Cheap energy, broadband, phone and credit card deals can save you £1,000 a year
Save £1,000 with cheaper deals
Thursday, 18 Jan 2007 12:51
Switching to cheaper energy, broadband, phone and credit card deals can save you £1,000 in a year, Simplyswitch.com reveals.
British households could save as much as £200 on energy bills, £112 on landline phones, £360 on mobiles, £228 on broadband, and £185 on credit cards, the switching site calculates.
And Simplyswitch points out that if you can save this money, you should.
"People have better things to spend their money on than gas, electricity and telephone bills," said Karen Darby, Simplyswitch chief executive.
"While it can seem mundane, consumers should invest a few minutes each year to compare suppliers and their prices.
"Costs have changed so dramatically over the past 12 months that people would be surprised at the savings they could make."
Where the savings can be found:
Gas and electricity bills - £200
Energy prices have doubled in three years and there are large differences between the cheapest and the most expensive suppliers. Four million people switched last year (full story), and a first-time switcher can make considerable savings.
Home phones - £112
As more suppliers enter the home phone market prices fall faster and faster. The cheapest phone deal depends on an individual's calling pattern, but the average phone user who has not already switched can slash their bill by as much as 70 per cent.
Broadband - £228
Customers who have not moved from their first broadband provider should be able to find a new deal that is both cheaper and quicker. Additionally, from February 14th suppliers are required to provide a migration authorisation code making it easier than ever to switch.
Mobile phone - £360
Cash back deals from online retailers mean Britons can get hold of the latest handsets completely free - with up to 750 minutes and 150 texts a month included. But deals usually mean paying in full and signing at least a 12-month contract before claiming the money back.
Credit cards - £185
Using an interest-free credit card balance transfer Britons can save £185 on interest payments on the average balance, Simplyswitch calculates.