During the pandemic, we’ve received many enquiries from Manchester residents worried about their household budget. With changes to work, benefits, and additional expenses like higher energy bills, budgeting has become more important to many. 

Taking steps to cut your household expenses doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We talked to Lyn Ryan, one of our money advice caseworkers, to find out her top tips for cutting costs. 

Check your bank statements

It’s easy to forget small transactions, but they quickly add up. If you’re not sure where your money is going, take some time to look over your bank statements from the previous couple of months. Whether it’s midweek takeaways or bidding on eBay, getting a good idea of your outgoings is the first step in cutting your household expenses. 

You could also complete a weekly expenses diary to help build up a better understanding of your finances. Once you’ve worked out where you’re spending, it’s easier to identify areas to cut back.

Reduce top-up grocery shopping

We’re spending less on going out during the pandemic, so lots of us are treating ourselves with top-up food shops during the week. It may not seem like much, but multiple visits to convenience stores can have a big impact on your bank account. If you’re looking to cut your household expenses, start making a note of how often you’re buying groceries between your weekly or fortnightly ‘big shop’. You could also see if meal planning or changing your shopping schedule could help you to save money.

Shop around for insurance and utilities

Many of us only think about insurance when their policies are up for renewal, but since most people can save money by switching providers, it can be a good idea to begin comparing policies if you’re looking to reduce monthly expenditure. You may be paying for additional extras that you no longer need, so make sure to carefully check the fine print on your policy details!

You can also check how much you could save on heating and powering your home with our online tool. You may not need to change provider in order to pay less - you can speak to your existing energy supplier and find out whether they can offer a cheaper tariff. 

Contact us for budgeting help

You don’t have to wait until you’re in financial difficulty to contact us for information and advice. Our money advice team can help you with all finance-related queries, including budgeting. We can also talk through maximising your income and check whether you’re eligible for any benefits, trusts, or grants. 

If you need help or advice with money, you can contact our Adviceline free on 0808 278 7800 or explore our website to find out ways to get advice online.