Eight ways to bring your bills down.

If you feel like your bills are getting on top of you or want to find ways to save some extra cash, we’ve got some ideas that might help…

#1: If you’re not using it, switch it off.

Most of us don’t think twice about leaving an appliance switched on at the wall, but all those idle electronics can add up to 10% to a power bill in some households. Anything that has a standby mode uses a remote or has a clock will be chewing through the power even when it’s not in use. The most common culprits? TVs, computers, chargers, gaming consoles, printers, microwaves, and coffee machines. Try to get in the habit of turning your electronics off at the wall once you’ve finished using them – you might be surprised by what you save!

#2: When it comes to providers, shop around.

It pays to do your research before signing up to a power, gas or internet provider – comparing (and switching if necessary) could save you hundreds of dollars a year. Getting a cheaper rate is one thing, but if you’re really savvy, you might be able to nab a sign-up deal, like a cashback bonus or discount on your first bill. Not sure where to start? Check out glimp.co.nz, where you can compare estimates and savings based on your usage.

#3: Wash wisely.

When it comes to laundry, there are some easy steps you can take to save your money from washing down the drain. Investing in an energy-efficient washing machine is a good start, but using it smartly can have a big impact on your power and water bills.

• Always try to do a full load – the same amount of energy is used regardless of how full the machine is, so washing bigger loads, less often will save you money.
• Use the cold water setting – often, this is all you need, and it uses much less power.
• Use the eco setting – it takes a little longer but actually saves on power by being more efficient with soaking and agitation.

#4: Ask yourself – how many subscription services do you really need?

It’s easy to get caught up with the seemingly low cost of subscription TV, so much so that a lot of people end up subscribing to a few. Maybe you started with Netflix, then added Neon, then Apple TV+, then Disney+, then Amazon Prime… before long, your affordable TV can have a pretty hefty price tag. Choosing one at a time is a good way to save some money. The beauty of these subscription services is that most work on monthly pay cycles, and you’re not locked into anything. Pick a series and subscribe to that service for a month, then pause your subscription and try another the next.

#5: Plan your meals.

It’s true what they say – you shouldn’t go to the supermarket hungry. Impulse grocery shopping is a sure-fire way to burn through your cash, but you can save loads with a little planning. Dedicate some time to figuring out your meals for the week – when you’ve already planned your dinner, you’ll be much less tempted to buy takeaways.

It’s also easier to reduce food waste and lower your spending when you have some time to take stock of what’s in your fridge or pantry and group ingredients together to cover multiple meals. Doing an online shop is a good way to track your spending before you get to the checkout. Plus, treats are easier to resist when they’re not gleaming up at you from the shelves.

#6: Conserve water at all times of the year, not just in summer.

If the droughts of summer have taught us anything, it’s how to take a quick shower. By reducing your daily shower to 4 minutes, the average person can save around 20L water a day. Aside from saving water, it’s a great way to reduce your gas and power usage.

There are loads of other ways to save water when you think about it. Collecting rainwater is great for your garden or washing your car, and your houseplants will lap up the water from your hot water bottle once it has gone cold.

#7: Compare car insurance providers

When it’s time to renew your car insurance, it pays to do a bit of research first. Sure, it’s easy to let your policy roll over with the same provider, but comparing a few quotes could save you hundreds of dollars a year. Check out the comprehensive cover we offer and see how it compares to your current policy. Canstar is also a good site to visit, as it compares providers not just on money but also service and claim outcomes.

#8: Consolidate your debt.

Over time, it’s easy to rack up a few debts. Maybe you have a credit card you’re paying off; maybe you bought a vehicle on finance; maybe you’ve made a few Afterpay purchases lately – if you’re making multiple payments, a debt consolidation loan could be a good option to help you become debt-free faster.

So, how do debt consolidation loans work? Basically, a debt consolidation loan is a single personal loan that replaces multiple debts. Here are some benefits:

• Payments become more manageable when you only need to make one. You’re much less likely to miss a payment, and it’s easier to budget.

• Often the interest rates are lower, so you can end up paying less in the long run.
• You’ll have an end date on the loan, so you can choose how quickly to pay it off and ultimately decide when to become debt-free.

If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, we offer quick and easy debt consolidation loans, which you can apply for online. You’ll have your answer in 60 seconds and be able to see what kind of loan terms you can get. There’s absolutely no obligation to follow through with the loan even after you’ve been approved; plus, it won’t affect your credit score.

This blog is provided for general information purposes and is not a recommendation you enter into or exit any particular loans or insurance policies. Information on the blog does not take into account your particular circumstances, including your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend you seek advice from a financial adviser before taking any action as appropriate. The Lending People Limited (FSP240365) is a licensed financial advice provider and can provide advice on some types of personal loans, insurance. Find out more about The Lending People and how we may be able to help you.