Three ways to cushion the blow of bill rises

April is fast approaching, and a series of household bills are expected to rise in the coming days, hence April is being dubbed "Awful April." When faced with rising council taxes or higher property stamp duties, individuals have relatively limited choices. However, for other bills such as energy, water, or broadband, the following three strategies may help alleviate financial pressure.

Firstly, shopping around is key. For certain services, simply calling the current service provider and expressing an intention to switch services can often result in a better deal. Alice Haine of professional services group Evelyn Partners advises: "Look for cheaper deals and haggle with your existing suppliers. It is always worth trying to negotiate in any case." This applies to various bills, including insurance, energy, and broadband.

Emily Seymour of consumer advocacy group Which? points out: "Our research shows that if your broadband, pay-TV, and mobile contracts have expired, switching suppliers could save you up to £235." Gas and electricity are often the biggest bills people face, and with regulator-set price caps set to rise by 6%, finding the best deal for you is crucial. Ms. Seymour suggests considering fixed-rate agreements. If you charge an electric car or use appliances at night, look for agreements that offer cheaper nighttime electricity rates. She also advises: "We would also advise submitting meter readings as close to March 31 as possible to ensure your energy usage is billed correctly."

Secondly, reducing consumption is an effective way to lower bills. Shortening shower times and installing low-flow showerheads can save on water and energy costs. Ms. Haine emphasizes: "You have to treat water as an expensive resource." She adds that installing a water meter may also save money. The Energy Saving Trust says that smart meters can help you understand what is driving up your energy bills. The Trust advises draught-proofing your home, including floors, pipes, and old extractor fans, and setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature. For most people, this is between 18°C and 21°C.

MoneySavingExpert recommends adopting the principle of "heating the person, not the house" to save money. Using hot water bottles and electric blankets should be cheaper than turning on the heating. Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert says you can also change the settings on your combi or traditional boiler to save money. Regarding transportation costs, unless you completely give up your car, you cannot avoid vehicle tax increases. But Ms. Seymour points out that if you travel by train, it is worth checking if a railcard can help. "To reduce train ticket costs, we recommend booking tickets in advance and splitting tickets where possible."

Finally, seeking help is an important option. Richard Lane, Chief Customer Officer at StepChange Debt Charity, advises that if you are struggling to pay your household bills, do not panic and create a detailed budget, recording all of your income and expenditure. "This will give you a clear picture of your financial situation and show you how much money you have left over to repay debts or save." Then, check if you are eligible for any support. Water companies offer lower "social" and hardship tariffs for low-income individuals, so it is worth calling your supplier. People receiving benefits can often also get lower broadband rates. "These organizations have a regulatory responsibility to treat customers fairly and will be able to offer you tailored support."

The government also offers the "Warm Home Discount," which is available to people with high energy costs and very low incomes, including Pension Credit. Low-income individuals are also eligible for council tax reductions. Check if you are eligible for a free TV license. If you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit or live with someone who receives Pension Credit, you will be eligible. You can also check if you are eligible for other benefits through government-backed independent websites or benefit calculators run by charities, thereby increasing your income. If you are struggling with debt, you can seek help from relevant organizations.