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Five ways to boost your bank balance at Christmas

Joanna Faith
Written By:
Joanna Faith
Posted:
Updated:
15/12/2017

From switching gadgets off stand-by, to turning your thermostat down by just one degree, small changes at home can make a big difference to your bank balance over the festive season.

Christmas is an expensive time of year but certain small changes at home can help you cash in over the festive season. Here are five top tips to help you make big savings this winter:

  • Stay warm, cut costs

You may think twice about cranking up that thermostat knowing that adding just 1°c can cost you up to £60 a year. There’ll be more people at home in the run up to Christmas so it’ll automatically be a warmer place to be. If you don’t want to turn the heating off completely, try and turn it down to a low, constant temperature to save money. Turn it down, layer up and see the savings roll in!

  • Switch it off!

Endless amounts of gadgets means that more than ever, kids are plugged into the latest tech. This Christmas will be no different. While there’s no point trying to curb the trend, try to remind the little-uns to switch off when they’re finished playing to help reduce charging time and rocketing electricity bills. Also be sure to switch off TVs and laptops at the mains. Standby mode can still sap away a lot of energy.

  • Put on a full load

With many people having a busier house up to the Christmas season, there are often more dishes to wash and clothes to clean. With this in mind, be sure to make the most of a dishwasher or washing cycle by packing them full. Setting the temperature of both machines to 30°c will not only ensure your clothes and dishes remain spick and span (you can even pop it down to 15°c), but also your finances. Did you know that 90% of the energy used by a washing machine is used heating the water?

  • Don’t overpay – scan your bill and see the savings

You don’t need to hit the Boxing Day sales to make big savings this festive season, a simple five minute scan online can reap rewards and boost your bank balance! Simply switching your energy provider or tariff alone can generate savings of up to £300 from your annual energy bill.

  • Seal up those draughts

British homes can be very draughty, and even more heat is lost during windy weather, so be sure to draught-proof your home. According to the Energy Saving Trust, this can save you up to £50 on your annual heating bill, so be sure to keep an eye on the letterbox and any draughty spots under doors.