Household Bills archive

Published in December 2008

Don't Get Stung By Mobile Internet Costs!

by Szu Ping Chan | Have no idea how much surfing on your mobile phone costs? We clear up the confusion, and give you some handy hints on how you can drive these costs down.

Cut Your Energy Costs

by Alison Hunt | Find out how to reduce your energy bills and claim all you're owed.

How To Slash Your Heating Bills This Winter

by Serena Cowdy | Here are some tips to keep your heating bills under control this winter.

Bargain Booze For Festive Fools!

by Laura Starkey | Where to find great value drinks for this Christmas and New Year.

A Brighter Future For Britain’s Energy Customers

by Laura Starkey | After a year of price increases, Ofgem and the government seem determined to tackle unfair energy pricing. But will they really make a difference?

50Mb Broadband Is Here

by Emma Lunn | Virgin Media launched its 50Mb broadband service this week – but is it worth the price tag?

Save £200 And Get A £200 Rebate From Your Energy Supplier!

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner explains how to save money off your energy bills.

Ten Xmas Tax-Saving Tips

by Cliff D'Arcy | It’s reckoned that we Brits waste £9.3 billion a year by paying too much tax. Here are ten easy ways to claw back your share of this surplus.

The Most Wanted Christmas Presents Online!

by Szu Ping Chan | Whether you’re looking for a Wii Fit or iPod, here are the most searched for items online this Christmas, together with where you can snap them up cheaply.

The Fool’s Favourite Mince Pies

by Laura Starkey | They’re a classic culinary component of the festive season -- but which retailer’s mince pies will win our Foolish taste test?

Avoid A Christmas Credit Hangover!

by Laura Starkey | Don't let your Christmas spending leave you in pain long after the party's over!

More Sales Bargains

by Alison Hunt | If you’re planning to do any Christmas shopping in the next few days, find out how to save at M&S, Monsoon, Harvey Nichols, Debenhams and more!

Published in November 2008

by Laura Starkey | After a year of horrible price hikes, there are rumours that energy costs could soon be coming down. But are our gas and electricity bills likely to fall? And if so, how soon -- and how far?

Twelve Tips To Keep You Safe Online!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you don’t take precautions online, then your money may be at risk. These twelve tips show you how to stay safe when surfing and shopping.

How To Make Your Money Last Till Payday!

by Jane Baker | Does your salary regularly disappear well before payday? Here’s how to make sure it never happens again.

Avoid These Energy Rip-Offs This Winter!

by Laura Starkey | The weather may have been disappointing this summer -- but while damp and drizzle persisted outdoors, the heat was on in the energy market.

Slash Your Mobile Bill In One Easy Step!

by Szu Ping Chan | Forget complicated cashback schemes and shiny iPhone deals, here's one way to cut your mobile phone bill and get more minutes for your money...

Cut Your TV Bill By £246 a Year!

by Szu Ping Chan | Sky and Virgin may have kissed and made-up, but which provider is cheaper when it comes to the packages they offer? We reveal all...

Eleven Clever Ways To Cut Your Energy Bills

by Rachel Wait | It’s that time of year again when the central heating gets switched on and energy bills start to soar. So here are some novel ways to keep your bills down…

UK Energy Price Hikes Double EU

by Rachel Wait | New research shows UK gas and electricity bills have risen at twice the rate of the European Union average.

Get Help With Your Energy Bills!

by Szu Ping Chan | Gordon Brown and Co. have talked a lot about energy efficiency and social tariffs recently, but are you eligible? And more importantly, how can you get access to these and other valuable discounts?

Energy Suppliers Are Worse Than A Year Ago

by Rachel Wait | Numerous price hikes and poor communication – is it any wonder we are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with our energy providers? A recent survey reveals just how unhappy we are…

Published in October 2008

Google vs. iPhone: The Verdict

by Szu Ping Chan | With the launch of Google's G1 smartphone this week, we examine its pros and cons as well as asking: Will it knock the iPhone off the top spot?

Download Free Music For a Year!

by Szu Ping Chan | Here’s how you can get free and unlimited access to millions of music tracks for a whole year…

We're All Burning Less Energy

by Neil Faulkner | New data shows most of us are trying to use a lot less energy this year. How about you?

Grab A Great Dongle Deal!

by Szu Ping Chan | Virgin has become the latest to launch its own mobile broadband dongle. How does it size up against the rest? And which dongle gives the best value? We find out.

Escape This Inheritance Tax Trap

by Jane Baker | Write your term life insurance policy in trust and you could escape a huge inheritance tax bill.

Two Ways To Cut Your Mobile Phone Bill

by Szu Ping Chan | Tied into a contract and want to save money? Here are two quick tips to cut your mobile costs.

Google's Top Financial Products

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner takes a novel approach to finding financial products: he asks Google...

The Safest Way To Save (And Beat Tax & Inflation!)

by Anna Powell | Looking for a safe place to put a lump sum? You can beat both tax and inflation in a way that is guaranteed by the British Government to be 100% safe.

Phone Home From The Skies

by Emma Lunn | You will soon be able to use your mobile phone from a plane... but it's going to cost the earth!

Published in September 2008

Get Free International Calls!

by Szu Ping Chan | Here are some nifty ways to get cheap, and in some cases free international calls.

An IFA Vs. Your Mother: Whose Advice Is Best?

by Harvey Jones | Given the choice, who would you take financial advice from: your mother, or a fully qualified independent financial adviser?

My Five Favourite Financial Products

by Laura Starkey | Fed up of bad financial news? So is Laura Starkey! Things might be gloomy right now -- but there are still some great products available to help when times get hard.

The Cheapest Way To Read This Article!

by Szu Ping Chan | Whether you use dial-up or broadband to connect to the internet, here's a look at the cheapest packages around.

Earn 7.32% On Your Savings Tax-Free!

by Jane Baker | If you want to hunt down a top tax-free return on your savings, look no further....

How To Pay For Christmas

by Neil Faulkner | This year you’re going to pay for Christmas before it arrives, and not regret reading your bank statements afterwards!

Increase Your Income By £4,250 Tax-Free!

by Jane Baker | Find out the clever way to boost your income and beat the credit crunch.

Energy Companies Blocking Price Comparison

by Neil Faulkner | We tell you about a tactic that energy companies use to block price comparisons. Also, read more on the future of energy prices, and what tariffs to pick.

Why Are There So Few ‘Good News’ Stories?

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner explains why he rarely comes across a financial product worth recommending.

Loyalty Could Save You £270!

by Szu Ping Chan | Existing customers can often feel ripped-off by mobile phone providers looking to snare new customers. Here’s how you can make loyalty pay...

Lidl Vs. Tesco: Which Sandwich Will Win?

by lovemoney.com staff | Discount supermarkets are becoming more popular as food prices rise. But can Fools taste the difference?

Get Government Money To Save On Fuel

by Neil Faulkner | Read about all the ways the Government can help you with your fuel bills and energy-saving home improvements, and why they still won't stop greater numbers of people from suffering fuel poverty.

How I Saved £217 On My Shopping This Month

by Serena Cowdy | Shop like this and you can save yourself a fortune – and make the world a better place, too!

Your Pay Packet Will Be Bigger This Month

by Stuart J Watson | Good news everybody! Your net pay is likely to be £60 higher this month and £10 higher until next March as result of tax changes announced earlier this year.

Transfer Your Way To A Better Tax-Free Return

by Jane Baker | Getting the best cash ISA should be easier than ever before. If your old ISA is second rate, it’s time to transfer.

Dealing With Energy Disconnection

by Neil Faulkner | If you're facing disconnection due to a debt, here's where you stand and what you should do.

The Big Six Energy Suppliers Vs The Rest

by Neil Faulkner | We round up the energy-price increases from the big suppliers, compare them with smaller suppliers, and give you several fresh, new tips!

Published in August 2008

Ease The Pain Of Self-Assessment

by Harriet Meyer | Planning on filling in a self-assessment tax return? Read this first!

Is A Free Laptop Actually Free?

by Anna Powell | Phone companies are falling over themselves to offer us 'free' laptops – if we sign expensive mobile broadband contracts first. Is it worth it?

When Online Shopping Goes Wrong!

by Serena Cowdy | What's the worst that can happen when a good idea goes bad? Serena Cowdy finds out.

The Best Way To Borrow £3,000

by lovemoney.com staff | Laura Starkey finds out whether a loan or a credit card will offer her the cheapest deal.

Slash Your Mobile Costs By 74%

by Szu Ping Chan | Pay as you go mobile phone users may feel left out when it comes to finding the best deals. Here's how to make the most out of your PAYG mobile.

When Loyalty Doesn’t Pay

by Jane Baker | Why loyalty to your bank could turn out to be a costly mistake and why it always pays to shop around.

Save Money Now With A Fixed Tariff!

by Neil Faulkner | Many people could save money immediately with a fixed tariff, and millions more can expect to save in the near future.

Save £154 A Year On Your Contact Lenses

by Emma Lunn | How to buy contact lenses online for as little as £5.25 a month.

Eight ways to cut your water bill

by Jane Baker | Water bills are set to stretch your household finances even further, depending on where you live. Here's how to beat the price hikes.

Cut your energy bills by 75%

by Harvey Jones | How much do energy efficient improvements really save you? Harvey Jones investigates the true cost of going green.

How To Borrow £5,000

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan investigates whether you should you go for a credit card or a personal loan when you need to raise cash.

The Cheapest Places To Buy Music Online

by Emma Lunn | Download tracks from legitimate music download sites for as little as 25p.

Cut The Cost Of Your Glasses By 63%!

by Szu Ping Chan | Buying glasses can be an expensive venture. Here's a guide on how to save a packet and still look stylish by buying them online.

The cheapest photo printing websites

by Emma Lunn | Looking for a cheapest photo printing website to print off your photos online? Here's a round-up of the different online photo-printing websites and how much they cost.

TV With That Broadband, Sir..?

by Guy Clapperton | Thinking of bundling your broadband in with your mobile, TV or landline? Guy Clapperton compares the best deals available.

All The Best Deals In One Online Account

by Neil Faulkner | Want to sort out your finances? It might be a lot easier than you think….

Slim Your Waistline – Not Your Wallet

by Anna Powell | Not all food prices are rising. In fact, some of the healthiest food is now cheaper than ever.

Don’t Always Trust The Best Buy Tables!

by Szu Ping Chan | Why the 'best buy' isn't always the best choice.

Published in July 2008

British Gas Has Not Raised Prices

by Neil Faulkner | For those of us who use the Internet properly, British Gas has not raised prices at all.

The New iPhone Isn't Worth It

by Szu Ping Chan | We've all heard the hype and seen the queues, but is the new iPhone just for people who can afford to throw money down the drain?

The True Cost Of Owning A Company Car

by Jane Baker | Why employment benefits could cost a lot more than you think.

Energy Price Hikes Announced: The Time To Cap Is NOW

by Laura Starkey | EDF's price increases are just the beginning. If you want to avoid energy inflation of up to 50%, go for a capped tariff.

This Bill Blunder Could Break Your Budget

by Laura Starkey | Even if you pay your bills on time, your energy supplier’s mistakes could be driving you into debt.

The Future Of Film Rental?

by Szu Ping Chan | When it comes to film rental, with new services springing up all the time, which provides the best value for money? We look at the pros and cons of each...

My Favourite Financial Organisations

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner's favourite organisations include a service for debtors, a unique alternative to saving or borrowing from banks, community finances and foreign money.

Change Your Energy Tariff TODAY

by Laura Starkey | This is the way to protect yourself from a 50% increase in your energy bills.

Get £50 For Free!

by Szu Ping Chan | Want to bag £50 without spending a single penny? Find out how here...

Save Money By Ditching These 5 Products

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner makes you consider whether you really need these over-rated and over-bought financial products.

Don’t Get Stung By Your Mobile Phone Abroad!

by Szu Ping Chan | Overseas mobile phone charges can be a rip-off. Here are a few ways to prevent your bill from going sky-high while abroad…

Published in June 2008

Online Shopping Is Cheaper

by Laura Starkey | Laura Starkey has been given a mission: to prove that shopping online is cheaper than scouring the high street shops. And, boy, did she succeed...

Make The Most Of This Strange Summer

by Neil Faulkner | Whether it's a credit card, a mortgage or a savings account you want, you better act quick.

Chase Your Money Worries Away

by Donna Ferguson | If you hate shopping around for the best rates, this will show you to avoid it - and still get a good deal!

Find The Perfect Mobile Phone Tariff

by Szu Ping Chan | Whether you're a high, medium, or pay as you go user, we pick out the best value mobile phone tariffs to suit you...

The Best Broadband Dongle

by Szu Ping Chan | Forget the hype and advertised broadband speeds, we put the top five dongles through their paces, with some very interesting results...

Energy Prices To Increase By 50%

by Neil Faulkner | Gas suppliers pay more than double now than they paid for gas back in 2007, yet the price we pay has risen by perhaps just one third. Here's a tariff that'll lock in prices before the suppliers pass on their costs to us!

Five Steps To Brilliant Budgeting!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Sort out your finances and become a brilliant budgeter in five easy steps!

Five Steps To Brilliant Budgeting!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Sort out your finances and become a brilliant budgeter in five easy steps!

Even Better Broadband!

by Jane Baker | Broadband has developed into such a competitive market; we should be able to enjoy even better deals.

I Love Shopping Online

by Kate O'Raghallaigh | Do you love shopping online - or hate it? Either way, Kate O'Raghallaigh can help!

Britain's Best All-Round Bank?

by Szu Ping Chan | The credit crunch has helped one bank become a good all-rounder. Find out which one (and no, it's probably not who you think)...

Britain's Best All-Round Bank?

by Szu Ping Chan | The credit crunch has helped one bank become a good all-rounder. Find out which one (and no, it's probably not who you think)...

The Bad Banks League Table!

by Laura Starkey | As the FSA floats the idea of publishing the devilish details about banks' customer service, Laura Starkey considers how useful a bad banks league table could be...

The Fool's Guide To Fuel Economy

by Esther Shaw | Cut the cost of your bills and minimise the impact of energy price rises in these eight simple steps.

How To Compare Energy Prices Accurately

by Neil Faulkner | Here are some tips for making online gas and electricity price comparisons as accurate as possible.

Published in May 2008

Avoid These Mobile Phone Rip-Offs!

by Serena Cowdy | Are you being ripped off by your mobile phone provider? Find out here.

Avoid These Mobile Phone Rip-Offs!

by Serena Cowdy | Are you being ripped off by your mobile phone provider? Find out here.

Top Ten Tax-Busting Tips

by Jane Baker | Follow these top tips for saving tax and bring your 'tax freedom day' forward.

Short-Term Gain v Long-Term Value

by Christina Jordan | Is the best rate always the best bet?

Are You Happy With Your Bank?

by Jane Baker | A new Fool survey reveals which banks are cream of the crop. How does your bank measure up?

British Gas Turns Up The Heat

by Cliff D'Arcy | While we bask in a heatwave, the UK's biggest gas supplier warns that more price rises are in the pipeline.

Published in April 2008

Get Your Granny Online!

by Szu Ping Chan | More silver surfers than ever are getting online. Here's some cheap ways you can join in and reap the benefits of being web savvy...

Save More Money On Energy!

by Neil Faulkner | Savings to be made on gas and electricity are on the increase.

Save More Money On Energy!

by Neil Faulkner | Savings to be made on gas and electricity are on the increase.

Will You Be Richer This Tax Year?

by Jane Baker | There's been an income tax cut! Are you better or worse off this new tax year?

How To Switch Broadband More Easily

by Jane Baker | Moving to a new broadband provider can sometimes be an uphill struggle, but follow this simple guide to smooth switching.

Save £240 A Year With A Broadband Bundle

by Jane Baker | Are broadband bundles really worth it? Find out whether you can save money here.

Published in March 2008

Tackling Your Council Tax

by Cliff D'Arcy | Across the UK, hefty Council Tax bills are hitting doormats. Here are four tips to trim your tax.

Save £270 On Your Mobile Phone Bill!

by Szu Ping Chan | Finding a good deal for your mobile phone can be difficult. One alternative that could shave money off your monthly bill is a SIM only deal. Here's how.

7 Ways To Beat Higher Household Bills

by Jane Baker | Rising household expenses are stretching budgets to the limit. Here's how to cut the impact of bills on your finances.

British Gas Raises Prices Again!

by Neil Faulkner | Total price rises for all energy customers are now likely to exceed 20% this year.

Save £203 A Year With A Dongle

by Szu Ping Chan | Mobile broadband dongles have hit the shops in force. What are they? Do they provide good value for money? And more importantly, is this the death of the home phone line?

Published in February 2008

Earn A Tax-Free Return Of 543%

by Jane Baker | Invest in the right stocks and shares ISA fund and you could earn an excellent return on your money.

Earn A Tax-Free Return Of 543%

by Jane Baker | Invest in the right stocks and shares ISA fund and you could earn an excellent return on your money.

Feel Good For A Fiver!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Here's how £5 a month can give you a buzz and reduce your tax bill at the same time.

Fight Back Against British Gas

by Donna Ferguson | After hiking up its prices by 15% last month, British Gas has just announced a record £571 million profit. Fight back and switch suppliers.

Free BT Calls Come With A Catch

by Szu Ping Chan | BT have announced plans to scrap call charges to its customer services. However, unless you're Foolish, you could still end up paying more for your calls than you bargained for...

Why You Should Cheat On Your Bank

by Serena Cowdy | Loyalty to your bank could cost you an arm and a leg - find out why sometimes, it's time to say goodbye.

Kick That Serious Spending Habit...Today!

by Jane Baker | A little smart budgeting can go a long way.

Kick That Serious Spending Habit...Today!

by Jane Baker | A little smart budgeting can go a long way.

Save £2,816 by 2012

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner explains how to cut hundreds of pounds from your electricty bill and help save the planet at the same time.

Eight Great Tax-Dodging Tricks

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the government struggling to balance its books, taxes look almost certain to rise in 2008. So, here are some tricks to trim your tax bill.

Eight Great Tax-Dodging Tricks

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the government struggling to balance its books, taxes look almost certain to rise in 2008. So, here are some tricks to trim your tax bill.