Money Saving Tips this winter

As winter approaches and we all find ourselves spending more to keep the house warm, it can be tricky to save money. From saving energy at home to planning Christmas spending, this guide brings together simple money-saving tips and information on where to find extra support.

Government discounts and payments:

Winter Fuel Payment: Visit GOV.UK and search “Winter Fuel Payment” to check eligibility, payment amounts and whether you need to claim.
Warm Home Discount: Visit GOV.UK and search “Warm Home Discount Scheme” to check eligibility, participating suppliers and what to do if you do not receive the discount.

Save money by reducing tumble drying

You can still dry clothes on an outside clothesline in winter this can save electricity on drying however please be aware:

Drying takes much longer than in the summer—often up to 12 hours or more. You may need to bring items inside for a short time to finish removing lingering dampness
Only hang clothes outside if the ground is dry and no rain, sleet, or snow is expected.
Use an extra or high-speed spin cycle in your washing machine to extract as much water as possible before hanging.
Leave plenty of room between garments so the wind can circulate freely.
Collect your laundry before afternoon temperatures drop and evening moisture or frost rolls in.

Using a heated clothes rack to dry clothes is a smart way to save on bills and ensure your laundry dries quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips to get the most out of your heated clothes rack:

Load evenly: Overloading can strain the airer and slow drying. Spread clothes out instead of layering them.
Rotate bulky items: Bulky items like jeans or towels take longer to dry evenly. Turn them halfway through to ensure both sides dry.
Use the cover: The cover helps trap warm air around your clothes, reducing drying time significantly.
Pair with ventilation: Keep a window open or use a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup.
Shake items before hanging: This helps remove creases and prevents stiffness once the item has dried.
Make use of all space: Hang items across more than one line on your heated clothes airer to speed up the drying process.
Use the timer: Some heated clothes airers feature timers to save energy and avoid over-drying.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your heated clothes rack and enjoy a quicker, more efficient laundry drying process.

Save money on heating bills

Thermostat & Boiler Settings

Lower the thermostat: Turn your thermostat down by 1°C to reduce your heating energy use significantly.
If you have a servicing appointment for your boiler ask your LHP engineer to set the flow temp to 60°C or the “Eco” setting.

Draught-Proofing & Insulation

Block drafts: Use door excluders, seal gaps around windows and skirting boards, and apply weatherstripping.
Close curtains at night: Draw heavy or thermal curtains at dusk to trap indoor heat, and open them during sunny days to let natural warmth in.

Radiator & Maintenance

Clear space: Move sofas, beds, and heavy curtains away from radiators so warm air can circulate freely into the room.
Use reflector panels: Place heat-reflective foil behind radiators mounted on exterior walls to bounce warmth back inside instead of losing it through the wall.

Compare your gas/electric tariff online to get the best deal and save money on bills. The Tenancy Sustainment Team can help with signposting to supplier comparison websites.

Save money on Christmas

Save money on Christmas in the UK by setting a strict budget, cutting unnecessary gift obligations, and using supermarket saving schemes or cashback apps.

Budget and Planning

Set a hard budget: Work out what you can realistically afford before you start shopping, and break it down by category (gifts, food, travel, and decorations).
Ban unnecessary presents: Make a “No Unnecessary Present Pact” (NUPP) with extended family, friends, or coworkers, or limit gifts to a low Secret Santa cap (such as £5 to £10).
Avoid holiday debt: Credit card interest rates are near record highs, so pay for items with cash or debit rather than borrowing on credit.

Gifts and Shopping

Use cashback and reward sites: Earn cash back on online purchases using cashback websites, or redeem saved points from supermarkets
Shop second-hand: Look for books, toys, or vintage items in charity shops, or check electronics outlets.
Target major sales: Plan gift purchases around Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, or shop in January for the following year.
Make homemade or experiential gifts: Write custom IOU vouchers for babysitting, home-cooked meals, or a walk instead of buying expensive items.

Food and Drink

Use supermarket saving stamps.
Swap the main meat: Consider a whole chicken or alternative roast instead of an expensive Christmas turkey.
Ask guests to contribute: Split the cost of the main meal by asking family members or guests to bring a side dish, dessert, or drinks.
Shop discount supermarkets: Buy festive party food and store cupboard essentials at discount outlets

Check eligibility to benefit entitlements:

entitledto.co.uk

Check energy tariffs

The following websites are accredited under Ofgem’s Confidence Code:

Energylinx — https://www.energylinx.co.uk
The Energy Shop — https://www.theenergyshop.com
MoneySuperMarket — https://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity
My Utility Genius — https://www.myutilitygenius.co.uk
Simply Switch — https://www.simplyswitch.com
Switch Gas and Electric — https://www.switchgasandelectric.com
Quotezone — https://www.quotezone.co.uk/energy
Unravel It — https://www.unravelit.com
Uswitch — https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity

Practical help and support saving money

Money Helper is backed by the government and provides practical advice and useful tools such as a petrol price finder to help you find the cheapest prices in your area: moneyhelper.org.uk/
Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert provides deals and advice on saving money: moneysavingexpert.com

Money and Mental Health

Worrying about money can affect our mental wellbeing and our ability to manage money can be affected by a mental health issue. The two are often linked.

Increasing cost-of-living pressures can lead to more financial stress, so knowing ways to look after your mental health when dealing with money problems is more important than ever.

Get help with mental health:

www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/money-worries-mental-health/