Money
Five free and cheap products to avoid putting the heating on this winter including B&M and M&S must-haves
COLD winter nights will soon be upon us and many will be looking for cheap ways to stay warm without putting the heating on.
Energy bills are set to rise by around £149 a year because of Ofegm’s latest price cap.
Meanwhile, around 10 million pensioners have been left £300 out of pocket because of cuts made to the Winter Fuel Payment
The benefit has been taken away from all but the poorest pensioners in the country.
So if you are looking to stay warm on a budget this winter, it might be worth checking out these heating gadgets for under £20.
However, it is worth keeping in mind that The NHS currently advises to switch the heating on when temperatures dip below 15C.
This is because cooler temperatures can pose a health risk, particularly for older people.
If you are concerned about being able to switch your central heating on it is worth getting in touch with your local council or supplier for extra support.
1. M&S Supersoft Pocket Cushion – £15
This soft cushion could be the ticket for keeping you warm while the nights get longer.
It is lined with fleece and comes in a light stone colour, which can blend in with your other home decor.
If you find your hands feel the cold quite easily, then you might want to check this out as it comes with pockets that you can slide them into.
You can also use this as a head or lap warmer if you want to keep your hands free while you read or watch telly.
The pocket cushion costs £15 at M&S and is available to buy online and in-store, but you will have to factor in delivery costs if you purchase this through its website.
If you are in the market for something cheaper, Dunelm is selling something quite similar for £12.
Its Borg Heatable Hand Cosy comes with a heatable microwave bag that you warm up and put inside the fluffy hand warmer.
2. B&M neckband heater – £15.99
B&M is selling a heated neckband with four different warmth settings to keep you warm while you are on the go or at home.
It costs £15.99 and comes with a USB charger, which means you can save money on replacing batteries.
This is available to buy in B&M stores, but is worth ringing up ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
The exact temperature to set your thermostat
ENERGY bills remain relatively high leaving many worrying over the thermostat.
Energy experts have revealed the exact temperature to set it at so that you can save cash and still keep warm.
When it comes to your thermostat, the Energy Saving Trust recommends you should set it to the “lowest comfortable temperature”.
For the majority of us, this is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.
It’s just the right balance between keeping your home warm, and keeping those energy bills as low as possible.
If you have your thermostat set at a higher temperature you can probably afford to turn it down and still keep cosy.
Of course, there are exceptions like anyone who is in ill health, and there is support available to cover extra costs.
Just by turning down the temp by a single degree, you could save as much as £100 a year.
If you cut it by more you will obviously make even bigger savings.
The Energy Saving Trust also says that you don’t need to turn your thermostat up when it is colder outside, the house will still heat up to the set temperature.
You can find your nearest B&M store by visiting the store finder section of its website,
Another hack to save money this winter is to charge your devices during off-peak hours.
Energy prices are more expensive during peak hours because of increased demand on the energy grid, which makes it more pricey for energy providers to provide electricity.
Energy is cheaper for firms to provide when demand is lower, and so is cheaper for customers.
3. Primark Snuddie – £16
These oversized hooded blankets are not only on trend but a practical way to keep warm this winter.
Primark has brought out a range which starts at £16 and comes in a number of colours and patterns for men and women.
You can order online via click-and-collect or buy from one of Primark’s 191 stores across the UK.
If you are on the hunt for a bargain, Sports Direct is selling a plain snuggle hoodie for £6.99.
B&Q is also selling something very similar for £14.99 but it is only available for home delivery, so you will have to factor in delivery charges.
4. Dunelm Borg Heated Foot Warmer – £15
Buying a heated foot warmer can be another way to keep warm without putting on your heating.
Dunelm is selling one of these devices for £15 online and in-store.
It comes with a removable microwave heat pack that you warm up and then place back in the warmer.
This appears to be the cheapest foot warmer currently on the market.
But if you do not fancy running to the microwave multiple times a day, you can buy a plug-in foot warmer from Argos for £40.
5. Octopus electric blanket – free
Octopus Energy is handing out freebies such as electric blankets as part of its Octo Assist fund.
Analysis by the firm shows that customers with electric blankets saw a 20% fall in their gas bill, while only increasing their electricity usage by 0.2% – adding up to an average saving of £150 across winter
Customers can get an electric blanket from Octoupus if they are facing financial hardship.
You must apply online for the scheme and the company will assess whether or not you qualify.
The energy firm, which serves six million customers, is also loaning thousands of thermal imaging cameras to customers so that they can find spots in their homes where heat was escaping.
Once those draughts are identified, people can then look into ways to get them fixed and thus reduce their energy usage.
What other support is available?
If you fear you may struggle to afford your energy costs this winter, you should note some of the other financial help available.
Many of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers have grants in place to support struggling customers.
Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the supplier, while the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
The country’s biggest supplier, British Gas, previously had an energy grant scheme in place, with the hardest-pressed households receiving a grant of up to £2,000.
The firm has also launched a debt reduction scheme called “You Pay: We Pay”.
Struggling customers will also be able to get part of their debts wiped via what’s known as “debt matching”.
For instance, if a customer pays £100, British Gas will pay off £100 too, effectively wiping half the amount owed and getting the customer back on track sooner.
The £15million scheme opened in June and eligible customers have been contacted directly.
Elsewhere, EDF has a customer support fund which on average wipes £1,250 off customers’ bills.
It is available to vulnerable customers experiencing hardship.
To apply, visit EDF’s website and make sure you have details of your account number (find it on your energy bills or EDF emails) and the current debt balance on all EDF accounts you have.
Check directly with your supplier to see what help is available from them.
You should also be aware of the government’s £150 Warm Home Discount and Household Support Fund.
The Sun previously rounded up all the energy bill help worth £5,710 that you could be eligible to claim, which you can read here.
Money
How to qualify for winter fuel payment if your income is higher than £218 a week
MILLIONS of households are no longer eligible for this year’s winter fuel payments.
However, hundreds of thousands of households could secure the cash if they launch a claim for pension credit before the December deadline.
In the past, winter fuel payments worth up to £300 were available to everyone aged 66 and above.
However, after Labour’s election victory, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced cuts limiting winter fuel payment eligibility to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
To be eligible for this year’s payment, you must have an active claim for the benefits mentioned above during the “qualifying week,” which runs from 16 to 22 September (this week).
Most households automatically receive the winter fuel payment, including those on pension credit.
However, 800,000 households are thought to be missing out on pension credit, which unlocks their eligibility for this year’s winter fuel payment.
As new claims for pension credit can be backdated by up to three months, you can still apply now and qualify for this year’s winter fuel payment.
The absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify is December 21.
Pension credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This is known as “guarantee credit”.
If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
What if my income is higher?
If your income is slightly higher than the following rates, you might still be eligible for pension credit:
- Single: £218 a week
- Couple: £333 a week
For example, single applicants might still be eligible if their weekly income is under £235.
And those in couples may still get it if they earn under £350 a week.
Those with disabilities, who care for someone, or who get help with their housing costs could still qualify.
For example, if you claim attendance allowance, the threshold at which you can qualify for pension credit rises by £82 a week.
The benefit is open to people over state pension age who need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability.
The income you receive through attendance allowance is not counted towards your eligibility for pension credit.
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
ATTENDANCE allowance offers cash support to those over the state pension age who need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability.
It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
Those on the lower rate receive £72.65 per week, while those with more serious illnesses can get £108.55 per week.
This works out as £434 a month or £5,208 a year.
It’s thought that up to 1.1million state pensioners are missing out on this support.
To apply, you’ll need to download the attendance allowance claims form by visiting gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim.
If you claim carer’s allowance, the threshold at which you can qualify for pension credit also rises by £46 a week.
Those who receive help with their housing costs could also still be eligible for pension credit even if they breach the earnings thresholds.
For example, you could get an extra amount to cover your housing costs, such as:
- Ground rent if your property is a leasehold
- Some service charges
- Charges for tents and site rents
The exact amount you could get depends on your housing costs.
However, if you’re found to be eligible for pension credit, it could unlock your ability to qualify for the following extra support:
- Council tax reduction
- Housing benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Support for mortgage interest if you own the property you live in
What about savings?
If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments, this will not affect your eligibility for pension credit.
If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week.
For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.
APPLY FOR PENSION CREDIT
PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This is known as “guarantee credit”.
If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions, the winter fuel payment and the Warm Home Discount.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
You can apply any time after you reach state pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months.
This means you can get up to three months of pension credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
To apply, you’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to
You’ll also need your bank account details. Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
Applications can be made online by visiting gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.
If you’d prefer to apply over the phone, you can do so by calling the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Money
Martin Lewis explains how to stop your energy bill rising next week – and what will happen to prices in 2025
MARTIN Lewis has revealed how you can stop your energy bills from rising next week and whether they will go up or down in 2025.
The consumer champion featured as a co-host on ITV‘s Good Morning Britain yesterday morning.
And the MoneySavingExpert.com website founder used his platform to reveal how households can save money on their energy bills from October 1 when the new price comes into effect.
The new price cap, which affects about 28million households, will see the average family’s bill rise to £1,717 from £1,568 a year – a £149 hike.
But, Martin said, you can beat the hike by locking in a fixed-rate energy deal which is lower than the price cap.
Responding to a viewer question on whether they should lock in a fixed tariff with Octopus Energy for 15 months, he replied that it could save them money.
Read more on Martin Lewis
He explained this is because wholesale energy costs, which is what energy firms are charged, are falling so there are fixed deals on the market cheaper than the price cap, which was decided in August.
“Energy is going up (in price), it’s not going down,” he said.
“It’s going up on the first of October. It’s likely to come down a tiny bit in January but still be a lot more than it is now.
He added: “Bizarrely, energy prices are going up if you’re on the price cap, but the cheapest rates available if you are going to switch (and fix) are coming down.”
The consumer champion went on to reveal some of the best fixed deals currently on the market will be up to 9.4% cheaper than the new price cap coming into effect on October 1.
The advice came as he revealed what is predicted to happen to energy prices from 2025 based on wholesale costs.
The consumer champion said while energy bills are expected to rise by around 10% from next week, they will fall by 2% in January then a further 1% in April, based on predictions from EDF.
Bear in mind though that these are just predictions for what will happen to energy prices and aren’t guaranteed.
How to get help with energy bills
Locking in a fixed-rate energy deal ahead of prices rising next week is one way to cut the cost of energy.
There is a host of help on offer to cover costs over the colder months, including the Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount.
Both schemes are means-tested though, which means you will have to be on certain benefits to qualify.
But, in total, they are worth up to £450 which could massively help.
If you are struggling to cover the cost of your energy bills or have fallen into arrears, you might be able to get a free grant.
British Gas, ScottishPower, EDF and Utilita all have schemes offering customers up to £2,000.
You also might be eligible for help with energy bills via the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is worth £421million.
The new round will run from October until March next year, but many councils are yet to announce what type of help will be on offer.
However, in previous rounds, local authorities have given households in need energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers and free cash.
Contact your local council, which you can find using the Government’s online council locator tool, to find out what help is on offer.
It’s worth checking if your energy firm has any targeted support on offer based on your circumstances too.
For example, Octopus Energy is handing out 20,000 electric blankets to customers in need this winter.
When does the price cap change?
OFGEM reviews the cap on unit rates for those on the default tariff every three months.
This means the energy price cap can move up or down at four different points in the year.
Price cap rates are updated on the following dates:
- January 1
- April 1
- July 1
- October 1
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Money
How ‘anti-tax’ advice is failing clients – and society
As financial planners, much of our time is spent explaining the different tax implications of decisions clients may make, alongside changing allowances, and putting together effective financial jigsaws to meet their objectives.
We all want to make sensible use of tax-free allowances, such as Isas and pensions, while controlling the capital gains tax we pay and, ultimately, the inheritance tax our beneficiaries may pay.
However, while many seek reassurance they’ll have enough money for the rest of their lives, there are some who already know they will. These people may have a different relationship with tax.
I’m afraid the findings are incriminating – never has there been such a clear bias within an industry
There is a movement developing to address systemic inequality, focusing on who holds wealth, how it was accumulated and how it is used.
I’ve recently been introduced to some fascinating organisations leading this charge, including Patriotic Millionaires UK and the Good Ancestor Movement, from which the Progressive Advisors’ Movement has developed.
As a financial planner specialising in what our firm calls ‘thoughtful investment’, not only was I personally interested in the work of these organisations, but I also believed many of our ethically-minded clients would engage with the themes.
The first major piece of work the Progressive Advisors’ Movement has undertaken is an analysis of how our financial services industry in the UK approaches tax.
Some clients see paying tax as a civic duty and a way to give back to the society that helped them succeed
The ‘language of tax’ research covers the likes of tax planners, accountants, financial advisers and investment management firms, considering these questions:
- How do we talk about tax?
- What do our websites say?
- How do we sell our services?
I’m afraid the findings are incriminating – never has there been such a clear bias within an industry.
Many talk about tax as something scary and complex that only professional advisers can navigate, which can disempower clients and potentially make them overly reliant on their advisers.
Most firms in this sector talk about tax as something to be avoided, even if it means tangling up clients’ affairs in complicated trusts or other arrangements. There’s a tendency for advisers to assume clients always want to maximise tax savings, regardless of the resulting complexity.
But not all clients want this.
More and more people – who have more than they need – are content paying tax and, in fact, prefer the simplicity of avoiding complicated family trusts and estate planning.
We all have a part to play in challenging industry assumptions, providing clients with what they want rather than what we assume they want
As advisers, our job is to listen to clients and provide services that align with both their financial and ethical goals.
This report challenges decades-old industry assumptions, reminding us that some clients – particularly those with significant wealth – see paying tax as a civic duty and a way to give back to the society that helped them succeed.
The Progressive Advisors’ Movement has helped me see the payment of tax has democratic outcomes in a way personal philanthropy does not.
Often, high-net-worth clients will also give money away. However, philanthropy is less democratic than paying tax, as the donor decides what to support and to what extent, thereby retaining the power and the recognition and status along the way (it may not be surprising to know many of our lovely clients prefer to give anonymously).
By seeking to increase the tax you pay, you are, in effect, supporting the wider civil structures that prop up society.
There is a movement developing to address systemic inequality, focusing on who holds wealth, how it was accumulated and how it is used
The Progressive Advisors’ Movement is working to drive cultural change within the professional services industry, and I’m proud to be part of a group dedicated to thinking about these issues. I am also honoured to have clients who consider not just themselves but also the broader impact their wealth has on society.
Advisers must reconsider how we approach the thorny issue of tax planning with clients, both individually and at a firm level.
This doesn’t need to be a value judgement but a reminder that a client’s objectives should be led by the client, not the adviser. We all have a part to play in challenging industry assumptions, providing clients with what they want rather than what we assume they want and supporting the growth of a more tax proud culture in the UK.
Olivia Bowen is partner, client advice, at Castlefield
Money
Supermarket own-brand baked beans named better than Heinz and Branston – it’s not Tesco or Lidl
A SUPERMARKET’s own-label baked beans have beaten family-favourite brands including Heinz and Branston in a taste test.
The favourite cupboard staple was ranked top by a team of 66 testers, put together by consumer experts Which?.
The panel ranked 10 variations of baked beans from top supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, as well brands Branston and Heinz.
Each was given a score out of 100 based on 50% flavour, 20% appearance, 20% aroma and 10% texture.
In the final scores, there was less than 10% between the winner and lowest scorer.
However, the top spot was taken by Aldi Bramwell’s Baked Beans, with an overall score of 76%.
The panel thought the beans looked good, had an appealing aroma, and three-quarters said the strength of flavour was perfect.
Just behind with a score of 75% was Branstons Baked Beans.
The panel said these beans looked appetising and the strength of flavour satisfied seven 70% tasters. The level of sweetness was enjoyed by a similar number of tasters.
In third and fourth spots were the Co-Op’s Baked Beans and Asda’s Baked Beans, with scores of 74% and 73%, respectively.
Heinz Beanz was voted into fifth place with an overall score of 72%.
The panel thought the big brand beans looked good and had a pleasing texture, but the aroma was less well liked than others, and just over a third (35%) thought the sauce was too thin.
If you get through two tins per week, switching from Heinz beans to Aldi’s offering could save you over £100 per year, as a year’s supply of Aldi baked beans comes in at £42.64 versus £145.60 for Heinz – a £103 saving.
The overall scores were close, but there were bigger variations on individual parts of the scoring.
For example, M&S Baked Beans had a score of 67%, but less than half (45%) were satisfied with the strength of flavour, while a third wanted them to be sweeter.
Aldi and Branston have now both earned Which?’s Best Buy endorsement and Aldi also has the Great Value backing too.
Lidl‘s own-label items are usually included on taste tests, but the supermarket told Which? there is variation in the product recipe due to dual supply, so it wasn’t tested this time.
Brand
Score
Aldi Bramwell’s Baked Beans
76%
Branstons Baked Beans
75%
Co-op Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
74%
Asda Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce
73%
Heinz Beanz
72%
Waitrose Essential Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
72%
Sainsbury’s Baked Beans in Tasty Tomato Sauce
71%
Tesco Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
70%
Morrisons Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
68%
M&S Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce
67%
Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “Baked beans are a staple for many households and our results show you don’t have to pay a premium for the best taste.
“Choosing supermarket own-label groceries is not only a great way to save money, but our tests prove that you can end up with a better tasting product and can save over £100 a year by making the switch.”
The Sun team has recently taste tested tinned pasta and boxed wines.
How to save on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Money
All the money changes coming in October including new energy price cap and mobile phone roaming rules
AS we head into October and the temperature drops, many of us are thinking about putting the heating on and preparing for winter.
But several key financial changes this month, including higher energy bills thanks to a new energy price cap, mean we need to keep an eye on our cash, too.
The next 31 days are very busy from a monetary perspective, with everything from the first Labour government’s Budget – where it will announce new money and tax policies – to the last days to take advantage of supermarket Christmas savings schemes.
Fortunately, we’ve rounded up all the important deadlines you need to be aware of, as well as anything you need to do.
October 1 – Energy price cap
Every three months, energy regulator Ofgem sets its new price cap. This is the maximum that people on variable tariffs can be charged per unit of energy.
The next cap kicks in on October 1.
From that date until the end of the year, a typical household using both electricity and gas and paying by direct debit will see their energy costs rise by £149 per annum.
This is a 10% increase, which means an extra £12 added to the average monthly bill.
However, the new cap is 6% cheaper than this time last year, saving you about £117 compared to last year’s price of £1,834.
Your bill will vary based on how much energy you use, where you live, and what kind of meter you have.
So, while the new headline cap is around £1,717, this can vary depending on whether you use more or less energy than a typical household.
You can find more details about the new price cap here, including costs per unit of energy and when to take a meter reading.
October 1 – Ofcom new rules for phone providers
Starting from October 1, new rules from the communications regulator, Ofgem, will help mobile phone users avoid surprise charges when using their phones abroad.
The new rules require mobile providers to inform customers when they start roaming and to protect them from accidental roaming, which happens when you unintentionally connect to another country’s network while travelling near a border.
They will also need tell you about spending caps and direct you to free information about roaming costs in your current location.
You can read more about the legislation and what it means for you in our round up here.
October 5 – deadline to register for self-assessment
If you need to do a self-assessment tax return for the first time this year, you must register by October 5.
Reasons you might need to self-assess include if you’ve become self-employed, if your side hustle earned you more than £1,000 in a tax year, if you need to pay the high-income child benefit charge, if you’ve made money from savings and investments, or if you’ve started earning more than £150,000.
If any of these things happened to you between April 6, 2023 and April 5, 2024, then you must register.
Failure to do so may mean you cannot file your return and pay on time, which could lead to a hefty fine.
Find out exactly what you need to do and how to register in our guide. Applying is quick and easy using the Government’s online tool.
October 7 – Fraud APP rules
Starting from this month, people who fall victim to Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams will be able to get as much as £415,000 back from their banks.
The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is now requiring financial institutions to pay back scam victims, which is a change from the previous system where reimbursement was voluntary.
The rule change has also put more onus on the banks that receive APP fraud money as they will be responsible for repaying half.
Victims need to let their banks know about the scam within 13 months and provide any information the bank needs to investigate.
Learn more about the new rules here.
October 16 – inflation figures announced
On October 16, we find out the inflation rate for September, which is very important for a two key reasons.
First, it helps decide how much the State Pension will go up by from April next year as part of the Government’s triple-lock promise.
The triple lock ensures the State Pension rises each year in line with inflation, average earnings of 2.5% – whichever is highest.
Second, it affects how much benefits, like Universal Credit, and Tax Credits for working age people, will increase by from next year.
October 4 – Winter Fuel Payment phone applications open
From this date, the Winter Fuel Payment Centre will accept phone claims from people who are eligible to receive the payment for the first time.
This year, only people who claim Pension Credit and certain other benefits will be eligible, so check if you could benefit.
You can call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
October 16 – Last day for Tesco Christmas Clubcard Saver
Tesco’s Clubcard Christmas Saver lets customers save money and earn bonuses.
How much you get depends on what you save, and to get the maximum amount of £12 you need to stash away at least £200.
In November, customers will get vouchers matching the value of the money saved and any bonuses received.
These can then be used during the Christmas season, either in stores, online, or through the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app.
You can also use them for fuel at Tesco and Esso stations with Tesco Express.
The last day to add qualifying savings is October 17, 2024.
The Clubcard and top-up vouchers are good for 2 years, while the bonus vouchers are good for 3 months.
Find out more about supermarket saver schemes and their pitfalls here.
5 Money-saving tips for autumn/winter
1. Draught-proof your home
It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.
2. Dial down your thermostat
According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!
3. Move furniture around
Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.
4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin
Unless it’s bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.
5. Heat the person not the home
There’s not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.
October 30 – Budget (also called Autumn Statement)
On October 30, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will give her first Budget.
This is when the government’s shares updates on its tax and spending plans – which could impact your finances.
At this time of year it would normally be called an Autumn Statement, but as it is the new government’s first, it is being called a formal Budget.
Ms Reeves has already warned that there will be tax rises, which experts speculate could include changes to inheritance tax, pensions rules, capital gains tax, and even fuel duty.
This is to plug a £22billion “black hole” in the country’s finances, Ms Reeves has said.
You can read more about what changes are expected here.
October 31 – deadline for paper tax returns
Around half a million people still fill in a paper tax return each year. If you’re one of them, you need to hand it in by October 31.
If you want to do an online return instead you have until January 31.
Missing both deadlines means a fine, and if you don’t pay up on time, you’ll have to pay interest and further fines.
October 31 – Last chance to buy Morrisons Christmas saver stamps
The Morrisons Christmas saver scheme gives you a bonus for the money you save.
The maximum bonus is £6 if you save £197 through the programme.
To earn the extra cash, you need to make sure your savings are in your account by October 31.
Christmas Saver stamps bought after that date will count towards your savings for Christmas 2025.
Once you’ve saved your money and received your bonus, you’ll get a voucher that you can use to shop in-store or online.
Read more about the downfalls of saver schemes and how to avoid them here.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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Millions of energy customers have just DAYS to submit a meter reading or risk higher bills
THE clock is ticking for millions of households to submit a meter reading to avoid paying over the odds for their energy use.
Bill payers have until October 1 to get an up-to-date reading before the energy price cap jumps by 10%.
Under the changes, the average dual fuel bill paid by direct debit will jump by £149 from £1,568 to £1,717, under the cap set by industry regulator Ofgem.
It’s important to submit a meter reading as rates change to make sure all energy use up to that point is charged at the lower rate.
The exact deadline for submitting readings differs depending on your supplier and some will allow you to backdate the reading from the date it was meant to be submitted.
In some cases, you have an extra two weeks to submit a reading.
Read more on energy bills
If customers don’t provide a meter reading, they will be given an estimated bill.
In this case, some of your energy usage ahead of October 1 could be charged at the new higher rate.
Giving an exact reading at the time the rates change prevents this from happening.
If you have a smart meter, you don’t need to take a reading as information is automatically sent to your supplier.
However, you should do a quick check to make sure it is working properly and reporting your usage accurately.
There’s also no need to submit a meter reading if you’re on a fixed energy tariff or have a traditional prepayment meter.
The looming price rises are a blow for struggling households after energy bills fell to a two-year low at the beginning of July.
The energy price cap is reviewed every three months and it’s important to submit a reading each time.
This stops you being overcharged or even underpaying, which could mean having to pay more further down the line.
Here are the deadlines suppliers have confirmed to The Sun for submitting meter reads as the energy price cap changes.
British Gas customers can submit their meter readings up until October 14.
This can be done through an online account, through the British Gas app, over the phone or through a form on the firm’s website.
You can call British Gas on 0330 100 0056 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
EDF customers will be able to back date their meter reads at any time up to and including Wednesday October 9.
Customers will be able to leave meter reads via the EDF App, or online via their MyAccount. Readings can also be submitted via telephone, email or by text and WhatsApp.
Octopus Energy customers have until the end of October 8 to submit their meter readings.
Meter readings can be submitted through online accounts, a form on the provider’s website, app or email.
Customers can submit their meter readings via the app, online account, phone, Whatsapp or webchat at any time.
Scottish Power has no deadline for meter readings. Customers can update meter readings as and when they wish to provide them.
If you are on a standard variable or default tariff with Scottish Power, then the energy price cap will automatically apply.
However, if your prices need to increase as a result, there’s no need to contact them.
Scottish Power said: “We’ll write to you by letter or email to let you know what your new prices will be before the change takes place.”
HOW TO TAKE A METER READING
If you don’t your supplier a regular meter reading your bills will be based on estimated energy use.
This can mean paying more than necessary or underpaying and then having to make bigger payments later.
Taking a meter reading should only take a minute, and once you have noted down the figures you can usually give to your provider by text, online or through an app.
Look up the individual options with your own supplier.
It’s a good idea to take a quick picture of your meter reading when you submit it – just in case you need it as evidence in any disputes that arise.
Exactly how you take a meter reading depends on the type of meter you have.
Electricity meters
If you have a digital electricity meter, you will just see a row of six numbers – five in black and one in red.
Take down the five numbers in black-you don’t need the red number.
If you are on an Economy 7 or 10 tariff which gives you cheaper electricity at night – you will have two rows of numbers and need both.
If you have a traditional dial meter you will need to read the first five dials from left to right, again you don’t need the red ones.
If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower figure and if it is between nine and zero write down the number nine.
If the dial is directly over a number, write down that number and underline it.
If you’ve underlined a number, check the next dial to the right.
If the pointer on that dial is between nine and zero, reduce the number you’ve underlined by one.
For example, if you originally wrote down five, change it to four.
Gas meters
If you have a digital metric meter showing five numbers and then a decimal place, you only need to write down the first five numbers from left to right.
If you have a digital imperial meter, your meter will read four black numbers and two red numbers – note down the four black numbers only.
If you have a dial gas meter, follow the same steps as the dial electricity meter, but you don’t need to follow the process of underlining figures.
How do I calculate my energy bill?
BELOW we reveal how you can calculate your own energy bill.
To calculate how much you pay for your energy bill, you must find out your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type.
The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p/kWh.The standing charge is a daily charge that is paid 365 days of the year – irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity.
You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill.
Once you have these details, you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately.
Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p/kWh for the corresponding fuel type – this will give you your usage costs.
You’ll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage – this will then give you your annual costs.
Divide this figure by 12, and you’ll be able to determine how much you should expect to pay each month from April 1.
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