Household Bills archive

Published in December 2011

How to survive until payday!

by Christine Whitfield | Feeling a bit strapped for cash after all the expenses of Christmas? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make sure you don't get into debt this month.

The best last minute Christmas presents!

by Robert Powell | With Christmas right around the corner, we take a look at how to avoid picking up a last minute, panic buy present rip-off…

Four big gas and electricity scams to avoid this winter

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks at four energy tricks you should watch out for this winter...

Government plans to cut feed-in tariffs 'flawed'

by Simon Ward | High Court rules that reduction in amount households paid for solar-generated electricity is "legally flawed".

Calling international? Make cheap calls from the UK

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks at easy ways to make cheap international calls from the UK this Christmas!

Co-operative Energy cuts prices

by Simon Ward | Relatively new player in the energy market to reduce bills by average of 3% from February.

Frugal Christmas Recipe - Dessert

by Paul Warburton | Check out this amazing recipe for a Christmas dessert of lemon tart with fresh vanilla mascarpone - for just £1.45 per person!

An unusual Christmas gift idea

by Jane Baker | This unusual Christmas gift idea will cut your tax bill by thousands of pounds!

Plan early for a low-cost Christmas

by Ed Bowsher | Forward planning is the best way to keep a lid on spending at Christmas. That's why you should start planning for Christmas 2012 right now!

Gas costs, not green measures, to blame for energy prices

by Simon Ward | A new report into the impact of low carbon measures on energy bills says they have only accounted for 16% of recent price rises.

15 Xmas presents for under £10!

by Alison Hunt | Bored of always buying the same thing at Christmas? Then why not revitalise things a little with these 15 amusing gifts? They genuinely will make you laugh...

Frugal Christmas recipe - Main course

by Paul Warburton | Check out this amazing recipe for an alternative Christmas dinner, for just for £5.24 per person!

Seven steps to a frugal Christmas dinner

by Donna Ferguson | How can you shop sensibly for your Christmas dinner? Follow these seven steps.

Energy complaints soar following price rises

by Simon Ward | New data shows an increase in complaints over the summer with EDF particularly under fire for its poor customer service.

Orange phone customers face New Year bill hike

by Henri May | Orange has blamed ’20-year high inflation’ for raising its monthly mobile phone plan prices by 4.34%. So what can affected customers do?

Five broadband rip-offs!

by Cliff D'Arcy | We reveal how broadband providers routinely swindle their customers.

Online shops beat the high street at Christmas

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell hits the streets to find out what the public are shopping for online thie Christmas...

Cut the cost of shopping for Christmas gifts

by Donna Ferguson | Follow our famous five-step action plan to save hundreds of pounds shopping for Christmas gifts.

Ofgem unveils proposals for simpler energy industry

by Simon Ward | Energy regulator calls for simpler bills, less tariffs and better customer service.

Published in November 2011

BT prices to rise again this weekend

by Simon Ward | BT's phone, broadband and digital TV prices will increase from this Saturday.

How to avoid fraud if you're shopping online

by Emma Lunn | It's easy to avoid fraud and stay safe shopping online, if you know how...

British Gas announces simplified tariffs

by Simon Ward | The energy giant says it will only offer two types of tariffs and better billing systems in a bid to win back public confidence.

How to stop paying tax

by Cliff D'Arcy | These 10 tips will slash your taxes to the bare minimum!

The worst charity Christmas cards

by Robert Powell | High street shops can still label a Christmas card as charitable even if only 1% of the sale price goes to charity. Robert Powell takes a look at this year’s Christmas card scrooges.

Air-passenger duty is pointless!

by Neil Faulkner | Green flying taxes are causing a huge stir, as they are criticised on environmental and economic grounds.

Well-off pensioners should donate winter fuel payments

by Robert Powell | A new campaign is pushing for wealthy pensioners to donate their winter fuel payments to those who are struggling to foot their energy bills...

Government slashes feed-in tariff benefits

by Neil Faulkner | As the benefits of installing solar panels under the government's feed-in tariff are cut in half, we take a look at what else is new for homeowners putting solar panels on the roofs over their heads.

Save a fortune on broadband, phone and TV

by Cliff D'Arcy | These delicious deals for broadband, phone and TV could save you a bundle!

The secret to getting rich

by Cliff D'Arcy | We explain the secret to getting rich using credit cards, mortgages and savings accounts!

HMRC declares war on tax-dodging landlords

by John Fitzsimons | Northern landlords, Scottish scrap dealers and self-employed workers in the South East are all coming under scrutiny from the taxman.

VAT hits the poor hardest

by Robert Powell | In light of new research showing that the poorest spend more of their income on VAT than the richest, Robert Powell reports on escalating borrowing levels and what you can do to deal with debt...

Switch energy before the shock bills

by Neil Faulkner | With winter energy usage double that of summer, now is the time to switch to a cheaper tariff.

5m households woke up £100 worse off today

by Robert Powell | As the last of the big six energy companies bring in price hikes, Robert Powell finds out how you can avoid being caught out in the cold when it comes to paying your bills this winter...

Published in October 2011

Landlords could be hit by covert tax hikes

by Robert Powell | The government has announced proposals to end tax breaks for second home owners. But, as Robert Powell reports, this change could be set to unfairly punish landlords while only marginally hitting the wealthy...

Make your money last until payday!

by lovemoney staff | Does your salary normally disappear before payday? Here's how to make sure it never happens again.

How I slashed my phone bill without switching

by Emma Lunn | This year has seen numerous price increases from the big names in telecoms. BT, Talk Talk and Virgin Media have all hiked their prices at least once this year. But there’s a great way to save money on call costs without switching your landline.

UK’s cheapest region for energy

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at how energy prices differ depending on where you live...

Energy firms hiding cheapest deals while profits peak

by Robert Powell | As energy firms’ profits peak, an investigation reveals that suppliers are not always offering the cheapest deals to customers wishing to switch. Fortunately, the government has held an emergency summit to stop the problem. But will it really help consumers? Robert Powell finds out...

Pay nothing for your energy for two months!

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at a new E.ON tariff offering two months of free energy, and asks whether this deal is really as good as it looks...

The tactics phone scammers use to rob you

by Rosalind Kent | Don’t get caught out by mobile phone criminals and scammers.

Consumers face energy crisis

by lovemoney staff | When it comes to energy, Britain is on the brink of an 'affordability crisis.'

The record breaking energy tariff

by Robert Powell | The cheapest fixed energy tariff has exceeded £1,000 for the first time ever. Find out how to fight back against these record high rates...

Watch out for this Vodafone rip off!

by Emma Lunn | Do you think it would make your mobile phone bill ‘simpler’ if your provider started rounding your bill up the nearest 50p? If you’re a Vodafone customer that’s what will happen to your bill in October.

The cheapest energy in Europe

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at how gas and electricity prices in the UK compare to the rest of Europe...

Published in September 2011

Avoid a huge tax bill this Friday!

by Rosalind Kent | The Government is cracking down on those avoiding tax this week.

Haha! You didn't notice the taxman pocketing this

by John Fitzsimons | It's not just energy providers that are raking it in...

Get free broadband for four months

by John Fitzsimons | Internet access doesn’t have to cost you a penny!

Yet another energy provider hikes rates

by Robert Powell | The last of the ‘big six’ group of energy companies has announced rate increases...

Four huge energy rip-offs no one has told you about

by Robert Powell | Mains supplied gas and electricity isn’t the only utilities sector riddled with rip-offs. As Robert Powell find out, off-grid energy customers are just as vulnerable...

This stupid company won’t let me pay my bill

by Cliff D'Arcy | Cliff D'Arcy explains how he really wanted to pay his energy bills, but couldn't...

Slash your landline phone bill

by Emma Lunn | It used to be good to talk but now it’s just expensive. With all the big players putting up their prices, we’ve put together 10 ways to slash your home phone bill.

The UK’s worst energy provider

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell exposes the worst energy providers for customer service...

New cheap energy tariffs

by Neil Faulkner | With providers upping energy tariff prices, we highlight some great deals, and why waiting to switch will cost you.

How to find more money for entertainment

by Neil Faulkner | Rather than struggling to get by on £100 spare income, here are some tips from money advisers.

How I saved £1,200 on my new boiler

by Donna Ferguson | Need to install a new boiler? Read this article first!

Your fuel bill is going to rise by 30%!

by Ed Bowsher | Green measures will force energy companies to bump your energy bill by another 30%.

What really pushes up energy prices

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at what really causes gas and electricity rates to rise...

Mobile phone tariffs that cost £10 or less!

by John Fitzsimons | Keep your mobile spending to a minimum with these budget deals.

Beat BT's latest price rises!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The UK's biggest provider of landlines is lifting its charges again, but you can fight back...

Why working is a mug's game

by Cliff D'Arcy | Our tax system strongly favours rich savers and investors over workers, but you can defeat it!

Published in August 2011

The biggest mobile phone blunders we all make

by Rachel Wait | If you’re choosing a new mobile phone tariff, don’t make these mistakes...

TalkTalk fined £3m for overcharging customers

by Robert Powell | TalkTalk and its subsidiary Tiscali UK have been hit with the largest ever fine given to a British telecoms provider after incorrectly billing over 65,000 customers...

Six energy firms under investigation for price rises

by Robert Powell | A forensic set of accountants has been set on the six main energy companies to investigate their profits and margins in light of recent price hikes. Robert Powell reports...

The world's most expensive holidays

by John Fitzsimons | We look at some of the most expensive holidays around.

100,000 energy customers overcharged

by Robert Powell | Around 100,000 EDF Energy customers have been overcharged after a problem with the company’s telephone meter reading system...

Revealed: The truth about Utility Warehouse

by Neil Faulkner | We take a look at one of the UK's biggest savings clubs, the utility provider Utility Warehouse.

The UK’s worst mobile phone provider

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at the worst (and best) mobile network operators for customer service...

Pay as you go phones are better value than contract!

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at the best mobile phone deals across the pay as you go and contract markets...

The secret trick you can use against your energy provider

by Rachel Wait | Find out how you can fight back against the recent energy price increases...

UK’s slowest broadband provider

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at misleading broadband advertising and runs down the worst offenders and slowest suppliers...

Britain's £26 billion secret inheritance

by Cliff D'Arcy | Pet owners want to leave huge sums to their furry friends, but what about the tax bill?

Don't get ripped off by energy firms

by Cliff D'Arcy | With price rises flooding in this week, here are six ways to pay less for gas and electricity.

Rural customers ripped off for broadband

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks at how broadband costs could be about to drop in countryside areas...

Published in July 2011

Ten legal ways to dodge tax

by Cliff D'Arcy | Don't hand over too much to the taxman. Instead, use these 10 legal ways to trim your taxes!

The big energy rip-off

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell hits the streets to get your take on the recent hikes in energy prices...

Ditch these mobile phone insurance policies

by Donna Ferguson | Which companies offer the best mobile phone insurance policies for iPhones and standard phones? Donna Ferguson investigates.

UK’s worst broadband provider

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at which internet provider scored the lowest in OFCOM’s latest customer service poll...

Why you don’t need mobile phone insurance!

by Donna Ferguson | You might not be able to live without your mobile, but does that actually mean you need mobile phone insurance? Donna Ferguson investigates.

Big energy hikes: now's the time to switch!

by Neil Faulkner | We show you that for brave customers energy is cheaper than it was two-and-a-half years ago, and remind you that waiting to switch costs you money.

Eight ways to get your next mobile contract for less

by Serena Cowdy | We show you how to get the phone contract you need at the lowest possible price.

The sly energy tariff trap

by Neil Faulkner | Can the minnows compete? We look at which suppliers top the tables and whether this might be just a little deceptive.

How to prevent your phone from being hacked

by John Fitzsimons | It's not just ropey journalists who employ a little phone hacking...

New rules to end this holiday rip-off

by Emma Lunn | The cost of using your mobile phone abroad is set to fall dramatically.

The dirtiest energy provider tricks

by Robert Powell | As British Gas hikes prices by almost 20%, we take a look at how to fight back against the dirtiest tricks pulled by energy providers...

Make £3,300 from your mobile phone

by John Fitzsimons | That phone in your pocket can make you some serious cash!

Energy suppliers manipulating customers

by Neil Faulkner | The latest energy price rises will occur in such a way as to wring more money out of the unsuspecting customers who regularly switch

Published in June 2011

The biggest way you’re losing money

by Rachel Wait | Failing to switch to a better deal could mean you’re losing £1,200 a year!

Pay nothing for your broadband

by John Fitzsimons | Many broadband providers offer months of free internet on their current deals. We take a closer look.

Beware - the taxman is on your tail!

by Harvey Jones | HMRC is clamping down on yet more areas where it believes we aren't paying enough tax.

Taxman clamping down on Inheritance Tax!

by John Fitzsimons | Revenue & Customs made an extra £70m in Inheritance Tax last year querying property valuations. Don’t get caught out!

Your landline is too expensive!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Why pay line rental of almost £167 a year to BT, when far cheaper options exist?

Get the best mobile phone coverage

by Rachel Wait | Fed up with receiving poor mobile coverage? Follow these top tips to improve it!

The return of the boiler scrappage scheme

by Emma Lunn | The British Gas boiler scrappage scheme is back, with the offer of £400 off a new energy efficient boiler. But is it worth going for?

Avoid this mobile spam scam

by Rachel Wait | More and more of us are being bombarded with spam text messages. Here’s how to fight back.

Fight back against rising broadband costs

by Cliff D'Arcy | For the first time since 2006, broadband is getting pricier. It's time to switch and save!

Published in May 2011

Cut the cost of using your mobile on holiday

by Rachel Wait | If you’re off on holiday soon, make sure you don’t get caught out by high mobile charges.

Why the EU is causing your mobile bill to go up

by John Fitzsimons | The EU has banned 36-month mobile contracts, in the name of choice and flexibility. But there will be a price to pay.

Five dirty tricks that affect us all

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks at five sneaky scams that energy companies try to pull on us....

The most unhappy broadband customers

by Rachel Wait | Fed up with your broadband speed? It might be time to move house!

Five sneaky mobile phone tricks

by Rosalind Kent | When you're next signing up for a mobile phone contract, don't get caught out by these five catches...

Why shopping at Tesco will cut your energy bill

by John Fitzsimons | Where you buy your groceries can make a big difference to your energy costs.

How to slash your council tax bill

by Rachel Wait | Find out how you cut down your council tax bills to a minimum!

The Green Deal loan: get £10,000 for making your home greener

by John Fitzsimons | If you want to improve your home's energy efficiency, the Government may have a stack of cash to help pay for it!

Seven easy ways to cut your living costs

by John Fitzsimons | Many of us spend more than we could each month. Here are seven ways to detox your finances, cut your outgoings and make sure you're richer this month!

Published in April 2011

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 your bills!

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 ten worst cities for broadband

by Rachel Wait | Find out which cities have come out bottom (and top) for mobile broadband speed...

Save a bundle of cash by bundling!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Could you save £300 a year by bundling broadband, phone and TV together?

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.

You’re wasting £200 a year on your mobile

by John Fitzsimons | Three quarters of us are on the wrong mobile phone tariff, and it's costing us dear.

Five frequently asked money questions

by Rachel Wait | We take a look at five popular money questions and provide you with the answers...

Published in March 2011

How to cut your Inheritance Tax bill

by John Fitzsimons | When you die, make sure you leave as much of your cash as possible to your loved ones, rather than the taxman, with these tips.

Here comes the spring energy rip-off!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The best gas and electricity tariffs expire now, turning millions of us into April Fools...

OFGEM proposals unlikely to do much good

by Neil Faulkner | As usual, OFGEM is sounding tough, but once again its latest review into energy prices won't make much difference, if any.

Switch your broadband in five easy steps

by Rachel Wait | If you’re thinking about switching your broadband provider, make sure you take a look at these top tips.

Six financial things you should do this spring!

by Rachel Wait | Now is the perfect time to give your finances a bit of a spring clean....

Published in February 2011

The best landline deals

by Rachel Wait | If you want to save money on your landline, take a look at these great deals.

The best SIM only mobile deals

by Rachel Wait | Save money on your mobile phone with a SIM only tariff.

Ten ways to save without realising!

by Rachel Wait | If you're having trouble finding enough spare cash to save, just follow these top ten tips!

The five worst money myths

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

Pay no gas bill for two months per year!

by Neil Faulkner | Save time and money with benefits from the biggest energy supplier.

You’re being overcharged for your gas!

by John Fitzsimons | Inaccurate gas meters mean millions of us are paying too much.

You’re wasting money on your broadband

by John Fitzsimons | Many of us are paying for download capacity that we just don’t use.

The Government wants to help you cut your energy bill!

by John Fitzsimons | The Government reckons the Green Deal will lead to increased energy efficiency and lower monthly bills. How will it work?

How to avoid tax...legally

by Sam Thewlis | Avoidance has become a dirty word in tax planning, even though it is actually completely legal. In fact, it is so widespread you may be a closet tax avoider and not even know it!