Follow our first time buyer top saving tips and claw back some cash during the big move!
At last, the time has come, you’re finally getting your foot on the ladder. It’s a major step forward and an incredible investment in your future.
But it’s not all fun and games, and when it comes to costs it’s not just the price of the property itself you have to consider. There are lots of other costs involved, from solicitors’ fees to moving vans and kitting the house out with all your dream accessories.
But worry not, because a few simple tricks and swaps will help you watch the pennies at this exciting time – and the pounds as they say, will look after themselves.
1) Shop around
Make sure you’re getting the absolute best deals you can on everything from mobile phone contracts, insurance and energy providers. Use comparison sites to shop around and pick a trusted electricity supplier, like Power NI, when you get to your new property.
2) Slim down your outgoings
Yes, we all love our Netflix memberships and the idea of lazy weekends in front of the telly… But if you’re not getting the most out of all those direct debits you’ve signed up for, maybe now is the time to opt out. Think big TV and streaming subscriptions and monthly payments for clothes subscriptions. Do you really need all that?
3) Go old school
That’s right, get some cash out. Tapping away on our contactless cards is convenient for sure, but it breeds an easy-come-easy-go mentality towards our money. If you set yourself a budget at the start of each week for spending money – that’s separate from your bills and direct debits – then you’ll soon notice when your wallet starts getting lighter.
4) Sign up to Power NI Perks
If you choose Power NI as your electricity supplier, you’ll also get free access to our customer reward scheme, Power NI Perks. It comes with fantastic discounts on all your furniture and appliance musts so you can take the pain out of kitting out your home! What’s not to love?
5) Look around for your food shopping
If you’ve always shopped in the same supermarket, take some time to scout out the opposition. Swapping shops can make a big impact, and don’t forget to opt for supermarket own-brands on items like pasta and rice. You won’t notice the difference on your plate – but you’ll see it in your pocket. Power NI Perks also has some great deals with Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.*
6) Suss out the fixtures and fittings
Before you get the keys to your new home, make sure you’re clear on what fixtures and fittings will be there when you move in. They may not be exactly to your taste, but having curtains and blinds, lightshades and even an oven to move in to can really ease the financial burden in the early days.
7) Take readings on day one
Make sure you don’t get caught out on your utility bills by taking and submitting readings from your gas and electricity meters on day one. That way your bills down the line won’t be based on estimates and you won’t suddenly be caught out with a sudden spike later down the line.
*Power NI Perks brands and offers are subject to change. Available to all home energy customers.
