Ways to manage your income and save a little | Tenant news

The cost of living rises are affecting us all in different ways, but there’s one thing we can do - learn how to manage the income we have to save a bit more.

Here are some tips that can help you do that.

Energy

• Provide meter readings to your energy supplier monthly, so you don’t pay high estimates
• Use a slow cooker or air fryer when cooking to save on energy & cook in bulk
• Put a basin in the kitchen sink or put the plug in when washing dishes
• Use a smart meter to keep track of how much energy you are using
• Switch appliances like TVs off at the wall whenever you can. Anything with a standby light is using energy

Subscriptions

• Actively manage your TV and phone subscriptions. Are you paying for things you don’t use?
• Have you reached the end of your phone contract? Your provider may be able to move you to a cheaper one

Food

• Don’t waste food, save it for the next day or freeze unused portions
• Notice the difference between ‘best before’ date and ‘use by’ date on food packaging. Anything marked ‘best before’ can still be used up a few days after the date, just check it first for mould and smell to make sure it’s still edible
• Find out about local food hubs for donated veg, bakery products, and canned food.

Travel

• Walk, cycle, wheel or scoot whenever it is possible
• Check if you are eligible for any kind of public transport discount
• Travel off-peak if possible or buy tickets well in advance – it’s cheaper.

Housing and rent

If you find it difficult to pay energy bills, eat and meet your rent payments, use the government benefits calculator to check if you’re entitled to any benefits.

Or contact our Rent Assist team. They can help you agree a plan for payment of rent and they can refer you for a benefits health check through our partnership with Disability Rights UK or access discretionary housing payment.