Five ways to keep utility bills down with clever technology

If sending your son or daughter to university means you’re feeling the pinch, try these tips to keep your energy and phone bills down.

1. Use free instant messaging apps like ‘WhatsApp’ and ‘Libon’ to text message your son or daughter for free whenever you have internet connection on your phone. He or she is probably already an expert, so ask them for their help – some apps are free, others cost a nominal amount of around 69p – a snip when messages thereafter are free!

2. If you step away from your computer for a few hours, make sure you put it on sleep or hibernate mode – it’ll use far less power than leaving it on and save money on your electricity bill. Likewise, make sure you exit apps on your smartphone when you finish with them so they’re not running down your phone battery in the background.

3. Swap expensive phone calls for Skype – especially with your son or daughter or family and friends who live further away or overseas. Plus you get to video chat with them face-to-face.

4. Invest in an energy monitor – it’ll let you know how much energy you’re using at any one time and make it easier to spot where you can cut back. Some energy suppliers give them away for free, but you can also find affordable options via this Which article.

This Money Matters post aims to be informative and engaging. Though it may include tips and information, it does not constitute advice and should not be used as a basis for any financial decisions. Sun Trust Group accepts no responsibility for the opinions and views of external contributors and the content of external websites included within this post. Some links may take you to another Sun Trust Group page. All information in this post was correct at date of publication.