As the UK's cost of living crisis continues, many families will be forced to tighten their belts as prices soar to record highs.
Over the last few months, the nation has been hit with a series of price hikes, from council tax bills and mobile and broadband as well as mortgage payments. From April 1, energy bills hiked by a staggering 54% hitting over 22 million homes hard.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has put together a 'Survival Guide' as many families are forced to choose between eating or heating their homes under "catastrophic" rises. Within the guide he offered top hints and tips to help struggling families save much-needed cash.
The financial guru wrote: "On 1 April, the 54% rise in the energy price cap hit 22 million homes, a desperate, typical £700/year increase – catastrophic for those with the lowest incomes. Yet the pain stretches far further – when combined with all the other price rises, we will see a material drop in the standard of living for most on low to middle incomes.
"For some there is sadly no route to cut expenditure below income; that fix will need political intervention. For others, we need a collective endeavour, to work together to take financial pressures off where we can. And that is partly behind this guide."
Just some top tips include using a microwave rather than an oven as it's cheaper, keeping an eye on direct debits, offers on how to get free or cheap food and benefits available to you. Below is a short list of just some of the things you can do to help, but the full list can be found online here.
Heat the human, not the home
The tip is to keep yourself warm, from anything from hot water bottles to electric gilets. Mr Lewis' team put together a 'Heat the Human guide on the cheapest ways to keep warm. Some of which include USB gloves, heated insoles, reusable handwarmers and an electric blanket.
The financial guru said: " I felt sad when I asked the team to put this new Heat the human guide together, analysing the cheapest ways to keep warm. Yet I can't ignore my overflowing email-bag of people panicking that they can't afford their energy bill."
State pension top-up
Over 8,000 people will qualify for pension credit which is aimed at retired people and those on low incomes. This may also make you eligible for council tax discounts, free TV licenses and more. You can check if you are eligible here.
Make do and mend
Replacing items that are broken can result in an unexpected, and sometimes huge, financial loss. Whether it be a broken appliance or ripped clothing, the MSE team encourage people to lean on the community to fix things for free/a small donation such as attending local Repair Cafes. Or you could try picking up a new hobby and learning to mend items yourself.
Broadband and mobile bills
Many people in the UK are currently on 'older contracts' and are still paying the bog-standard full price, so the team are encouraging people to use comparison sites to find the best deals. Some of which could save you over £200 a year. It would also be useful to keep an eye out on the full list of social tariffs for those on a lower income.
Underpaid on minimum wage?
According to MSE, it is thought around half a million employees on minimum wage are being underpaid as their pay not cover the time they are classed as working or have to buy items for their job. This handy National minimum wage guide could come in useful here if you are owed money back.
Choosing between heating and eating?
You should contact your local authority to see if you are eligible for the Household Support Fund which is there to help people cover their essential costs. It does not cover just those on benefits and is not actually up and running everywhere, but contact your local council to see if they can help.
Period products
The tampon tax has been previously abolished but many people are forced to spend over £100 a year on essential products. There are many services out there to help with period poverty such as asking for an emergency package for Sandy in Morrisons.
