Household Bills archive

Published in December 2007

Save Money On New Year Booze

by Serena Cowdy | Here's how to have a very merry New Year's Eve - without breaking the bank.

Family Christmas Dinner For Just £12.35

by Serena Cowdy | Here's how to get hold of a family Christmas dinner - for just £12.35

Don't Give A Gift, Give A Donation

by Szu Ping Chan | As you hunt for those final presents to complete your annual shop, why not spread the Christmas spirit by giving a donation too?

Beat January's 13% Gas Bill Rise

by Neil Faulkner | Gas prices are set to rise 13% after Christmas, and electricity by 17%, too. But, if you act fast, you can lock in today's prices for a year!

Expensive Phone Numbers

by Cliff D'Arcy | How much will that phone call be? We reveal the high cost of non-standard numbers, and show how to chop your call costs.

Expensive Phone Numbers

by Cliff D'Arcy | How much will that phone call be? We reveal the high cost of non-standard numbers, and show how to chop your call costs.

Beat January's 13% Gas Bill Rise

by Neil Faulkner | Gas prices are set to rise 13% after Christmas, and electricity by 17%, too. But, if you act fast, you can lock in today's prices for a year!

Published in November 2007

Get The Skills To Pay The Bills

by Cliff D'Arcy | Managing your finances isn't as hard as some people make out. All you need do is keep an eye on these seven areas...

Comparison Tools Can Hide Energy Tariffs

by Neil Faulkner | One Fool writer responds to queries about gas and electricity comparison tools, such as 'Do they hide tariffs?' and 'Is it cheaper to go direct?'

Comparison Tools Can Hide Energy Tariffs

by Neil Faulkner | One Fool writer responds to queries about gas and electricity comparison tools, such as 'Do they hide tariffs?' and 'Is it cheaper to go direct?'

A Complete Guide To Borrowing Money

by Neil Faulkner | A few weeks ago we looked at how to get out of debt. In this second part of The Motley Fool's GCSE course, we tell you how to get into debt...If you really must!

A Complete Guide To Borrowing Money

by Neil Faulkner | A few weeks ago we looked at how to get out of debt. In this second part of The Motley Fool's GCSE course, we tell you how to get into debt...If you really must!

Save Money On Medicines

by Serena Cowdy | Here are some tips on how to save money when you're poorly.

Join 17 Million Tax Dodgers!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Millions of Brits use ISAs to avoid taxes. In total, we have £208 billion stashed away in these lovely, legal tax shelters.

Join 17 Million Tax Dodgers!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Millions of Brits use ISAs to avoid taxes. In total, we have £208 billion stashed away in these lovely, legal tax shelters.

Published in October 2007

Forget Hallowe'en: These Are REALLY Scary!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you fancy a fright, then check out these financial products. They're sure to give you a shock!

Midweek Money-saving Tips

by Alison Hunt | Snap up free Nectar points, pizza, return European flights for £10 (including tax) plus find out how to earn an extra 2,000 Boots Advantage card points with your shop.

Don't Get Mugged By Santa!

by Serena Cowdy | Many of you are set to spend over £400 on Christmas presents this year, according to a recent Fool survey.

Cut The Cost Of Your Mobile Phone Bill

by Szu Ping Chan | Is Skype's new venture in 'free calling' all it's cracked up to be?

New Tax Rates: Winners and Losers

by Jane Baker | As the Government confirms tax rates and national insurance contributions for 2008-09, we take a look at those who will benefit from the changes and those who won't.

Get A Wii With Your Next Mobile Phone

by Neil Faulkner | Some mobile-phone retailers are offering freebies as alternatives to cashback. Here's our analysis of these deals.

How To Fix Problems With Your Energy Company

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner outlines the problems that some Fools have had with gas and electricity companies.

A Tax Bombshell For Investors

by Cliff D'Arcy | Tax changes mean that entrepreneurs, business owners, employees and other investors will face higher taxes when they sell shares. Oh dear!

Is An iPod Worth The Money?

by Donna Ferguson | Should you cough up the extra for an iPod or buy an MP3 player from one of Apple's rivals?

Fool News: Winners And Losers From The CGT Changes

by Serena Cowdy | The dramatic simplification of capital gains tax (CGT) will create both winners and losers amongst individual taxpayers.

Fool News: Mixed Bag For Those On Low Incomes

by Szu Ping Chan | Some people will suffer when the 10% income tax starting rate is abolished next April.

Fool News: Winners And Losers From The CGT Changes

by Serena Cowdy | The dramatic simplification of capital gains tax (CGT) will create both winners and losers amongst individual taxpayers.

The Best Way To Raise £10K

by Jane Baker | Need to borrow some extra cash? Here are the pros and cons of different types of credit.

Five Top Ways To Avoid Tax

by Jane Baker | Don't pay more tax than you should with these five top tips.

A Foolish Midweek Moneysaver

by Alison Hunt | Find out how to save £10 when spending £50 at Amazon, how to get 20% off men's trousers at H&M, or fly to Europe for £12.99 including tax, plus more.

Published in September 2007

Cashback Mobile Phone Deals Are Unlawful

by Neil Faulkner | Some terms and conditions in cashback mobile-phone deals are probably unlawfully unfair.

Cashback Mobile Phone Deals Are Unlawful

by Neil Faulkner | Some terms and conditions in cashback mobile-phone deals are probably unlawfully unfair.

Is Economy 7 A Big Con?

by Neil Faulkner | One writer looks into whether Economy 7 is economical, and finds out how customers can switch to regular tariffs.

Is Economy 7 A Big Con?

by Neil Faulkner | One writer looks into whether Economy 7 is economical, and finds out how customers can switch to regular tariffs.

Start Saving For Christmas

by Alison Hunt | Thousands of us end up in debt every year due to overspending at Christmas - but by preparing in advance you could avoid having to borrow money. Check out these tips!

A Fool's Favourite Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | One Fool writer tells you what his favourite financial products are, and gives you his pathetic excuses for not having them!

A Fool's Favourite Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | One Fool writer tells you what his favourite financial products are, and gives you his pathetic excuses for not having them!

How To Make The Most Of Reward Points

by Alison Hunt | Find out where to earn your reward points, when you should spend them, and what you can get for them, including a free 2l tub of popcorn when you next see a movie. Plus loads more tips on getting more from your loyalty points!

12-Month Energy Contracts And Free Gas!

by Stuart J Watson | Should we be worried by the introduction of the first long-term energy contract?

12-Month Energy Contracts And Free Gas!

by Stuart J Watson | Should we be worried by the introduction of the first long-term energy contract?

Published in August 2007

Seven Tips To Cut Your Bills

by Alison Hunt | Mortgage payments and other outgoings have been steadily creeping up, meaning many of us are feeling the pinch. Fight back with these seven tips to cut your bills.

The Fool's Weekend Moneysaver No.7

by Alison Hunt | Find out how you can save on outdoor furniture, get £25 off when you spend £125 at Amazon and snap up a flight to the USA from just £199 including taxes!

Let's Abolish Inheritance Tax

by Stuart J Watson | The abolition of inheritance tax is on the agenda again. But why wait? With some planning, you can reduce its effect straight away.

The Fool's Weekend Moneysaver No6

by Alison Hunt | Check out this week's round up of offers available this weekend.

Get An Extra £200 In The Bank!

by Neil Faulkner | Probably millions of us are owed hundreds of pounds each by our gas and electricity suppliers. With one quick call you could have a cheque in the post next week!

The Fool's Weekend Moneysaver No.5

by Alison Hunt | Here are some great ways to save money in this week's money-saving round up.

Nationwide Versus The Rest

by Neil Faulkner | Nationwide offers a wide range of financial products and has a loyal following. We compare it to all the other providers to see if that loyalty is justified.

Energy Prices Still Not Low Enough

by Neil Faulkner | A comparison of prices from 18 months ago, combined with British Gas' profits for the year to date, show that energy suppliers have little pressure to compete with each other on price.

Awful News For Energy Customers!

by Cliff D'Arcy | In a crushing blow, the regulator allows long-term contracts to be imposed on customers who switch energy suppliers. What a disaster!

Published in July 2007

Ten Top Tips For Students

by Cliff D'Arcy | Whether you're already an undergraduate or you'll be a fresher this autumn, these tips will help you to get a Masters degree in Money!

Get A Free Mobile, Free Contract, Plus £35!

by Neil Faulkner | Some Fools have been getting free mobiles and free contracts through cashback details. Now you can get the same deal plus £35 extra!

Avoid British Gas' Latest Tariff

by Neil Faulkner | British Gas' tracker may seem appealing, but one Fool explains why it's too early to switch into this relatively new type of tariff.

Get A Free Mobile, Free Contract, Plus £35!

by Neil Faulkner | Some Fools have been getting free mobiles and free contracts through cashback details. Now you can get the same deal plus £35 extra!

Great News For Small Businesses!

by Cliff D'Arcy | A couple wins a vital tax ruling in the House of Lords, which is terrific news for 250,000 small, family and private companies.

Millions Have Paid Incorrect Income Tax

by Neil Faulkner | Find out if you are one of the huge number of people who might have paid the wrong amount of tax.

The Fool's Weekend Money Saver

by Ed Bowsher | We highlight some of the best shopping bargains on offer this weekend.

Six Steps To Cheaper Broadband

by Stuart J Watson | A recent report suggests UK broadband is more expensive than most. Read our six quick tips to getting the best broadband deal.

The Fool's Weekend Money Saver

by Motley Fool Staff | In the first of a new weekly feature, we highlight some of the best shopping bargains on offer this weekend.

Why Pay Tax On Your Savings?

by Cliff D'Arcy | Don't hand over up to 40% of your savings interest to the taxman. Try these tax-free savings accounts instead!

Cut Your Economy 7 Bill By 40%!

by Neil Faulkner | Most households with economy 7 meters pay over the odds for their electricity, but you don't have to! You could save 40% with these tips.

Cut Your Economy 7 Bill By 40%!

by Neil Faulkner | Most households with economy 7 meters pay over the odds for their electricity, but you don't have to! You could save 40% with these tips.

Five Essential Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | One writer picks five specific financial products that are, in his wise and Foolish opinion, the best!

Five Essential Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | One writer picks five specific financial products that are, in his wise and Foolish opinion, the best!

Save Money At The Supermarket

by Alison Hunt | Try these top tips and reduce that shopping bill.

Published in June 2007

Three Ways To Grab Online Bargains

by Cliff D'Arcy | Why haggle on the high street when you can bag a bargain by shopping around online? These three tricks cut prices to the bone.

A Third Way For Mobile-Phone Users

by Cliff D'Arcy | Noodle offers a unique alternative to lengthy mobile-phone contracts and expensive pay-as-you-go call charges. Here's how it works.

4 Original Tips To Reduce Your Energy Bills

by Neil Faulkner | Read about the most accurate comparison tool on the Web and three other tips to reduce your bills.

4 Original Tips To Reduce Your Energy Bills

by Neil Faulkner | Read about the most accurate comparison tool on the Web and three other tips to reduce your bills.

A Third Way For Mobile-Phone Users

by Cliff D'Arcy | Noodle offers a unique alternative to lengthy mobile-phone contracts and expensive pay-as-you-go call charges. Here's how it works.

Mobile Phone Insurance Is A Rip-Off!

by Neil Faulkner | Mobile phone insurance might cost you £75 a year...or it might not! Find out if you actually need this insurance, and where you can, if necessary, get a much cheaper deal.

Mobile Phone Insurance Is A Rip-Off!

by Neil Faulkner | Mobile phone insurance might cost you £75 a year...or it might not! Find out if you actually need this insurance, and where you can, if necessary, get a much cheaper deal.

Published in May 2007

Five Ways To Beat The Joneses

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you want to get ahead of your friends, neighbours and colleagues, then use your head. These money-management tips will make you a winner.

How Much Are You Really Worth?

by Cliff D'Arcy | This simple tool allows you to value, monitor and protect your assets -- and yourself.

80% Of Us Overspend Regularly

by Jane Mack | Do you keep a close eye on your money or are you one of the 80% who overspends regularly?

How To Be A Utilities Rate Tart

by Neil Faulkner | First we had credit-card tarts: Fools who constantly swapped to the best deals. Now we consider if it's possible to be a gas and electricity tart!

How To Be A Utilities Rate Tart

by Neil Faulkner | First we had credit-card tarts: Fools who constantly swapped to the best deals. Now we consider if it's possible to be a gas and electricity tart!

The Simplified Tax Return? Pah!

by Jane Mack | Tax returns are supposedly being simplified. And they are - for the taxman! Those of us who have to complete them find them just as bad as ever!

Who Watches The Watchdogs?

by Neil Faulkner | Watchdogs, such as energywatch, are set up to safeguard us consumers, but who watches the watchdogs?

Who Watches The Watchdogs?

by Neil Faulkner | Watchdogs, such as energywatch, are set up to safeguard us consumers, but who watches the watchdogs?

Published in April 2007

Avoid A 100% Penalty!

by Alison Hunt | If you have offshore savings or income from a foreign rental property you have eight weeks to tell the tax man, or face a hefty fine.

British Gas Cuts Prices Again

by Cliff D'Arcy | It's good news for 17 million people as British Gas cuts its gas and electricity tariffs once more. How much will you save?

The Ten Best Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | Recently we showed you the ten worst financial products. Now you can find out where good Fools put their money.

The Ten Best Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | Recently we showed you the ten worst financial products. Now you can find out where good Fools put their money.

The Worst Ten Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | The number of bad products out there is frightening but, if Fools are careful, you can steer clear of this minefield.

Timing The Gas And Electricity 'Switch'

by Neil Faulkner | When switching gas and electricity providers, how important is it to get the timing right?

Timing The Gas And Electricity 'Switch'

by Neil Faulkner | When switching gas and electricity providers, how important is it to get the timing right?

The Worst Ten Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | The number of bad products out there is frightening but, if Fools are careful, you can steer clear of this minefield.

The Reason We Have High Gas Bills

by Neil Faulkner | Gas and electricity profit margins are rocketing, which suggests that the market is failing.

The Reason We Have High Gas Bills

by Neil Faulkner | Gas and electricity profit margins are rocketing, which suggests that the market is failing.

Last-Minute Tax Savings

by Cliff D'Arcy | The 2006/07 tax year ends on Thursday, 5 April. Here's how to grab your tax allowances, including ISAs, before they're gone.

How To Beat The Water Price Hikes!

by Neil Faulkner | Read 20 tips to reduce your water bills. Hopefully, you'll more than make up for this year's increase in prices.

Last-Minute Tax Savings

by Cliff D'Arcy | The 2006/07 tax year ends on Thursday, 5 April. Here's how to grab your tax allowances, including ISAs, before they're gone.

Published in March 2007

8 Cashback Mobile Phone Tips!

by Neil Faulkner | Are cashback mobile-phone deals as dodgy as they seem? Read about the pros and cons, plus eight great tips for using cashback deals.

8 Cashback Mobile Phone Tips!

by Neil Faulkner | Are cashback mobile-phone deals as dodgy as they seem? Read about the pros and cons, plus eight great tips for using cashback deals.

Best And Worst Tax-Free Savings Accounts

by Cliff D'Arcy | With hundreds of cash ISAs to choose from, where do you start? We unveil the Best Buys and Don't Buys for 2006/07!

Best And Worst Tax-Free Savings Accounts

by Cliff D'Arcy | With hundreds of cash ISAs to choose from, where do you start? We unveil the Best Buys and Don't Buys for 2006/07!

Tax Cut Or Tax Con?

by Jane Mack | The Chancellor of the Exchequer surprised most of us with his plans for taxing us in the future. But what about now?

Fool Poll: Taxes We Hate The Most

by Ed Bowsher | In the run-up to Gordon Brown's budget we asked Fools which taxes they hated the most.

Gas Company Profit Margins Are Too High!

by Neil Faulkner | We've suspected it for months and now it's beyond doubt: gas companies are sitting on fat profits by refusing to pass on the savings they've made by buying their gas more cheaply.

Gas Company Profit Margins Are Too High!

by Neil Faulkner | We've suspected it for months and now it's beyond doubt: gas companies are sitting on fat profits by refusing to pass on the savings they've made by buying their gas more cheaply.

7 Ways To Slash Those Bills!

by Alison Hunt | If you need to hang onto a bit more cash, why not follow these tips to check council tax charges, reclaim gas and electricity overpayments, and many more.

Claim Compensation From Virgin

by Alison Hunt | If you're lamenting the loss of Sky One, would free phone calls, TV channels or even cold, hard cash discounts off your Virgin bill help ease the pain?

Comic Relief Does Gift Aid

by Jane Mack | With Red Nose Day fast approaching, don't forget that charitable donations can save you tax and put more money into a charity's pockets.

Claim Your Cash Back!

by Alison Hunt | If you pay for your gas and electricity by direct debit, your supplier could be sitting on a pile of your money. Find out how one Fool claimed back over £250.

Beware Of Brown's Last Budget

by Cliff D'Arcy | On 21 March, Gordon Brown presents his final Budget as Chancellor before becoming Prime Minister. What could be in store?

Best Value Ways Of Going Digital

by Alison Hunt | If you're about to switch to digital TV, here are some of the best value ways to do so.

Tax Havens For Investors

by Cliff D'Arcy | Last week, we looked at tax havens for your cash. This week, we show you how to shelter your shares from the taxman!

Should You Switch?

by Ed Bowsher | Is it best to switch or stay put? What do you think?

Published in February 2007

Top Tax-Free Savings!

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the help of these legal tax shelters, savers can hang onto all of their interest and keep the taxman at bay.

The Lowdown On Loyalty Schemes

by Alison Hunt | Find out which loyalty schemes deliver the largest rewards.

Top Tax-Free Savings!

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the help of these legal tax shelters, savers can hang onto all of their interest and keep the taxman at bay.

Which Gas Suppliers Have Really Lowered Prices?

by Neil Faulkner | Consumers and reporters have been equally confused by the many changes in the energy market, which are less significant than you've been led to believe.

Which Gas Suppliers Have Really Lowered Prices?

by Neil Faulkner | Consumers and reporters have been equally confused by the many changes in the energy market, which are less significant than you've been led to believe.

Switching Broadband Made Easier

by Alison Hunt | New rulings should ease the pain of switching provider -- could you switch and save?

New Fees From BT!

by Cliff D'Arcy | New charges being introduced in May will hit BT customers who don't pay by direct debit or fail to pay promptly.

Is It Time To Switch Gas And Electricity?

by Neil Faulkner | With British Gas lowering prices, learn why 10 million could save 25% by switching now, but even more people should hold off from changing suppliers.

Three Gas Companies Lower Prices!

by Neil Faulkner | One Fool explains how switching your gas and electricity supplier now could result in your bills going down twice in just a few months.

Save Money With British Gas's Hidden Tariff!

by Neil Faulkner | British Gas has kept a cheaper tariff hidden, but both new and existing customers can use it. We reveal how you can get it.

Save Money With British Gas's Hidden Tariff!

by Neil Faulkner | British Gas has kept a cheaper tariff hidden, but both new and existing customers can use it. We reveal how you can get it.