Help Save Money

Side Hustles, Savings & Deals.

Bills, bargains & a few clever tricks

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This week, I’ve got a few ways to cut everyday costs, some useful things to check before autumn really sets in, and a reminder that saving money doesn’t have to involve spending your entire Sunday filling in comparison websites.

Because honestly, sometimes the best money-saving trick is finding a way to make life a little easier.

Let’s get into it!

Let someone else do the hard work on your household bills

This week’s recommendation is Nous, a service that helps you manage your household bills without having to keep track of everything yourself.

It monitors services like your energy, broadband and mobile, reminds you when contracts are coming to an end, and can find cool deals and handle the switching process.

The bit I particularly like is that you don’t have to remember every renewal date yourself. And you can chat to them via WhatsApp.

There’s a free plan, which lets you manage up to two household services, so you can give it a try without committing to a monthly subscription.

Give Nous a go here​

As always, check the details of any proposed switch before agreeing to it, and make sure the new deal suits your needs.

A little reminder to check your bills

We’re heading into the colder months, so now's a good time to give your regular bills a once-over.

Here’s what I’d check:

Energy: Check your current tariff and whether you’re paying by direct debit or another method. Make sure your payments reflect your actual usage.

Broadband: When does your current deal end? Check what you’ll pay when any introductory offer expires.

Mobile phone: Are you still paying for a handset you’ve finished paying off? You might be able to move to a cheaper SIM-only deal.

Insurance: Check renewal dates before your policies automatically renew. Compare like-for-like cover rather than just looking at the headline price.

Subscriptions: Look through your bank statements for anything you no longer use.

Small, boring jobs like these can make a real difference over time.

Two useful Amazon finds for autumn

I’m not suggesting we all need to buy a load of new things every time the seasons change.

But if you already need something, it’s worth checking whether there’s an inexpensive option that will do the job.

​A simple draught excluder​

If you’ve got a draught coming under a door, a basic draught excluder could be a practical fix. Check the size of the gap before buying, and see whether you can make one yourself from materials you already have.

Get your draught excluder here

​Electric hand warmers​

Handy for chilly walks, waiting for the bus or spending time outdoors. Electric versions can be used again and again, rather than buying disposable warmers.

Check out the hand warmers here​

My usual rule: check what you already own, look second-hand where practical, and only buy something if it’ll genuinely be useful.

A few money-saving jobs to do this weekend

If you’ve got 20 minutes spare, here are five things worth doing.

1. Check your next few direct debits. Spot anything that’s increased, renewed or quietly carried on charging you.
2. Look at your food before shopping. Check the fridge, freezer and cupboards first. Build a few meals around what needs using up.
3. Check your loyalty points and vouchers. Look at any rewards you’ve built up and check their expiry dates. Don’t buy things you don’t need just to use a voucher.
4. Sell one thing you no longer use. A quick look around your home might reveal something you could list on Vinted or eBay. Start with one item rather than turning it into a mammoth decluttering project.
5. Check your upcoming renewals. Put the dates in your calendar now, so you’re not scrambling around when a contract ends.
6. The money-saving trick that costs absolutely nothing

Before buying something, try giving yourself a little pause.

Ask yourself:

Do I actually need this? Have I already got something that does the same job? Could I borrow it, repair it or buy it second-hand? Would I still want it next week?

You don’t have to say no to everything. It’s just about making sure your money goes towards things you genuinely want, rather than purchases you barely think about.

And if you do decide to buy it? That’s fine too. Being frugal isn’t about making life miserable.

Your little challenge for the week

Pick one thing from this newsletter and actually do it.

Check a bill. Cancel a subscription. List something for sale. Check a renewal date.

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If any of these tips help you save or earn a bit extra, hit reply and let me know. I love hearing your wins.

Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate or referral links. I may earn a commission or receive a referral benefit if you sign up or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only want to share things that I think could be useful.