Household Bills archive

Published in December 2010

5 ways to save big this New Year

by Neil Faulkner | Forget the penny-pinching ideas and save big in 2010.

The worst ever Christmas presents!

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at the Christmas presents you really don’t want to receive!

Bake delicious Xmas gifts for £1

by Amy Davies | Looking for that cheap but perfect gift that shows you care? Check out these five recipes for gifts that cost less than £2 each - and get into the kitchen!

Four great presents I'd like to find in my stocking

by Serena Cowdy | Switch to a better deal and give yourself a really decent present this Christmas!

Beat the VAT rise and save £££

by Robert Powell | With the VAT hike set to come into force in less than three weeks time, if you’re planning any big purchases – now’s the time to make them!

10 million energy bills rise

by Neil Faulkner | Nearly 10 million households will have higher energy bills by the end of this week, but savings that can be made from switching have increased.

Avoid paying interest until 2012

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Wait reveals some top ways to side-step paying interest until 2012!

Online shopping

by Robert Powell | Rob Powell hits the streets to find out whether shoppers will be shopping online for Christmas this year

The best present to give this Christmas

by Ed Bowsher | It's 12 days until Christmas. Here are 12 steps to a richer future for you, your family and your friends.

by Robert Powell | With Christmas almost upon us and millions around the country preparing to eat, drink and be merry – here’s the lovemoney.com guide to getting your hands on some bargain booze for the festive season…

5 gas and electricity rip-offs

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner looks at five ways that energy companies pick your pockets, sometimes with a little help from their friends in the media.

Why you pay more tax than banks

by Robert Powell | If you use air travel or drink alcohol in the next five years, then tax rises will hit you harder than the banks. Robert Powell takes a look at the figures...

17 things you should never pay more than £1 for

by Robert Powell | You can get more than you think for £1 nowadays! Here’s my rundown of the things you should never pay more than 100 pennies for...

Published in November 2010

Christmas gifts you should never buy on the high street

by Robert Powell | With Manic Monday upon us, Robert Powell takes a look at the gifts that are almost always cheaper on the web...

Five ways you're wasting money

by Christine Whitfield | Christine Whitfield highlights some of the biggest ways you're pouring money down the drain...

5 steps to getting your finances in shape

by John Fitzsimons | We cover five simple steps to ensure you never spend more money than you have!

Save £££ with an online energy plan

by Mike Kielty | You can save hundreds of pounds on gas and electricity bills with an internet-based energy plan.

Six steps to cheaper broadband

by John Fitzsimons | Follow these simple tips and cut your spend on your internet connection.

The taxman is watching your eBay account!

by Rosalind Kent | Make a few quid selling bits and bobs on auction sites? The taxman may be interested in your earnings!

It's time to ditch National Insurance!

by Mike Kielty | Many of the reasons that NI was created are no longer relevant - it's time to scrap the tax

How your postcode costs you money

by Robert Powell | Businesses are now using postcodes as an indicator of your value as a customer, and it could be costing you money.

Why Britain needs a Fat Tax

by John Fitzsimons | A tax on unhealthy foods could help the nation’s finances as well as its waistline.

Millions set to get their tax bills written off

by Mike Kielty | The taxman has decided to write off some tax bills for almost two million people. Mike Kielty reveals how these changes will affect you.

The best deals for loyal customers

by Rachel Wait | Can you really get a good deal if you stay loyal to your bank?

Ditch these rubbish broadband providers - quick!

by Mike Kielty | Finding the best broadband deal can be incredibly difficult, but here’s some idea of which broadband deals to look out for, and which ones to avoid.

5 ways to keep giving to charity when money is tight

by Robert Powell | Not making as many charitable donations as you would like? Here's some wallet friendly ways to keep giving throughout the recession...

Make your own spending cuts and save £4,435

by Rachel Wait | Follow in George Osborne’s footsteps and make your own budget cuts....

Top 10 fastest places for broadband in the UK

by lovemoney.com staff | Are you getting the broadband speeds you're paying for? We reveal the fastest - and slowest - towns and cities in the country.

Energy prices are about to rocket

by Mike Kielty | Energy prices are set to jump over the next few months, so it's crucial that you assess the best options for gas and electricity providers, and change if you need to.

Published in October 2010

The best - and cheapest - broadband deals

by Jane Baker | As super cheap broadband deals offer even better value which provider comes out on top?

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.

Slash your living costs in seven days

by Serena Cowdy | We show you how to squash your daily expenses over the course of a week.

Top 5 worst places for customer service

by Jane Baker | New research reveals where customers suffer the most appalling service. We show you how to fight back.

Bag your share of billions!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The taxman admits that up to 10 million people have paid too much tax. Time to trim your tax bill...

10 ways to transfer wealth

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you want to give your nearest and dearest a helping hand, here are ten tax-efficient ways to do so.

OFGEM gives green light to energy hikes

by Neil Faulkner | Energy hikes are inevitable, as the industry continues to pull the wool over all our eyes

Fight back against the child benefit cuts

by Jane Baker | The Chancellor’s plans to axe child benefit will come as a blow to many parents, but you may not have to lose out.

Avoid the latest tax swindle

by Jane Baker | Tax rebate handling websites aren’t doing anything against the law, but you don’t need them!

The utilities tariff that tricks you

by Laura Starkey | If you're moving house this year, beware the deemed tariff! Laura Starkey shows you how to avoid the energy providers' sneakiest trick.

Make your money last until payday!

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

Seven 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.

Pensioners - the taxman is targeting you!

by John Fitzsimons | A new report reveals the taxman is targeting the vulnerable for missing tax payments.

What the Child Benefit cut means for you

by John Fitzsimons | Ahead of the Conservative Party Conference, the Chancellor George Osborne has announced a significant cut to child benefit. Here’s what you need to know about how you will be affected.

Revealed: The true cost of expensive phone numbers

by lovemoney.com staff | How much will that phonecall be? We reveal the high cost of non-standard numbers, and show how to chop your call costs.

Published in September 2010

10 deals you can't afford to miss

by Rachel Wait | Want to know the best deals on the market? You’ve come to the right place...

Five ways to beat the economic downturn

by Cliff D'Arcy | As the economists continue to predict doom and gloom for the economy, we suggest five simple steps to strengthen your finances.

Get broadband for £4 a month - but hurry!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The UK’s best high-speed, low-cost broadband service is now just £4 a month - but there are only a few hours left to grab this deal.

Ditch BT and save £126 a year

by Szu Ping Chan | If you’re one of the millions of Brits who get broadband through a BT landline, here's how you could save over £100 a year without getting rid of your home phone…

Save £180 a year with a SIM-only mobile phone tariff

by Rachel Wait | Switch to a SIM only deal on your mobile and you might be surprised at how much you could save....

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.

The worst energy rip-offs ever

by John Fitzsimons | Don't let your energy supplier get away with these awful antics

The best broadband deals

by John Fitzsimons | If you want to get the most out of your modem, without paying through the nose, these are the deals not to be missed!

Build a new life in four weeks!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Believe it or not, you can turn money from your master into your servant in a single month. Here's how it's done.

Get cash for switching your energy tariff

by Neil Faulkner | Some energy tariffs offer cashback. How do these deals compare and what tricks should you beware of?

Stop the huge tax blunder hurting you

by Jane Baker | HM Revenue & Customs is doing a pretty appalling job of collecting our taxes. Will you be one of the six million affected?

The dodgy energy mis-selling scandal

by Cliff D'Arcy | The gas and electricity regulator launches an investigation into dodgy dealings by doorstep sellers.

Take the hassle out of switching

by Rachel Wait | Switching financial products can really help to boost your bank balance. But how straightforward is the switching process?

Tax code error in your favour: Collect £££

by Neil Faulkner | What you can do if Revenue and Customs tells you you've underpaid, and what you can do to avoid this occurring in future.

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.

Published in August 2010

Thousands of British Gas customers set to get higher bills

by Neil Faulkner | This year alone we've seen hundreds of thousands of customers shunted from what were some of the best deals on the market onto the very worst.

Punish BT for increasing its landline charges!

by Emma Roberts | Emma Roberts reveals why now is a good time to switch landline providers and uncovers some tips on saving money on your landline bills.

The cheapest ways to buy music online!

by John Fitzsimons | One online store has started selling songs for less than half the price you’ll pay at iTunes!

10 things you should never pay for

by Rachel Wait | Not everything has to cost money! Here, we reveal 10 things you should never open your wallet for!

Urgent! Only one cheap energy tariff left

by Neil Faulkner | I don’t follow the crowd, but even I think this tariff is too good to be true – and you’d better hurry if you want to get it, as it's being withdrawn tomorrow morning!

The smart new way scammers steal your cash

by Emma Roberts | Emma Roberts reveals how you can protect your finances by staying smart phone safe.

This tax error could cost you thousands!

by Jane Baker | Do you really understand your pay slip? Get savvy now to guarantee you don’t pay more tax than you should.

Punish your broadband provider!

by Emma Roberts | We all hate long, drawn out complaint procedures with our broadband providers. Here, Emma Roberts reveals how Ofcom will soon be able to help you punish them once and for all.

Published in July 2010

You need to switch energy providers - now!

by Mark Adams | The cost of wholesale gas has hit its highest level this year - meaning we’re set to suffer even more gas and electricity price rises just as winter kicks in. However, you can offset the pain by looking at your energy bills now - we guide you through the process.

Six 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, save money on your gas and electricity bills, and earn a little extra money?

BT ramps up landline charges by 10%

by Jane Baker | As BT increases its charges, find out how to pay less for your home phone and cut your call costs in six super easy steps.

Complain successfully about your broadband!

by Rachel Wait | Not happy with your broadband provider? Follow our top tips on how to complain successfully...

Big energy price hikes to come

by Neil Faulkner | Wholesale gas prices are up 80% in half a year, but it's not as bad as it seems!

How to complain to your broadband provider

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson reveals some top tips for successfully complaining to your broadband provider.

How to complain to your broadband provider

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson reveals some top tips for successfully complaining to your broadband provider.

The cheapest alternatives to the iPhone 4

by Serena Cowdy | Is the new iPhone 4 more style than substance? We track down some of the cheapest alternative deals.

Beat the secret energy tax

by Rachel Wait | By 2020, we could all be paying £176 a year in energy taxes – here’s how to fight back.

5 easy ways to pay less tax

by Jane Baker | Find out how to cut your tax bill without the effort of complex tax planning.

5 easy ways to pay less tax

by Jane Baker | Find out how to cut your tax bill without the effort of complex tax planning.

Four financial firms you can trust

by John Fitzsimons | If receiving great customer service is the biggest factor when choosing which financial firm to go with, these should be top of your list.

Published in June 2010

How to get a tax refund

by Jane Baker | We all hate paying tax but don’t, whatever you do, pay more of it than you need to.

The cheapest way to get an iPhone 4!

by Christina Jordan | One provider is selling an iPhone 4 for £160 less than its cheapest rival - but which provider is it?

Beat the VAT hike!

by Mark Adams | The most painful measure in this week’s emergency Budget was the hike in the level of VAT to 20% - adding an extra £425 to the average family’s annual outgoings. The tax hits basic and higher-rate taxpayers equally hard - but there are ways to beat it. Find out how to protect your finances against the VAT hike

How the Budget will hurt the rich

by Cliff D'Arcy | Tax changes in the Budget spell bad news for investors, landlords and second-home owners...

The new way scammers steal your money

by Rachel Wait | If you use mobile banking, make sure you don’t become a victim of fraud...

Earn interest from your energy supplier

by Neil Faulkner | Energy suppliers owe us masses of money in overpaid bills. One new supplier is leading the way with a fairer deal.

Slash your mobile phone costs on holiday

by Jane Baker | Charges are about to get cheaper, but you should still be careful when you use your mobile phone abroad.

5 reasons why you should choose mobile broadband

by Jane Baker | If you have never considered mobile broadband before, here are five reasons why you should

5 reasons why you should choose mobile broadband - Video script

by Jane Baker | If you have never considered mobile broadband before, here are five reasons why you should

£150,000 for broadband?

by Donna Ferguson | As one pensioner is quoted £150,000 by BT to install broadband to her home, we round up five ways broadband providers try to rip you off - and more importantly, what you can do to avoid being caught out by them.

Published in May 2010

Cut £516 off your phone bill this year!

by Jane Baker | Find out how to pay less for your home phone and cut your call costs in six super easy steps.

Five things we can't live without

by Szu Ping Chan | The downturn has forced many of us to make cutbacks, but not when it comes to these five things...

5 steps to cheaper phone calls

by Jane Baker | We're paying over the odds for landlines. Here are five easy ways to get cheaper phone calls and save money

5 steps to cheaper phone calls

by Jane Baker | We're paying over the odds for landlines. Here are five easy ways to get cheaper phone calls and save money

7 ways for the over 50s to pay less tax

by Jane Baker | The over 50s are more worried about tax rises than anything else. Don’t miss these seven tips for paying less.

3 ways to save on your mobile bill!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons looks at three simple ways to cut the money you spend on your mobile each month

3 ways to save on your mobile bill!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons looks at three simple ways to cut the money you spend on your mobile each month

Five ways your bank can help you save!

by Rachel Wait | Need a hand getting into the savings habit? Believe it or not, your bank can help...

How fish fingers affect inflation

by John Fitzsimons | According to the Office of National Statistics, most of us will need to buy at least one of these 12 items over the next year. Here's how to make sure you get a bargain!

Rejoice in opening bills!

by Donna Ferguson | Do not underestimate the joys of reading bills! Donna Werbner reveals how it could save you £230.

Avoid the Capital Gains Tax hike

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Conservative/LibDem government will raise Capital Gains Tax from 18% to, say, 40%. Here are six tricks to beat this new tax rate!

3 vital steps to paying less tax

by Mark Adams | The tax we hand over to the taxman has hit a record high - and so has the amount we waste in tax errors and unnecessary payments. Find out just where your tax goes - and how to pay less.

Stupid things people believe about money

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson highlights seven stupid things some of us believe about money...

Seven silly money blunders we all make

by Mark Adams | Mark Adams reveals the seven biggest money mistakes - and explains how to avoid them.

Don’t believe the hype about energy prices

by Neil Faulkner | The disappearance of OVO Energy's cheaper tariff is absolutely by no means indicative price rises to come.

Five key steps to budgeting

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson highlights five easy ways to master the art of budgeting.

Five key steps to budgeting - Video script

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson highlights five easy ways to master the art of budgeting.

The top 10 cutbacks to make this weekend!

by Rachel Wait | Now’s the time to spring clean your finances, cancel those unnecessary direct debits, and boost your savings!

Published in April 2010

Sainsbury's is better than Tesco!

by Rachel Wait | It's official: Sainsbury's offers better deals than Tesco!

Students: Reduce your bills!

by Amy Davies | How to keep your energy, broadband and mobile phones bills down while at university.

Your energy firm is ripping you off!

by John Fitzsimons | If you're making this mistake, then your energy provider may be ripping you off - to the tune of £153!

Why your council tax bill is ripping you off

by Mark Adams | Council tax bills are already set to rise by 1.8% this year - yet thousands of homeowners are set to pay a higher unnecessary premium with more than half a million properties listed in the wrong tax band. We show you how to pay what you owe - and no more!

Why you should love paying tax!

by Harvey Jones | There's no question your tax bill will rise after the election. But here are six reasons why that's not as bad as it seems.

5 tops tips for better broadband

by Jane Baker | Follow our five easy tips and get better value for money from your broadband package.

5 tops tips for better broadband - Video script

by Jane Baker | Follow our five easy tips and get better value for money from your broadband package.

The five worst money myths

by Donna Ferguson | Stop believing these money myths and you’ll never be short of money again...

Winter fuel bills hit record high

by Neil Faulkner | Millions of households have been hit by record winter fuel bills of more than £500. Follow our five tips to fight back!

Avoid paying inheritance tax

by Jane Baker | Inheritance tax is likely to hit many more of us. Find out why and how you can avoid it.

Speed up your broadband!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons looks at what you can do to get better value for money from your broadband package

Speed up your broadband!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons looks at what you can do to get better value for money from your broadband package

The best-value iPhone tariffs

by Mark Adams | Want an iPhone? Good news - the price just fell by £180!

Ten things you need to do this month

by Chiara Cavaglieri | It's the start of the new tax-year today - which means today is the perfect time to make a fresh financial start. Start spring cleaning your finances by taking these ten essential steps.

Slash your tax bill - while you still can!

by Mark Adams | The new tax year is fast approaching - and ahead of the General Election, taxpayers should prepare for steep hikes. We show you how to keep more of your cash out of HMRC’s hands.

Published in March 2010

10 top tips for better broadband!

by Jane Baker | Is your broadband package falling seriously short? Find out how to get the service you’re actually paying for.

Top 10 ways to slash your mobile phone bill!

by Jane Baker | 85% of us are getting ripped off by mobile phone deals. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Good energy tariffs to switch to now

by Neil Faulkner | Following the decision by British Gas workers to strike, Neil Faulkner looks at whether you should switch energy companies, and highlights good tariffs to move to right now.

Slash your energy bills

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson gives you the lowdown on five ways to cut your energy bills

Slash your energy bills - Video script

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson gives you the lowdown on five ways to cut your energy bills.

Get broadband for £4 a month NOW!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're paying £5+ a month for broadband, then grab this special deal before midnight on Thursday. After then, the cost goes up to £6.49 a month...

Six ways to fight back against greedy energy companies!

by Rachel Wait | Fed up with paying through the nose for your gas and electricity while your supplier continues to profit? Follow these top tips to slash you bills!

Super-fast broadband is a rip-off!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Later this year, Virgin Media will roll out a super-fast 100Mb broadband service. But are these light-speed packages really worth the money?

Nine signs you’re spending too much

by Malcolm Wheatley | Over-spending? Here are the warning signs to watch out for...

Published in February 2010

You're making the same mistake again

by Neil Faulkner | This time last year, many of you made this costly mistake - and as a result, your bills went up. Don't do it again this year.

How to get a massive tax rebate

by Cliff D'Arcy | Have you paid far too much to the taxman? These ten checks could net you a tasty tax refund...

The cheapest mobile phone tariffs

by Rachel Wait | We round up the best mobile tariffs to suit everyone...

Energy price war hots up

by Christina Jordan | Christina Jordan takes a look behind the headline rates to see which energy company offers the cheapest tariff.

My favourite five star deals

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker takes an in-depth look at the top credit cards and current accounts which have earned five stars in the latest independent review of deals by Defaqto.

Pay less tax with this clever trick!

by Jane Baker | There are loads of ways you can cut your tax bill. Here's one you may never have heard of before.

This mistake will make your energy bills soar

by Mark Adams | Make this mistake and you'll regret it when your energy bill lands on your doorstep.

The fastest broadband deal ever!

by Jane Baker | If you like watching internet TV, HD movies online or you're a hardcore gamer, we've got the best broadband deal for you.

British Gas cuts rates by 7%

by John Fitzsimons | British gas has announced a cut in gas prices for its customers. Who benefits, and is it the start of a price war?

Energy bills set to reach £2,000 a year

by John Fitzsimons | Energy bills will skyrocket to unaffordable levels by 2015 unless the Government acts now, says a new report.

Seven days as a stingy git

by Harvey Jones | Find out how Harvey Jones got on when he spent a week on a very strict budget!

This energy tariff will save you £££

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson reveals the cheapest energy tariffs on the market - switch and you could save more than £700!