With the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are looking for any possible ways to save money. Rising supermarket costs, energy bills and council tax rates, among other increases, have left millions of UK households wondering how they will meet their monthly bills in the coming months.
At least 30% of customers with British Gas, Octopus Energy and Shell Energy companies reported their direct debits increasing, Money Saving Expert said this week. It prompted Martin Lewis to remind energy customers they can challenge their supplier on big increases.
"So if you’re in credit, have been on a standard variable (price-capped) tariff for six months or more, and your direct debit has gone up by far too much: submit an up-to-date meter reading first, then speak to your supplier and politely ask it to justify the rise," he said. “If it can’t, request that it is lowered. If it refuses, make a formal complaint and take it to the Energy Ombudsman.”
Read more: Five ways you can make money from your house that anyone can try
Elsewhere, those trying to save money might not be aware of an existing offer by Three UK, which is giving up to £250 cashback when customers switch to its network between May 6 and July 7, reports the Daily Record. Three’s supercharged cashback incentive can be easily earned on both leading handsets and SIM-only plans, including the new Samsung S22 Ultra and iPhone 13, as well as a host of other devices due to launch in the next few weeks.
The whole range of deals can be discovered in-store or on the Three website and those who switch to Three will receive their cashback through a pre-paid Mastercard, which can be spent online. For all the latest news and tips on benefits, money-saving and finance straight to your inbox, sign up for our WalesOnline Money newsletter twice a week here.
Three’s offer for new SIM-only customers arrives at a welcome time too. Customers can halve their bill to just £11 per month with Three’s six months at half price offer and still earn £100 cashback, generating a total of £166 during the 24-month plan to help towards other costs.
To avail of the deal, you simply text the letters ‘PAC’ and the account holder’s date of birth to 65075 and a PAC code will be sent that allows you to keep the same number and move to another network.
Once the offer has been chosen and the PAC code received, you can quickly and simply switch by going in-store, calling 0800 033 8006, or visiting Three’s site and filling in a quick form.
Commenting on the new incentive, Andy Foy, director of marketing at Three UK, said: “With a record rise in the energy price cap and many other soaring household bills, we want to give something back to customers so that they can save money in other areas of their lives.
“By ensuring that switching to Three provides amazing value and is as simple as sending a text, we hope to help people where we can during these challenging times.”
