a time.
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Use free trials wisely (but set reminders to cancel before renewal).
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Check if you still need a TV licence — you might not if you only use on-demand services.
Apps like Emma or Snoop can flag forgotten subscriptions automatically.
🏠 7. Council Tax and Insurance
Council Tax
Check your council tax band — thousands of UK households are in the wrong band and could claim refunds. Use the GOV.UK Valuation Office website to check and appeal if needed.
You might also be eligible for discounts if you:
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Live alone (25% reduction)
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Are a student (full exemption)
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Receive certain benefits
Insurance
Shop around for home, car, and contents insurance every year. Avoid letting policies renew automatically — loyalty rarely saves money.
Pay annually rather than monthly if possible; instalment plans often include hidden interest charges.
🧮 8. Automate Your Payments
Set up Direct Debits for regular bills to avoid late fees and maintain a good credit score. Most providers even offer small discounts for doing so.
Alternatively, set up a separate bills account — transfer a fixed amount into it each payday, so your essential costs are covered automatically.
Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Chase UK make this easy with “bills pots” that ring-fence your money safely.
Automation means less stress, fewer missed payments, and better budgeting overall.
💬 9. Check for Help and Support
If you’re struggling to keep up with bills, don’t ignore the problem — help is available.
Reach out early to your providers; many have payment plans or hardship funds.
For wider advice, contact:
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MoneyHelper (government-backed advice)
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Citizens Advice
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StepChange (for debt and budgeting support)
They can help you negotiate, apply for grants, or access support schemes. You’re not alone — and taking action early can prevent things from escalating.
🧠 10. Review Regularly
Bills aren’t “set and forget”. Review them every few months to make sure you’re still on the best deals, using the right plans, and not paying for things you no longer need.
It takes less than an hour to review your core bills — but that hour can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Stay proactive, stay organised, and let your money work harder for you.