Households could save £800 with 6 simple swaps as ‘bills boss’ seek out best deals | Personal Finance | Finance
Six in ten UK households have a ‘bills boss’ – the family member who takes charge of the finances, hunts down the best deals, and makes sure bills are paid on time. A new study of 2,000 adults found that 65% have a designated money manager at home, and experts say this person could help their household save up to £800 a year by making just a few simple changes.
Having one person in charge of the finances helps avoid confusion, with 44% of people saying it stops things getting muddled, 32% saying it prevents missed payments, and 24% saying it avoids duplicated spending. Many ‘bills bosses’ take pride in their role, with a third saying they actively enjoy searching for savings, and 62% happy to shop around to cut costs.
Economics professor John Gathergood, who worked with Smart Energy GB on the research, says that cancelling unused subscriptions could save as much as £240 a year, while tracking energy use with a smart meter could take £130 off annual bills.
Lowering the thermostat by just one degree could save £90, shopping around for better insurance deals is worth an estimated £120, switching broadband provider could save £150, and reviewing your mobile phone contract could add another £96 to your savings.
Together, these six swaps could put an extra £800 back in your pocket each year.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “Even small swaps at home can make a difference and getting a smart meter is an easy way to have clear oversight of your energy use, helping you to find ways to save money on your bills.”
The work of the bills boss doesn’t go unnoticed, with 84% of households saying their efforts are ‘invaluable’. And even more so now as half of Brits are planning a ‘spring clean’ of their finances in 2026. Two thirds said the change in season encourages them to clear out not just their homes but their finances too.
According to the research, the average person plans to make three financial changes during their spring clean, hoping to save £116 in the process.
When it comes to energy bills, 59% of smart meter users say it encourages their household to be more energy efficient, with 62% reporting they’ve saved money as a result. In fact, smart meter owners believe their device has helped them save £130 a year on average.
Smart Energy GB teamed up with Journalist and Broadcaster, Kate Thornton, who proudly describes herself as a bills boss, to help Brits navigate their financial spring clean.
Kate said: “I’ll happily admit I’m the bills boss in my house and I’m always on the lookout for smarter ways to save money – whether that’s reviewing my subscriptions, switching broadband provider for a better deal or keeping an eye on my energy usage with my smart meter display.
“It might not sound glamorous but getting on top of your household bills can make a real difference, as can teaching your family the tips and tricks, too.
“I love the satisfaction of knowing I’m making my money work harder – it is the financial equivalent of feeling smug after a gym class.”
THE SIX SIMPLE SWAPS THAT COULD SAVE HOUSEHOLDS MONEY TODAY:
- Track energy usage and use energy flexibly with a smart meter (£10.83 per month/£130 per year)
- Lower the thermostat by 1 degree (£7.50 per month/£90 per year)
- Cancel unused subscriptions (£20 per month/£240 per year)
- Shop around for insurance (£10 per month/£120 per year)
- Switch broadband provider (£12.50 per month/£150 per year)
- Review mobile phone contract (£8 per month/£96 per year)
