Saving Money

Posts about saving money from a 60-plus perspective, including cashback schemes, deals sites, discount offers, and so on.

Uswitch Power Hours free electricity offer

October 28, 2025

Get up to 25 Hours of Free Electricity with Uswitch’s ‘Power Hours’ Scheme

Nick Saving Money events, energy 0 Comments

If you’re looking for ways to ease the pressure of rising energy bills, here’s a scheme you might want to check out. The online price-comparison service Uswitch has launched a new offer giving households up to 25 hours of free electricity this November, via their app. Note that you must have a working smart meter to take part in this.

How the scheme works

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

Download the Uswitch app (available for Android and Apple phones) and connect your smart meter. It’s free to join.
Sign up for ‘Power Hours’ by the deadline (you must register by 31 October 2025 to take part in the November campaign).
Choose your free-hours slot: For each weekend in November you’ll select a time slot (either Saturday or Sunday), from 7 am–12 pm or 12 pm–5 pm.
Over the five weekends in November you’ll accumulate up to 25 hours of free electricity — i.e., 5 weekends × 5-hour slot = 25 hours.
After each slot, Uswitch will calculate your usage from your smart meter during that time and apply your ‘free electricity’ value based on your consumption.

Who can claim the free electricity?

The offer is open to anyone with an electricity smart meter in the UK, regardless of who your supplier is.
The key requirements: you must have your smart meter connected in the Uswitch app, and you must sign up by 31 October 2025.
Your supplier and tariff don’t matter — as long as you’re a UK domestic household, you can participate.

How much free electricity can you claim?

You can claim up to 25 hours of free electricity across the five weekends in November — that’s one 5-hour block each weekend.
During each chosen 5-hour slot, your actual electricity use will be measured. The equivalent cost of that usage is then calculated and becomes your ‘free electricity value.’
Importantly, this value isn’t just a notional saving — it’s credited directly to your account once Uswitch has confirmed and processed the data from your smart meter. You can then withdraw the money to your bank account.
The maximum payout is £25 per campaign, or up to £5 per weekend across the five weekends in November 2025.
In other words, the more electricity you use during your Power Hours (within the stated limits), the closer you’ll get to the full £25 benefit.

What does £25 equate to in electricity usage?

Under the current UK electricity unit rate (approx 26.35 pence per kWh for the period 1 October to 31 December 2025):

If electricity costs ~26.35p per kWh, then £1 would buy about 3.80 kWh (i.e., £1 ÷ £0.2635 = ~3.80 kWh)
Therefore, £25 would buy roughly £25 ÷ £0.2635 ≈ 95 kWh of electricity usage
Put another way: if you used 95 kWh during your designated free-hours slots, you’d roughly reach the £25 maximum value (assuming that usage is entirely within the scheme slots and eligible)
On a ‘per-weekend’ maximum of £5, that’s ~£5 ÷ £0.2635 ≈ 19 kWh each weekend.

So, as a rough guide, you’ll want to use around 19 kWh in each 5-hour weekend slot (or a total of ~95 kWh over the five weekends) to come close to extracting the maximum value from this offer. Of course, if you use significantly more or less in that slot, your credited amount might vary (up to the cap of £5/weekend or £25 total).

Why it matters

With energy costs still elevated and many households looking for ways to save, this offer from Uswitch is a timely boost. Even if the ‘free hours’ don’t cover your entire weekend usage, they can help absorb some of the higher-cost usage periods. Also, by signing up you may gain additional insights via the Uswitch app into your energy usage, which may be helpful for long-term savings.

Important things to bear in mind

Make sure your smart meter is already installed and that you have access to it (in-home display or via your supplier) so you can connect it to the app. Uswitch says the set-up takes less than two minutes, and I can confirm this was the case for me.
You must act before the deadline (31 October 2025) if you want to participate in November 2025. After that, you may miss out.
While 25 hours is a fixed maximum, your actual ‘free electricity value’ depends on how much you consume during your chosen slots. If you use very little, the credit will be smaller.
The maximum reward you can earn under this campaign is £25 in total (£5 per weekend).
This offer applies for November 2025 weekends only. It’s a limited-time seasonal offer tied to Uswitch’s ‘Power Hours’ programme. It may be repeated in future months, but that is not guaranteed.
Keep an eye on the terms and conditions for any exclusions or fine print (for example, whether only certain types of smart meters are eligible, deadlines for claiming, etc).

If you’re already in another scheme

If you’re already taking part in a scheme such as EDF Energy’s ‘Sunday Saver’, that does not stop you from joining the Uswitch Power Hours offer — you can take part in both.

However, when you sign up to Power Hours, you’ll also be automatically enrolled in Uswitch’s ‘Reduce and Earn’ sessions, which are part of the National Grid ESO Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) scheme. You can only be registered with one DFS scheme at a time. If you’re enrolled in multiple DFS schemes when a session takes place, there’s a risk you’ll be disqualified from earning money in both until you’ve opted out of all but one. If that happens, simply opt out of your other DFS scheme, and you should be able to rejoin the Reduce & Earn sessions the following day.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking to lighten the load on your energy bill this winter, this scheme is definitely worth considering. By choosing to run higher-usage appliances (washing machine, tumble dryer, hoovering, etc.) during a designated 5-hour block each weekend in November, you’ll get more bang from the offer. Signing up is free, the app is straightforward, and the benefit — a real cash credit of up to £25 you can withdraw to your bank account — is clear.

Plus: with the current unit rate of ~26.35 p/kWh, hitting that £25 maximum means using around 95 kWh across the five weekends, or around 19 kWh each weekend slot. That gives you a practical target to aim for if you’re going to maximize the benefit.

Overall, it seems to me that this scheme from Uswitch offers a range of benefits and no major drawbacks, so I have signed up. I will let Pounds and Sense readers know in due course (by updating this post and/or adding a new one) how it works out for me. If you decide to give it a try as well, don’t hang around, as the closing date to apply for the November scheme is Friday 31 October 2025.

Lastly, a quick reminder that if you switch to EDF Energy (my own energy supplier) via my link below you can get a free £50 credited to your energy account (and so will I). Terms and conditions apply. For more info, click on https://edfenergy.com/quote/refer-a-friend/sunny-koala-9462 [referral link].

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.

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October 20, 2025

How to Save Money on Your Heating Bills This Winter

Nick Saving Money events, benefits 9 Comments

For older people in particular, heating bills can be among their biggest expenses. And it’s especially important for older people to keep warm, as getting chilled can lower your body’s resistance to infection and – in the worst cases – lead to hypothermia.

In addition, as you doubtless know, gas and electricity bills have gone up considerably in the last year or two. Growing numbers of older people are literally finding themselves in a position where they have to choose between heating and eating 😮

So today I thought I’d set out some ways you may be able to save money on your heating and energy bills. Following these tips could save you hundreds of pounds in the months and years ahead.

Switch Energy Supplier

It’s important to check regularly whether you could save money by switching to a different supplier and/or tariff. The quick and easy way of doing this is via a price comparison website. There are a number of these available, including GoCompare and USwitch.

Just visit the comparison site and enter a few details, including your current supplier and tariff and how much you spend on gas and electricity in the course of a year (it doesn’t have to be exact). The site will then display the best deals currently open to you and how much you might be able to save by switching to them. In most cases you can also start the switching process by clicking on the relevant link. Before you do, though, it’s worth checking on cashback sites like Quidco and Top Cashback, as some energy companies pay cashback via these sites to people switching their supply to them.

If you are one of the 1.1 million households who use oil for heating, you can save money by shopping around for suppliers too. Check out the oil price comparison service BoilerJuice. Type in your postcode and how many litres of heating oil you’re looking to buy, and BoilerJuice will show you quotes from suppliers covering your area.

Switching energy suppliers is generally quick and easy, and can save you hundreds of pounds a year at a stroke. In these challenging times, it should be high on your list of potential money-saving strategies this winter.

Special Offer! If you switch to EDF Energy via my link, you can get a FREE £50 credited to your energy account. Terms and conditions apply. For more info, click on https://edfenergy.com/quote/refer-a-friend/sunny-koala-9462 [referral link].

Get Financial Help

If you’re in certain priority groups, you may be able to get cash payments to help offset your energy bills.

Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off annual payment of £100 to £300 which was previously made to everyone over state pension age. Last year the new Labour government took the decision to cancel WFP for all but the very poorest pensioners (those in receipt of pension credit). Such was the outcry that they had to back-track, so now everyone over state pension age will receive the payment this winter. The only catch is that if you earn more than £35,000 a year, you will be required to pay it back. See this article for more information.

In addition, those on certain welfare benefits (including Pension Credit, Income Support and Universal Credit) may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments. This is £25 for any period of seven consecutive days when temperatures fall below zero. More information can be found on this page of the government website.

You may also be eligible for £150 off your energy bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is run by some (not all) of the energy companies. If you get the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit you will qualify automatically. But if you’re on a low income and meet the energy supplier’s other criteria, you may also qualify. Contact your supplier directly for more information. The large energy companies such as EDF and British Gas all operate this scheme, but some of the smaller ones don’t. The Warm Home DIscount scheme for 2025/26 opens at the end of October 2025. More information can be found on the official website.

Finally, if you’re on a very low income, you may qualify for help from the Household Support Fund: This is money provided to councils by the government to assist pensioners and others on very low incomes. You will need to contact your local council to find out if you’re eligible.

More Top Tips

Here are some more ways you may be able to save money on your heating and energy bills.

Have your boiler serviced regularly, to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.
If you have an old boiler that keeps breaking down, the time may have come to replace it. The Energy Saving Trust say that you could save up to up to 40 percent on your gas bill by installing a new ‘A’ rated condensing boiler with a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator controls.
Upgrading your insulation can also cut bills by reducing the amount of heat going to waste. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get a free boiler and/or insulation under the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. You can apply for this via your energy company. Even if you’re not on a low income, you may be able to get a discount on home insulation, so it’s worth checking to see what’s available.
If your radiators aren’t heating up properly at the top, you may need to bleed them to release air in the pipes. Depending on the radiator, you may need a special key to do this or a flat-bladed screwdriver.
Turn down your thermostat by one degree - this can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%.
Ensure you don’t put furniture right in front of radiators, as this can block heat from entering the room.
Replace old light-bulbs with new energy-saving bulbs. The latest LED bulbs are just as bright as old incandescent bulbs and use a tenth of the energy. They last longer too.
Exclude draughts with heavy curtains and draught excluders by doors.
Turn off heaters in rooms you aren’t using and close the doors to keep heat in.
Place reflective foil behind radiators on exterior walls to bounce heat back into the room.
It can also help to clean behind radiators (using a brush such as this one) to remove dust and dirt.
Don’t leave electrical appliances on standby.
Wash clothes at 30 degrees and try to avoid using tumble driers. Hang washing outside whenever possible or place it over an airer.
Consider investing in a smart thermostat system such as Nest or Hive. This will give you precise, automated control over your heating system, allowing you to use just as much energy as you need and no more. See my blog post about smart thermostats for more information.
If your funds are limited and you have or develop a disability you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from your local authority to pay for adaptations such as stairlifts.

By taking these steps you should be able to cut your heating and energy bills significantly this winter.

If you have any comments or questions about this post, as always, please do leave them below.

This is a fully updated version of my original post on this subject.

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September 23, 2025

Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is Almost Here!

Nick Saving Money events, shopping 0 Comments

In case you’ve not heard, Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is almost with us. It extends over two days, Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October 2025.

This is a special event for Amazon Prime members only. Amazon say they will be offering members their lowest prices of the year on selected products across a wide range of categories, from consumer electronics to groceries.

Some of the best deals will be reserved for Amazon’s own products, such as their Kindle e-book readers, Amazon Echo smart speakers and Ring video doorbells and security cameras. Discounts of up to 60% will be on offer for these products. If you’re thinking of buying any of them, Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is definitely the day – or two days – to do it.

There are also some great ‘early deals’ available now. For example, at the time of writing you can buy an Oral-B iO2 electric toothbrush for just £41.99, a 58% discount on the normal price of £100.

I have been a member of Amazon Prime for over ten years now. As a regular Amazon shopper, I find it well worth while for the free one-day delivery on millions of items alone. But as a Prime member you get access to a host of other benefits and services as well, including Amazon Prime Music and Amazon Prime Video.

If you’re thinking of joining Amazon Prime, therefore, I highly recommend doing it in the next few days, so you can benefit from the Prime Big Deals Day offers. Personally I think it’s worth it for the free delivery alone, let alone everything else that’s on offer. But if you wish, you can get a 30-day free trial now, take advantage of the Prime Big Deals Day offers, and then cancel without owing any money. It’s your choice!

You can also see all the latest Prime Big Deals Day offers by clicking here.

As always, if you have any comments about Amazon Prime or Prime Big Deals Day, please do post them below.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will not affect the price you pay or the products or services you receive.

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August 26, 2025

How Over-50s Can Use Vinted to Save and Make Money

Nick Making Money, Saving Money reviews, shopping 0 Comments

If – like many Pounds and Sense readers – you’re over 50, you may not have come across Vinted before – but chances are your children or grandchildren have!

This fast-growing online marketplace has become hugely popular among younger people for buying and selling clothes, shoes and accessories. Yet it’s not just for the younger generations. Vinted offers some real opportunities for older individuals too – both men and women – to declutter wardrobes, make extra money, and save on clothing costs.

What is Vinted?

Vinted is a website and mobile app that lets people buy and sell second-hand clothing and accessories directly to one another. It’s a bit like eBay, but focused specifically on fashion and lifestyle items.

Unlike eBay, though, Vinted doesn’t charge sellers any fees. You keep 100% of the sale price, while buyers pay a small fee for protection (covering refunds if something goes wrong). This makes it a simple and transparent way to trade unwanted items.

How Vinted Works

Selling: You list your unwanted clothes, shoes, or accessories by uploading photos, writing a description, and setting a price. When someone buys, you’ll be sent a prepaid postage label. All you need to do is package the item and drop it off at a collection point. Once the buyer confirms they’ve received it, the money is transferred to your Vinted wallet, ready to withdraw.
Buying: You can browse thousands of items, from high-street bargains to premium brands. Prices are often a fraction of what you’d pay new, and you can even make offers to negotiate a better deal.

Why Vinted Appeals

For the over-50s, Vinted offers several key attractions:

Decluttering with purpose – Many of us have wardrobes full of clothes we no longer wear. Vinted allows you to turn them into extra cash instead of sending them to the charity shop or letting them gather dust.
Saving money – If you’re looking for quality clothes without the price tag, Vinted is full of bargains. It’s not unusual to find items barely worn, or even brand new with tags.
Sustainability – Buying second-hand is an environmentally friendly choice, reducing waste and giving clothes a second life.
Ease of use – The app is designed to be simple, with clear instructions and prepaid postage, making it less daunting than other online marketplaces.
For men as well as women – Although many users are women, Vinted has a huge range of men’s clothing and accessories too. Whether it’s a hardly-worn suit, branded jeans or sportswear, there’s plenty on offer.

Examples of Bargains on Vinted

To give you an idea of what’s out there, here are some typical deals you might come across on Vinted:

High street brands – Marks & Spencer blouses or trousers for £5–£10, compared with £25–£40 new.
Designer bargains – A barely-worn Barbour jacket for £60, versus £200+ brand new.
Footwear – Men’s Clarks leather shoes for under £20, often with very little wear.
Occasion wear – Ladies’ Phase Eight or Hobbs dresses for £25–£30, compared with £100+ in the shops.
Sports gear – Branded sportswear like Adidas, Nike, or Under Armour for £5–£15, perfect for the gym or walking.
Accessories – Leather handbags, belts, or scarves for £10–£20, often still in excellent condition.

It’s not uncommon to find items that are “BNWT” (brand new with tags) – meaning they’ve never been worn at all. Many people sell clothes that don’t fit, were impulse buys, or were received as gifts, making Vinted a treasure trove for bargain hunters.

Tips for Spotting the Best-Value Listings

With so many items available on Vinted, it pays to know how to separate the true bargains from the rest. Here are some simple tips:

Check seller ratings – Every seller has a profile showing reviews from previous buyers. Stick to sellers with consistently positive feedback to ensure reliability.
Look for “bundle deals” – Many sellers offer discounts if you buy two or more items from them. This is a great way to cut down on postage costs as well.
Search by brand and size – If you have favourite brands (e.g. M&S, Next, or Barbour), searching directly for them can quickly reveal hidden gems. Filtering by your size saves time too.
Use “new with tags” filters – If you prefer unworn clothes, you can filter results to show only brand new items, often at a fraction of the shop price.
Compare prices – Before buying, check the going rate for similar items. Some sellers price higher, while others just want to clear space and will accept offers.
Check item photos carefully – Clear, well-lit photos from different angles are a good sign the seller is genuine. Blurry or limited pictures may mean the item isn’t in the best condition.
Don’t be afraid to make an offer – Buyers can often negotiate, especially if an item has been listed for a while. A polite lower offer is sometimes accepted straight away.

Closing Thoughts

Vinted might be better known among 20- and 30-somethings, but there’s no reason over-50s shouldn’t benefit as well. Whether you’re looking to make some extra money, save on clothes shopping, or simply embrace sustainable fashion, Vinted offers a friendly and straightforward way to do it.

If you haven’t tried it yet, it could be well worth downloading the app and having a look around. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how easy it is to sell your old clothes – and perhaps bag yourself a bargain or two along the way.

Many thanks to my sister Annie for suggesting this article!

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August 14, 2025

Could a Smart Thermostat Save You Money?

Nick Saving Money reviews, property, energy 0 Comments

As I write this, the UK is enjoying a period of fine summer weather; but of course autumn and winter will be along soon enough.

With energy prices continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to explore ways to cut your home heating costs while staying comfortable.

An increasingly popular solution is a smart thermostat. But what exactly are these devices and can they really save you money? In this post I’ll try to answer these questions and discuss my own experiences with one.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat is an internet-connected device that allows you to control your home’s heating (and sometimes cooling) remotely via a smartphone app, tablet or computer.

They may use advanced technology such as machine learning, motion sensors and geolocation to optimize your heating schedule, based on your habits and preferences.

Unlike traditional thermostats, which require manual adjustment or rely on fixed schedules, smart thermostats can automatically learn your routines and adjust your heating to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.

Smart thermostats will work with most (but not all) boilers, including gas, heating oil and electric boilers. It is also possible to use them with heat pumps, but you will need a special type of smart thermostat that works a bit differently. In this post I will concentrate on smart thermostats for ‘traditional’ heating systems. This article has some useful information about smart thermostats for heat pumps.

Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

Energy savings – Smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy wastage by heating your home only when needed. For example, they can lower the temperature when you’re out and preheat the house before you return.

Remote control – Forgot to turn off the heating before leaving the house? No problem. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust settings from anywhere using your smartphone.

Insights and reports – Most smart thermostats provide detailed energy usage reports, helping you understand your consumption patterns and identify opportunities to save money.

Smart integrations – Most models integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, allowing for hands-free adjustments.

Top Smart Thermostat Brands

Here are the three most popular smart thermostat brands available in the UK, along with their pros and cons.

1. Nest Thermostat (Google)

Pros

sleek design and intuitive interface
learns your habits and automatically creates a heating schedule
works seamlessly with Google Home and integrates with other smart devices
energy-saving features like ‘Eco Mode’ when you’re away

Cons

higher up-front cost compared to some competitors
limited compatibility with certain heating systems

2. Hive Active Heating (British Gas)

Pros

easy to use and install
works with a wide range of heating systems
excellent app interface with multiple scheduling options
offers add-ons like smart radiator valves and light bulbs for a complete smart home experience

Cons

lacks advanced learning features compared to Nest
some additional features require a monthly subscription

3. Tado Smart Thermostat

Pros

strong focus on energy efficiency with geofencing and open-window detection
offers granular control with smart radiator valves
provides detailed energy-saving reports
compatible with almost all UK heating systems

Cons

subscription required for premium features like geofencing
simpler design might not appeal to those looking for a high-tech aesthetic

My Experience

I got a Hive smart thermostat for my gas central heating in October 2024. I chose this based on the advice of my regular heating engineer, Dave. He has a Hive himself and recommended it for its simplicity and ease of operation.

I paid Dave to supply and fit the device, for which he charged around £300. If you’re a keen DIY’er it’s perfectly possible to install a smart thermostat yourself, maybe with the aid of an online guide and/or YouTube video. Personally I was happy to leave the manual parts of the job to Dave, though I assisted with the electronic and online aspects.

With a Hive (and I assume other smart thermostats) you basically get three components. There is a hub you have to connect to your router using a cable; the thermostat itself, which I have on the wall of my living room (though you can detach it and move it from room to room if you like); and the main control unit, which is where my old controller used to be in the kitchen. You’ll also want to download the relevant app, so you can control the heating using your phone.

Set up was pretty straightforward. The only delay was when connecting the app. For some reason this took a few tries (Dave told me this was common in his experience), but we got there eventually.

I set up a weekly schedule for my heating and hot water, and after that basically let the thermostat do its thing. I’ve found the insights page on the app really helpful for seeing temperature changes in the house throughout the day and when the heating has cut in and out. This works far more efficiently than my old manual thermostat ever did, and is undoubtedly saving me money by only heating the house to the temperature I require.

One small issue I experienced was that initially I kept getting a message on the app that the internet connection was weak. After a bit of research I discovered this was being caused by the fact I’d left the Hive hub too close to my router. Once I moved it a couple of feet, the problem vanished and never returned.

Hints and Tips for Making the Most of Your Smart Thermostat

Here are some tips on maximizing the energy-saving potential of your smart thermostat.

1. Let it learn your routine

If your smart thermostat has a learning feature (like the Nest), give it a week or two to adapt to your schedule. Avoid making constant manual adjustments, as this can interfere with its ability to learn.

2. Use geofencing features

Many smart thermostats, such as Tado, use geofencing to adjust the heating when no-one is home. Ensure this feature is activated and that your phone’s location services are enabled for the app.

3. Set realistic temperatures

Aim for a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature, typically around 18-21°C. Lower the temperature slightly at night or when you’re away to save more.

4. Take advantage of zones

If your system supports zoning (e.g. Hive with smart radiator valves), heat only the rooms you use regularly. For instance, keep bedrooms cooler during the day and focus heat in living areas.

5. Schedule around your lifestyle

Use scheduling tools to preheat your home only when necessary. For example, program the heating to turn on 30 minutes before you wake up or arrive home.

6. Use insights to adjust habits

Review the energy usage reports provided by your thermostat’s app to identify patterns of wastage. Adjust your settings accordingly to reduce unnecessary heating.

7. Integrate with smart home devices

Pair your thermostat with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for convenient control. You can also integrate it with other smart home devices, such as lights or sensors, for automated routines.

8. Utilize holiday modes

Going away? Use the vacation or holiday mode to keep your home at a low but frost-protecting temperature while minimizing energy use.

9. Check compatibility with your boiler

Ensure your boiler and heating system are compatible with your chosen thermostat. This will avoid efficiency issues and ensure full functionality. Personally I have a traditional heating system with a separate hot water tank, but others will have a more modern combi boiler. It’s essential to purchase the right smart thermostat for your system (Hive have two different versions for traditional and combi systems, for example).

10. Stay updated

Keep your thermostat’s firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to improve efficiency, fix bugs or add new features.

Bonus Tip: Combine with other energy-saving measures

Combine your smart thermostat with energy-efficient practices, such as proper insulation, draught-proofing and using energy-saving curtains, for even greater savings.

In addition, try turning down your thermostat by one degree. According to the Energy Saving Trust, this can save you up to £145 annually on your heating bills.

Closing Thoughts

So can a smart thermostat save you money? My short answer is yes – though how much will depend on your usage habits and the size of your household.

By reducing energy wastage, offering precise temperature control, and providing actionable insights, it is estimated that a smart thermostat can lower your energy bills by 10-20% annually. This can translate to savings of £100-£200 a year.

While the initial investment for a smart thermostat may seem steep (ranging from £100 to £300, plus installation), for most people the long-term savings should outweigh this. Additionally, some energy providers offer discounts or schemes to help with purchase.

A smart thermostat isn’t just about saving money, though. It’s also about convenience, comfort and doing your bit for the environment by reducing your energy consumption.

Whether you opt for Nest, Hive or Tado, investing in a smart thermostat should set you on the path to a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.

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July 6, 2025

Amazon Prime Day is Almost Here!

Nick Saving Money events 0 Comments

A quickie today to let you know that the annual Amazon Prime Day is almost with us. This year it extends over four days, Tuesday 8th to Friday 11th July 2025.

Prime Day is a special event for Amazon Prime members only. During it Amazon offers Prime members extra savings and special offers across a wide range of TVs, smart home products, kitchen equipment, grocery, toys, fashion, furniture, everyday essentials, and more.

Some of the best deals are typically reserved for Amazon’s own products, such as their Kindle e-book readers, Amazon Echo smart speakers and Ring video doorbells and security cameras. Discounts are often in the region of 40-50 percent for these products. If you’re thinking of buying any of them, Prime Day is definitely the day – or four days! – to do it.

I have been a member of Amazon Prime for over ten years now. As a regular Amazon shopper, I find it well worth while for the free one-day delivery on millions of items alone. But as a Prime member you get access to a lot of other benefits and services as well, including Amazon Prime Music and Amazon Prime Video.

If you’re thinking of joining Amazon Prime, therefore, I highly recommend doing it in the next day or two, so you can benefit from the Prime Day offers. Personally I think it’s worth it for the free delivery alone, let alone everything else that’s on offer. But if you wish, you can get a 30-day free trial now, take advantage of the Prime Day offers, and then cancel without owing any money. It’s your choice!

You can also see all the latest Prime Day deals by clicking here. This page also lists early deals before Prime Day itself.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about Amazon Prime or Prime Day, please do post them below.

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June 30, 2025

How Social Tariffs Can Help You Save on Household Bills

Nick Pensions & Benefits, Saving Money benefits, energy, events 0 Comments

With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household finances, many people in the UK are unaware they could be paying less for essential services like broadband, water and energy. If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for social tariffs – discounted rates offered by providers to help those most in need. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Social Tariffs?

Social tariffs are specially discounted rates offered to people on low incomes and/or receiving certain means-tested benefits. These tariffs are often significantly cheaper than standard ones and aim to ensure everyone can afford access to essential utilities and services.

Unlike short-term promotions, social tariffs are designed to offer long-term affordability and typically come with flexible terms, e.g. no exit fees and the ability to switch back to regular plans when your circumstances change.

Social Tariffs for Broadband

Broadband internet is essential for accessing services, finding work, staying in touch, and more. Yet many people are paying standard prices when they could be saving money each month.

Who Offers Social Broadband Tariffs?

Most major UK broadband providers offer social tariffs. Some examples are shown in the table below.

Provider	Plan Name	Monthly Cost	Speed	Eligibility
BT	Home Essentials	£15	36 Mbps	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support
Virgin Media	Essential Broadband	£12.50	15 Mbps	Universal Credit
Sky	Broadband Basics	£20	36 Mbps	Universal Credit, Pension Credit
NOW	Broadband Basics	£20	36 Mbps	Universal Credit, Pension Credit
Hyperoptic	Fair Fibre Plan	£15	50 Mbps	Several means-tested benefits

Check each provider’s website for full details and availability in your area.

How to Apply

You’ll usually need to:

Be receiving a qualifying benefit (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA)
Apply directly with the provider, often via a dedicated web page
Provide proof of eligibility (some providers check automatically)

Most social broadband tariffs have no setup fees, no mid-contract price rises, and shorter contract terms – typically 12 months or rolling monthly

Social Tariffs for Water Bills

As discussed in this recent blog post, water companies in England and Wales also offer discounted tariffs for customers who are struggling to afford their bills. These social water tariffs are designed to reduce charges for households on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.

What Support Is Available?

Each water company sets its own scheme, but most offer:

Reduced bills based on income and household circumstances
Debt support and payment plans
Water meters to help control usage

For example:

Water Company	Scheme Name	Support Offered
Thames Water	WaterHelp	Up to 50% off bills for low-income households
Severn Trent	Big Difference Scheme	Bills reduced by up to 90% depending on income
United Utilities	Help to Pay	Lower bills for those on Pension Credit
Yorkshire Water	WaterSupport	Tiered discount based on income and household size

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies slightly by region, but in general you may qualify if:

Your household income is below a certain threshold (e.g. £21,000 per year)
You receive means-tested benefits
You have high water usage due to medical needs or a large family

How to Apply

Visit your water company’s website or contact them directly. You’ll likely need:

Proof of income or benefits
Recent water bills or meter readings
Details about your household size and needs

You can also get help from Citizens Advice or StepChange, who can assist with applications and managing arrears.

Social Tariffs for Energy

Energy prices remain high, and although the Energy Price Guarantee and price cap offer some protection, many households are still struggling.

While there is currently no mandatory social tariff for energy in the UK, some suppliers do offer extra support, and the government has been consulting on introducing a formal scheme.

Help Currently Available

Warm Home Discount: Offers £150 off your electricity bill automatically if you’re eligible. It’s not a social tariff, but it helps reduce costs.
Priority Services Register: Offers free support services (e.g. advance notice of outages, help reading meters) for vulnerable customers.
Energy Support Funds: Some suppliers (e.g. British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next, Octopus) offer hardship funds or discretionary credit for customers in financial difficulty.
Government Consultation: A formal energy social tariff could be introduced in the future, aiming to replace stop-gap measures like the Warm Home Discount.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility criteria vary by provider, but typically you must be receiving at least one of the following:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Income Support
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Carer’s Allowance

Even if you’re not sure, it’s worth checking — some providers may consider broader circumstances.

Tips to Save Even More

Use a benefits calculator (e.g. Turn2us or Entitledto) to check what you’re entitled to.
Switch providers: Even without a social tariff, switching could save you money.
Check for grants or local schemes via your council or Citizens Advice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with your broadband or energy bills, don’t suffer in silence. Social tariffs can offer substantial monthly savings and provide peace of mind during difficult times. They’re designed to be easy to apply for and are often available even if you’re already a customer.

Check with your provider or visit Ofcom’s website to find out more – and make sure you’re not paying more than you need to.

Have you benefited from a social tariff? Share your experience in the comments to help others who might be eligible too.

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June 16, 2025

How to Reduce Your Water Bills

Nick Saving Money 4 Comments

In Britain we’re lucky to have high-quality running water on tap whenever we need it. LIke everything else in life it costs money, however. And in these times of rising prices and squeezed incomes, those costs can be a growing burden. So in this article I’ll be setting out some ways you may be able to reduce your water bills.

The first thing to say is that water pricing varies across the nations of the UK. In England and Wales, unless you have a water meter, the price you pay will depend on the rateable value of your home.

In Scotland, again unless you have a meter, you will pay a standard water charge with your council tax.

Domestic customers in Northern Ireland are fortunate in that they aren’t required to pay a water bill at all, though it is possible this may change in future.

Should You Get a Water Meter?

The average water bill for unmetered customers is currently around £470 a year.

If you’re on a low income, that can represent a significant chunk of your money. And unlike gas and electricity, you can’t just shop around for a better deal with a different supplier. You may, though, be able to make significant savings by having a water meter installed.

With a meter, you are of course charged according to how much water you use. A good rule of thumb here is that if your house has more bedrooms than occupants or the same number, it is definitely worth looking into getting a meter installed.

Of course, people vary considerably in how much water they use. So you can use this free online calculator from the Consumer Council for Water to check whether you are likely to save money with a meter. It asks a series of questions about your home and your water usage and reveals the estimated cost you would pay if you had a meter. You can then compare this with what you are paying currently.

The good news is that in England and Wales (though not Scotland) water companies will normally install a water meter free of charge if requested. Even better, they will usually let you switch back to unmetered within 12 or even 24 months if you find you are paying more with a meter than you were before. You should check with your water company to find out their policy about this.

If your water company can’t fit a meter for some reason, you can ask for an ‘assessed charge bill’. This is calculated based on the size of your home and how many people live there. If it comes to more than you’re currently paying you can stick with your present billing method, so there is nothing to lose by requesting this.

Saving Money With a Water Meter

Once you have a meter installed, there are lots of ways you can reduce your water usage and save yourself money (and benefit the environment as well!). Here are just a few suggestions…

Only ever use the washing machine with a full load.
Have showers rather than baths and keep them reasonably short.
Do all the washing-up in one go.
Use a dishwasher, or at least a washing-up bowl.
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
Don’t use the toilet as a waste bin for paper tissues, etc.
Fix dripping taps and any other leaks as soon as possible.

Finally, most water companies have a range of gadgets to help save water they will send you for free. Give them a call or check on their website to find out what’s available.

Other Ways to Cut Your Water Bills

If you are on a low income, all the water companies have schemes and discounted tariffs to help you. These vary a lot and you will need to check with your water company what they offer.

Severn Trent, for example, has the Big Difference Scheme, which offers significant discounts (up to £390 a year) on water bills for eligible households, based on income.

My Experience

As a customer of South Staffs Water, I recently applied successfully for a discount on grounds of low household income (under £22,011) under their Assure scheme.

Under this rather odd (in my opinion!) scheme I will be getting 60% off my bills in the first year, 40% in the second year, and 20% in the third. I have no idea if I will then be able to reapply and start the process again. Even so, it will certainly help my finances in these challenging times. Under Assure (and similar schemes) it is only your household income taken into account, not any savings or investments.

Closing Thoughts

Water bills have risen rapidly in recent years, partly due to the major investment required in Britain’s creaking water-supply and sewerage infrastructure, along with a rising population.

From being at one time a relatively minor expense, water bills are now (if you’ll pardon the pun) a significant drain on many people’s household income.

With other bills rising fast as well, it’s therefore vital to grasp any opportunity to keep your water costs as low as possible.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.

This is a revised and fully updated version of my original post.

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May 26, 2025

How to Save Money on Rail Fares With Split Ticketing

Nick Saving Money reviews, travel, holidays 0 Comments

Rail travel is generally a comfortable, environmentally-friendly way of getting from A to B. But it can also be expensive, especially for longer journeys.

However, there’s a money-saving hack called ‘split ticketing’ that savvy travellers can use to reduce their fare costs – often by a substantial amount.

What is Split Ticketing?

Split ticketing involves breaking a journey into two or more smaller segments, purchasing separate tickets for each segment rather than one through-ticket. With the help of apps like Trainsplit, this process becomes simple and automated.

With split ticketing you still travel on the same train and follow your intended route. But instead of buying a single ticket from your starting point to your destination, you buy multiple tickets to and from stops along the route. This can result in significant savings without any need to change trains.

For example, say you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh. Instead of buying a direct ticket, you could split the journey into sections like London to York and York to Edinburgh. The train stops at York anyway, so you’re not inconvenienced, but the price could work out considerably cheaper.

Note that split ticketing only works if the train you’re on stops at the intermediate destination/s on your tickets. If it merely goes through them without stopping, this won’t be allowed.

Why Does Split Ticketing Work?

The UK rail fares system is complicated and confusing, with different pricing structures and promotional fares on offer for different parts of the same journey.

These pricing inconsistencies mean that splitting a trip into smaller segments can bypass some of the more expensive through-ticket fares. It’s a loophole in the system, but one that is perfectly legal. I have even had ticket inspectors comment approvingly when they see I am doing this!

How Do Apps Like Trainsplit Help?

Apps like Trainsplit do all the hard work for you. They automatically search for the best combination of tickets to get you to your destination at the lowest price.

You enter your starting point, destination and travel time, and the app generates options showing where you can split the journey and how much you will save.

If you have a Railcard that offers a discount (see below) this can be incorporated by the app as well. Just ensure you have the Railcard with you when you travel.

Example Savings

Let’s take a few real-world examples to illustrate just how much you can save with split ticketing.

London to Manchester

Standard fare: £90 (for a direct ticket)
Split ticketed fare: £65 (splitting at Milton Keynes and Stoke-on-Trent)
Savings: £25 (about 28%)

Edinburgh to Birmingham

Standard fare: £80
Split ticketed fare: £55 (splitting at Newcastle and York)
Savings: £25 (around 31%)

Bristol to Leeds

Standard fare: £85
Split ticketed fare: £58 (splitting at Birmingham New Street)
Savings: £27 (about 32%)

In each case, the split-ticketing options allow you to stay on the same train, without changing platforms or worrying about missed connections, while saving a significant percentage on your fare.

How to Use Trainsplit and Similar Apps

Using Trainsplit is straightforward:

Download the app or visit the website.
Enter your starting point and destination.
Select your travel dates and times.
Tick the box for any railcard you may have.
The app will show you the best split-ticket options, along with the potential savings.
Purchase the split tickets directly through the app.

The app even takes care of booking all the individual tickets at once, so you don’t have to make multiple transactions.

Other similar apps, like Trainline and RailEurope, also offer split ticketing features, though Trainsplit is especially focused on this. In my experience it typically offers the best savings, though you can of course try other apps as well to see if you can find a better option.

More Tips for Saving Money on Rail Fares

While split ticketing can make a significant difference, there are other ways as well to reduce the cost of rail travel:

Book in advance: Advance tickets are usually released 12 weeks before travel and are often much cheaper than buying on the day.

Travel at off-peak times: Fares are usually lower during off-peak hours (generally outside morning and evening rush hours).

Use a Railcard: If you’re eligible, a Railcard (such as the 16-25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, or Senior Railcard) can save you up to a third on fares.

Check GroupSave offers: Some routes offer GroupSave discounts for groups of three or more travelling together.

Save on days out: Certain tourist attractions offer reduced-price admission (or two-for-one) if you go by train. For example, visitors to Madame Tussauds in London can get a third off the admission price if they travel by train. Check out the National Rail website for this and other offers.

Closing Thoughts

Travelling by train doesn’t need to break the bank, especially when using smart strategies like split ticketing.

With apps like Trainsplit, the process of finding the best deals is automated, making it easier than ever to save. By investing a few minutes in checking split-ticket options, you could potentially save a significant amount on your next journey, leaving more money in your pocket to spend at your destination!

As ever, if you have any comments about this post, please do share them below.

This is a revised and updated version of an article first published on Mouthy Money.

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May 19, 2025

Could You Benefit From Help to Save?

Nick Saving Money reviews, benefits, savings 0 Comments

Today I’m spotlighting a lesser-known government scheme which, if you’re eligible, can give your finances a valuable boost.

Help to Save is an initiative aimed at helping people on low incomes build up their savings. Offering generous tax-free bonuses, this scheme can provide significant benefits for qualifying individuals.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Help to Save?

Help to Save is a government savings scheme designed for people on Universal Credit.

For every £1 you save into your account, the government adds a 50p bonus, effectively giving you a 50% return. You can save up to £50 a month, with bonuses paid out at two key points over the four-year scheme.

How do the Bonuses Work?

Year 2 Bonus: After the first two years, you’ll receive a bonus worth 50% of your highest balance during that period.

Year 4 Bonus: At the end of the four years, you’ll receive a second 50% bonus based on the difference between your highest balance in years 3-4 and years 1-2.

So if, for example, you save the maximum £50 a month for two years, you’ll have £1,200 in your account. The government will then pay you a 50% bonus of £600.

If you continue saving £50 a month for the next two years, your balance excluding bonuses will be £2,400. You will then receive another £600, bringing your total bonuses to £1,200.

Putting it another way, in four years your investment of £2,400 will have accrued £1,200 in tax-free bonuses, giving you a total savings pot of £3,600. No bank savings account will offer you a guaranteed return anywhere near that!

Key Benefits of Help to Save

High returns: As mentioned above, a 50% bonus is significantly higher than any bank savings account interest rate

Flexibility: You can save as little or as much (up to £50 a month) as you like.

No risk: The scheme is government-backed, so there’s no chance of it going bust.

Tax-free: The bonuses are tax-free, and they aren’t treated as income for benefits purposes.

Easy withdrawals: You can withdraw savings any time if you need them (though frequent withdrawals may reduce your future bonuses).

No strings: The scheme is completely free and won’t affect your credit score. In addition, once you have been accepted on Help to Save, it doesn’t matter if your circumstances change.

Who is Eligible?

Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Help to Save to include all working Universal Credit claimants who earned £1 or more in their previous assessment period. The former minimum earnings threshold of £793 per month has been removed.

You must also live in the UK (or meet specific conditions if you live abroad as a Crown servant or member of the armed forces). You must also have a UK bank account.

The Help to Save scheme deadline has also been extended. You can now open an account until April 2027.

Are There Any Age Limits?

There are no specific age restrictions for opening a Help to Save account provided you meet the criteria above. Once you have qualified for the state pension, however, you will not be eligible to receive Universal Credit. That means if you’re coming up to retirement age (currently 66, gradually rising to 67 from 6 May 2026), it’s important to apply for the scheme before you reach that age.

How to Apply

Opening a Help to Save account is straightforward. You can apply online via the official government website or using the HMRC app.

Note that you will need a Government Gateway User ID and password. If you don’t have one of these already, you can create one during the application process.

Closing Thoughts

For those eligible Help to Save offers a valuable opportunity to build a savings pot, with the added advantage of tax-free government bonuses.

The scheme is designed to be simple and flexible, making it easy for individuals to develop a habit of saving and improve their financial security. If you qualify, it’s well worth considering as a step towards achieving a more stable financial future.

For more information and to apply, visit the government website. Don’t miss this chance to turn small, regular savings into a significant financial boost, before the scheme closes to new applicants in April 2027.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this article, please do leave them below.

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