Small steps for household money
A clearer plan for your household bills
Work out what needs attention, compare the real cost of a new deal and put the next renewal in your calendar. Start with one task, then come back to the rest.
Start here: if you cannot cover essential bills, get free debt help first. Otherwise, check your budget and support entitlements before comparing contracts. Include all fees and price changes, then save a date to review your next renewal.
Free to use · No account needed · Saving is optional and stays in this browser
1. Choose what to check
A practical order: deal with urgent bills, understand your budget, check support, then compare contracts.
Your household checklist
0 of 7 completedChecklist guide links open in a new tab so your current entries stay here. Links to the comparison and reminder move down this page.
Use bank statements and include annual bills, repairs, travel and other irregular costs. The budget planner converts different payment frequencies into a monthly picture.
Open the budget planner → (opens in a new tab)Review help you may qualify for, even if you are working. Use the guidance for your circumstances and nation; an estimate is not an award decision.
Explore eligibility and support → (opens in a new tab)Check the people counted in your household and your council's reduction scheme. Rules and application routes differ between England, Scotland and Wales; ask your council about your circumstances.
Review Council Tax discounts → (opens in a new tab)Use annual kWh from a bill, unit rates and standing charges. A Direct Debit is a payment towards your bill, not a guaranteed annual cost. Check any exit fee before changing tariff.
Compare energy tariff costs → (opens in a new tab)Find the contract end date, future price changes, coverage or speed and any handset balance. Check social tariff eligibility before comparing a new retail deal. Use the full-cost comparison below for fixed monthly charges.
Check social tariffs and contract changes → (opens in a new tab)Compare the same service over the same number of months. Include setup fees, price changes and the cost of leaving your current contract. Confirm terms and affordability with the provider.
Compare two household deals →Use a date early enough to allow for your contract's notice period. Download a calendar event below, import it and check the reminder setting in your calendar app.
Create a renewal reminder →
Keep your progress
Saving is optional and stores the checklist, comparison prices and renewal details only in this browser. Anyone using this browser profile may be able to see them. Nothing syncs between devices; clearing site data removes the saved plan. Use a general renewal label, without account numbers.
2. Compare the full cost of two deals
For fixed monthly household services, such as broadband or SIM-only plans. Compare the same service over the same period. Starting prices are illustrative: replace every figure with your quote, including VAT where payable. This does not search the market or recommend a provider.
Use the energy tariff comparator (opens in a new tab) for unit rates and usage. A mortgage, loan or financed handset needs a separate credit calculation.
If a price will not change, set “Months at first price” to the whole comparison period. Only include fees payable from now onwards. If there are several price rises, cashback conditions or usage charges, calculate those separately; this tool models one price change per deal.
New deal costs £55.00 less over 12 months.
| Cost | Keep current | Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payments | £420.00 | £300.00 |
| One-off fees | £0.00 | £25.00 |
| Leave current deal | £0.00 | £40.00 |
| Total for 12 months | £420.00 | £365.00 |
Current: 12 × £35.00 + 0 × £35.00 + £0.00 fees. New: 6 × £20.00 + 6 × £30.00 + £25.00 fees + £40.00 exit fee.
A lower total does not establish suitability. Check service quality, eligibility, minimum contract length, notice periods, planned price increases and whether you can afford each payment. Compare at least the whole new minimum term to understand its commitment.
3. Put a renewal in your calendar
Add your renewal or review date and download an all-day calendar event. The file requests an alert in advance; it does not create an email subscription or change your contract. For a long notice period, choose an earlier review date.
Import the downloaded file into Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Outlook or another compatible app. Check that it appears on the correct date and that alerts are enabled. Your calendar service may sync the imported title and date. Money Guide does not send reminders, verify your date or keep the calendar event updated.
View UK tax and money deadlines (new tab) →What to gather before you compare
- Your current bill, contract end date, notice period and any exit fee.
- The proposed deal's full price schedule, minimum term, setup charges and service details.
- For energy, annual usage in kWh and unit rates rather than just your Direct Debit.
- For a household budget, annual and occasional spending as well as monthly bills.
Keep contracts and account details in your own records. You do not need to enter names, addresses, account numbers or passwords here. See our switching guide for service-specific steps and our privacy policy for how the site handles data.
Common questions
- Where should I start if I cannot afford my bills?
- Start with free debt advice and contact the organisation you owe. Use the budget planner to understand the shortfall and check support. Switching may help future costs, but does not clear existing arrears.
- Does the deal comparison include fees and price rises?
- It includes the first monthly price, a second price for the remaining months, one-off fees and an exit fee for leaving your current deal. You enter every figure. It does not fetch live offers, forecast inflation, check eligibility or model more than one price change.
- Is my checklist saved automatically?
- No. Choose Save on this device to keep a snapshot of your selections, completed tasks, comparison figures and renewal details in this browser. Use Resume saved plan to restore it. Nothing syncs between devices; you can delete the saved snapshot.
- Will Money Guide send me a renewal reminder?
- No. Download the .ics calendar event, import it into your own calendar, and check its reminder and notification settings. The event requests an alert before the date you choose; support and delivery depend on your calendar app. It does not renew or cancel a contract.