As the UK’s cost of living crisis shows no signs of abating, it’s no secret that, for many, keeping on top of the household budget is more of a priority than ever. Unfortunately, in today’s economy, it can be difficult to make ends meet – let alone save money.
However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your budget in check without making too many sacrifices. Regarding groceries, transport, utilities, and more, here are 7 expert tips for staying on top of your household budget.
Groceries
One of the biggest impacts on the household budget is the groceries. By planning out your meals for the week, you can avoid wasting food and spending too much money on ingredients that you may not use. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of sales, offers, discounts and coupons when possible.
Another way to save money on groceries is to buy in bulk. This may seem counterintuitive, but if you have the storage space, buying in bulk can actually save you a lot of money in the long run. This is because you’ll be able to take advantage of economies of scale and get discounts on larger purchases. Just make sure that you’re only buying what you will use, or you’ll end up wasting food and money.
If you’re keen to be super smart with your savings, then you should check out the supermarket price comparison website Trolley. Here, you can search for products or brands and find the lowest price in your area. Useful!
Transport
Another major household expense is transport. However, there are a few ways to reduce this cost, too. Should you live close to co-workers, consider carpooling. Or, should you not be too far from work, why not swap four wheels for two, and start cycling to work? You’ll be doing your bit for the environment, too.
You can also save money on gas by driving efficiently – avoid speeding and braking sharply, and plan out your routes in advance. Every little helps in this respect.
If you don’t have a car, there are ways you can cut the costs of your public transport use, too. As the guys at Which? Money suggest, there are three key ways to reduce your spend on trains and buses: set up alerts for advance tickets, which tend to be significantly cheaper, use a season ticket calculator to ensure you’re getting the best deal, and get a railcard which best suits your needs and budget.
Utilities
Another big expense for many people is utilities, and this is even more pertinent in 2025 with energy prices heading up. There are a few ways to reduce these spiralling costs.
Consider first the energy efficiency of your home; unplug appliances when they’re not in use, and install a smart power strip to automatically turn them off when you’re not at home. You could go further, if you have the money to invest initially, and upgrade your heating to a smart thermostat, which could help you save a whopping 31% on your heating costs.
Consider taking a look at your appliances, too, as some are surprisingly inefficient in terms of their energy usage. In such cases, it might be worth replacing them with newer models. In the spirit of energy efficiency, rather than witter on and waste your time, we’ll redirect you to this guide on some key electricity sucking home appliances.
Simple tricks like only filling and boiling the kettle with as much water as you need can save you money too.
Subscriptions & Memberships
It’s easy to lose track of all the subscriptions and memberships we sign up for – from streaming services to gym memberships, magazine subscriptions to cloud storage. Take time to audit all your recurring payments and cancel any you’re not actively using. Many people are surprised to discover they’re paying for services they’d forgotten about entirely!
Start by switching your broadband provider – this is often one of the easiest wins, as new customer deals can save you hundreds of pounds annually compared to standard rates. Most providers reserve their best offers for new customers, so don’t be afraid to switch when your contract ends.
Consider sharing other subscriptions where possible – many streaming services allow multiple users, and you could split the cost with family or friends. And, for gym memberships, look into pay-as-you-go options or outdoor exercise alternatives during warmer months. Set calendar reminders before free trials end to avoid unexpected charges, and always negotiate when renewal time comes around – many companies will offer discounts to retain customers.
DIY & Home Maintenance
Learning basic DIY skills can save you hundreds of pounds annually on home repairs and maintenance. Simple tasks like fixing a dripping tap, bleeding radiators, or resealing around baths and sinks can be done yourself with the help of online tutorials, saving costly callout fees.
Prevention is also key – regular maintenance like cleaning gutters, checking for drafts, and servicing boilers can prevent expensive emergency repairs down the line. Consider joining local tool libraries or borrowing from neighbours rather than buying expensive equipment you’ll rarely use. For bigger jobs, get multiple quotes and check if any work can be done during off-peak seasons when tradespeople may offer better rates.
Entertainment
The cost of ‘going out’ is going up, too. One of the easiest ways to save money on entertainment is to take advantage of free events in your area. For example, many cities have free concerts or movie screenings in parks during the summer, and fortunately in the UK, we’re blessed with plenty of options for free entry to art galleries and museums. London alone has hundreds of free-to-enter activities and attractions. The same goes for the UK’s other major urban centres.
Another way to save money on entertainment is to create your own fun at home. This could include having game nights with friends, hosting a potluck dinner party, or even just watching a movie marathon. Additionally, there are many free or low-cost streaming services that offer a wide variety of TV shows and movies – you don’t always need to go out to have a good time!
The Bottom Line
Keeping on top of your household budget certainly isn’t easy, but there are some small changes you can make to ensure you’re not overspending or wasting money.
