Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, is helping Britons save money as the weather turns and the winter temperatures set in, meaning energy bills are getting bigger.
British Gas has launched rare, far cheaper dual-fuel direct debit deals open to anyone who pays by direct debit.
But speaking on Good Morning Britain today, Martin advised customers if you are an existing customer you will not get the new tariff automatically – you have to ask to move to it.
He said: “These will save most BG existing customers over £100 and guarantee no price hikes for at least a year, though you can save much, much, more with other suppliers – and I think you should.
“Yet about 60% of people stick with their existing firm, so if you’re with British Gas and won’t do anything else, at least do this.”
Martin explained there are two new tariffs – British Gas Online Jan 19 fixed deal and Sainsbury’s energy’s (which is British Gas just a different name) ‘Price Freeze Nov 18’.
Both of these on average cost someone on typical usage around £1,000 a year, compared to British Gas standard £1,100 (though with the BG one you do need to get its smart meter).
Martin added: “Which is cheapest can differ widely depending on where you are and how much you use, so use Martin’s Cheap Energy Club (and you can click the ‘my supplier only filter’ to ensure you see these tariffs – and you also get £25 cashback) or any Ofgem approved comparison site to find your cheapest.
“While you’re on there, do look at what other suppliers offer too, you could save £200+ more.”
Martin also spoke about Christmas advent calendars.
Many stores have been releasing their Christmas advent calendars, and while it’s a fun way to count down to Christmas, they’re an even better MoneySaving way to stock up on stocking fillers – as you can split the contents across multiple gifts.
Here is Martin’s rundown of the best one he’s seen:
- Go online to Latest in Beauty, and you can get its beauty advent calendar for £60 – though check for codes available online which can bring the cost down further – which has contents in it worth £230ish, including Ciaté travel size Wonderwand gel kohl liner, Browcote waterproof brow sealer, Dr.Organic snail gel eye serum, The White Company cassis mini home spray and much more. There are 3,000 boxes available, and delivery is free.
- Go online to Ciaté and you can get its 2017 nail polish advent calendar, which includes 22 mostly mini polishes, nail glitter and a nail file for £50 (plus £4.95 for delivery) – though again check for codes available online which can bring the cost down further. Buying the 24 items separately would cost £139ish, so this is great if you want to open it up and split the contents across multiple gifts. There are 2,000 sets available.
- Boots currently has a No7 beauty calendar which includes eyeshadow, mascara, nail polish, eyelash curlers and a whole host of face care products for £40, which if you bought the contents separately would cost around £170ish based on the full-sized equivalents. But as this tends to be VERY popular, it’s now sold out online yet some stores still have stock so it’s a case of if you can find it.