As households brace for higher winter bills amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, many UK families face a tighter festive season. Research from 2024 shows that an average person spent almost £600 on festive activities, with families relying on credit to cover costs. Many must find practical ways to stretch their money before Christmas.
Outfox Energy, the UK’s expert in affordable energy tariffs, has shared six straightforward tips to save up to £500 before the end of the year. Recent price comparisons show that switching to their cheapest fixed tariff could potentially cut bills by about £200 compared to the Ofgem price cap.
- Switch to a cheaper energy supplier
21 million households still paying the energy price cap could save up to £200 by switching to a fixed rate tariff, which offers one of the lowest rates on the market. The tariff keeps your bills steady, even when energy prices fluctuate, so families can plan what they spend with confidence. - Audit subscriptions
Review your subscriptions for telecoms, TV, and apps! Tools like the Emma App can help spot forgotten services that may be costing £50 to £100 or more each month. Cancel anything you no longer use to free up extra funds. - Use cashback apps
Smart shoppers can reclaim money through cashback and rewards apps on everyday purchases. This simple financial habit adds up over weeks, freeing up extra cash for essentials or festive treats. For more guidance on which platforms offer the best value, Money Saving Expert provides a useful comparison of top cashback sites. - Set no-spend days
Plan regular no-spend days in your calendar to encourage mindful budgeting. Cutting impulse buys helps households manage spending and reassess priorities. - Re-gift and DIY gifts
Sensible gift giving cuts costs dramatically. Reusing suitable presents or making personalised DIY gifts keeps the festive spirit intact without overspending. - Cook smart
Batch cooking and using leftovers reduce food waste and stretch meal budgets. Simple meal plans based on affordable staples save both time and money, all while keeping the family full.
Supporting figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) show average heating costs rise in winter, with typical UK households using about 36% more energy during colder months. Outfox Energy’s tariff comparison confirms their fixed plan stands roughly £200 cheaper than the current Ofgem price cap average.
“Families across the UK continue to feel the pinch as costs rise going into winter and the Christmas period,” says Alec Bastian, Director of Outfox Energy. “Our mission is to help households lock in the cheapest energy rates and offer clear advice that makes saving money straightforward and achievable.”
Alec Bastian continued, “Switching energy suppliers remains the single most effective way for families to reduce bills fast. Paired with smart budgeting habits like auditing subscriptions or setting no-spend days, these tips help really make a difference this Christmas.”
To make saving even easier, households can use independent tools like MoneySuperMarket or Uswitch to compare energy tariffs and see how much they could save by switching.
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