26 Family Finance & Legal Counting costs


From cutting energy bills to fi nding bargains, these money-saving tips will help families save this winter. Words: Jack Carter


Invest in a heated blanket To save yourself from turning on the heating, especially while working from home, plug in your electric blanket to keep warm — it’ll cost between 2p-4p an hour. Remember, you don’t have to keep the blanket on all day and a 45-minute blast could provide a few hours’ worth of heat, especially as many modern electric blankets are designed to retain their warmth.


Get water-saving gadgets to cut energy bills Many UK water fi rms are handing out free water-saving gadgets, such as shower heads, tap inserts and garden hose nozzles, that could help slash your bills. Some water companies will ask you to apply for them directly, while others will ask you to answer a short survey to ensure they send you the devices that best suit your specifi c needs.


Access free period products In 2021, Scotland announced its nationwide scheme allowing anyone who needs period products to get them free of charge. T ose in Scotland can visit their local council website to order a free package of supplies; students can also access them in schools, colleges, and universities. Elsewhere in the UK,


there are other initiatives available to help with period poverty. At supermarket chain Morrisons, for instance, customers who ask for a ‘Package for Sandy’ will be given an envelope of sanitary products, no questions asked.


Buy reusable nappies over disposable ones T e Times Money Mentor reports that parents can spend up to £25 on nappies in the fi rst month alone. Finding a cheaper alternative could make a signifi cant diff erence to your monthly budget. In fact, some studies estimate that families could save between £100 and £1,000 by switching to cloth nappies, with even greater savings if they’re then reused for additional children.


Draught-proof your windows and doors Old houses — particularly those with a chimney —tend to be bad at keeping warm air inside and preventing cold air from entering. Draught-proofi ng your windows and doors could be a wise investment, with the Energy Saving Trust estimating that it could save you around £35 a year in Great Britain and £50 in Northern Ireland. An even cheaper option is to purchase a few draught excluders


to prevent air fl owing between the gaps under your door.


Find bargains on Facebook Marketplace T e platform can be a great place to fi nd good-quality second-hand items. People put their own stuff up for sale, and a lot of it is in surprisingly good shape. You could fi nd everything from mattresses to baby cots or even a car with low mileage, all being off ered at very reasonable prices.


Upgrade to energy-saving light bulbs Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last 10 times longer. Swapping incandescent light bulbs for energy- saving oneswill help reduce your energy bills as well as lowering your carbon footprint.


Switch your electronic appli-


ances off standby Did you know your chargers continue to use power even when they’ve fi nished charging your phone and tablet? T e Energy Saving Trust estimates that the average household in Britain spends £40 (£70 in Northern Ireland) each year powering appliances left on standby.


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Here to help you in life With offi ces in London, Kent and Surrey, Wellers’ team of trusted experts are here to support you and your family. T ey off er expert guidance through any family law matters, ensuring you and your chil- dren’s best interests are anticipated and protected, now and in the future.


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