Brits can cut their grocery bills without having to remove items from their shopping list, thanks to a simple hack from a personal finance expert.
As the country prepares for the “pain” of next week’s budget, as warned by Sir Keir Starmer, Fiona Peake from Ocean Finance has shared tips on how to reduce bills this winter amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.
One of the easiest ways to save is by finding discounts, loopholes, grants, and special offers on products and services you already purchase.
Joining supermarket loyalty schemes can save you around £260 per year. Fiona explained: “For instance, Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar Card offer points for every pound you spend, which can be redeemed for discounts or rewards. If you shop regularly, signing up could save you about £5 a week, adding up to around £260 a year.
“Consider using a cashback credit card—like those offered by Ocean Finance—to score even more savings on your everyday purchases. If you spend £300 a month on groceries and earn 1% cashback, that’s an extra £36 a year in your pocket.”
The personal finance guru issued a plea for people to check their entitlement to benefits, as many households could be missing out on vital support.
With the potential of an extra £600 annually left unclaimed through seasonal assistance, it’s crucial to explore options like Warm Home Discount Schemes and Cold Weather Payments.
Fiona stressed: “The Warm Home Discount Scheme gives eligible households £150 off their electricity bills during winter, whilst the Cold Weather Payment scheme offers £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather. If you qualify, these programmes could save you £50 a month, or £600 a year, which could make a huge difference!”
Amidst concerns over increased energy costs following a 10% rise in the price cap, she also recommended using apps to keep track of energy use.
Fiona advised: “EnergyHub lets you monitor your home’s energy consumption in real-time and gives you tips on reducing it. Similarly, Bulb can assist with switching energy providers and offers tailored suggestions based on your habits.”
She added that simple changes, such as adjusting the thermostat by just 1°C, could lead to savings of about £100 a year, while also reminding to switch off appliances when not in use and to run dishwashers during off-peak hours to maximise savings.
