10 Smart Ways to Save Money – With Eastern Savings & Loans Credit Union.
With household budgets tighter than ever, taking a closer look at your outgoings is one of the most effective ways to find savings. Start with your biggest monthly bills, and then look at everyday spending habits. Even small changes can lead to big results over time. And if you’re a saver with your local Credit Union, why not build a habit of saving those small amounts? With our Prize Saver Account, every £1 you save could also be your chance to win!
Here are 10 practical and achievable ways to cut costs.
1. Switch Your Gas & Electricity Provider
Energy bills are rising, but switching could save you hundreds. Many East of England households are still on standard tariffs, which are often more expensive than fixed or cheaper variable rates. It only takes minutes to compare deals, and many providers now handle the switch for you.
🔗 Use sites like MoneySavingExpert or Uswitch to find cheaper options.
📌 Tip: The money you save could go straight into your Prize Saver account.
2. Review Streaming Subscriptions
Do you need multiple streaming services at once? Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Spotify quickly add up.
Cut back for a few months and rotate subscriptions instead. Try free services like BBC iPlayer, or check out JustWatch.com to find out where your favourite shows are already available.
📌 Local: Many local libraries now offer free film streaming and audiobooks too!
3. Reevaluate Your Mobile Contract
Still paying for a phone you’ve already paid off? SIM-only deals can be far cheaper. If you’re on benefits like Universal Credit, ask your provider about social tariffs. Also you can check your monthly data usage, most people use far less data than they think. If you do have a contract coming up for renewal, compare providers and avoid unnecessary upgrades.
📌 The National Databank like a foodbank but more mobile data, the national Databank provides free SIM cards for people who cant acces the internet. Find Out More Here
4. Don’t Auto-Renew Insurance
Car, home, pet or travel insurance – whatever it is, always shop around before renewing. Many providers rely on loyalty to charge higher prices. Use comparison sites, but double-check the small print for accuracy.
You could even use cheaper quotes to haggle with your current provider.
🔗 Need help understanding insurance options? Try MoneyHelper
5. Cut Your Utility Bills with Small Changes
Simple changes can make a big difference. Turn off lights, unplug devices, and only run full loads in the washing machine. Reducing your usage by just 20% could save you over £200 a year.
In the colder months, layer up and use heating only when necessary.
📌 Try a weekly energy-saving challenge with your family and track your progress.
6. Travel Smarter
Public transport, fuel and parking all add up. Could you cycle, walk or carpool instead? Even once or twice a week can save you £20–£40 a month.
If you’re commuting from rural areas in Norfolk or Suffolk, look into multi-trip bus passes or group travel options.
📌 Ask your employer if they offer cycle-to-work schemes or season ticket loans.
7. Reduce Takeaways & Ready Meals
The occasional treat is fine but regular takeaways can quietly eat up your budget. An average household can save over £1,000 a year by cooking more at home. Plan meals ahead, batch cook on weekends, and keep easy dinners in the freezer for busy evenings.
📌 Credit Union challenge: Save the cost of one takeaway each week and transfer it to your Prize Saver account.
8. Swap to Supermarket Own Brands
Many households in the East of England could reduce their grocery bills by 20–30% simply by switching to supermarket own brands. The quality is often the same you’re just not paying for the brand label.
📌 Shop local markets or try budget-friendly chains like Lidl or Aldi, and compare prices across stores.
9. Bring Your Own Lunch & Coffee
Buying lunch daily? That could cost you over £1,000 a year. A flask of coffee from home and a packed lunch can make a huge difference and may even be healthier.
📌 Try preparing lunches for the week on Sunday evenings. If you’re in a rush, even a sandwich and banana can save £5.
10. Enjoy Local Holidays & Days Out
You don’t need to fly abroad to have a great time. There’s plenty to explore across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire from seaside towns like Cromer and Southwold to walks in Thetford Forest or the Broads.
📌 Staycations reduce travel costs, support local businesses and avoid expensive exchange rates.
Quick Wins with Your Credit Union
💷 Start Small: Even saving £2 a week adds up.
🎁 Enter to Win: With the Prize Saver Account, every £1 you save gives you a chance to win cash prizes – without risking your savings.
🏠 Local & Trusted: Your Credit Union is here to help with affordable loans, savings options, and financial education.