Martin Lewis shares 17 tips to cut household expenses

Martin Lewis has shared 17 tips to help households save money as bills rise this April. With increases in council tax, energy, and water rates, he emphasizes the need for people to act quickly before the end of the current tax year on April 5. One crucial tip is to use your £20,000 ISA allowance before April 5. This allowance lets you save money tax-free. There are different types of ISAs, and Lewis encourages people to fill them up now. He also mentions Junior ISAs for children, allowing parents to save for their kids without affecting their own limits. Investing in Stocks and Shares ISAs is another suggestion. People can potentially avoid taxes on dividends and capital gains. For those saving for a home, a Lifetime ISA offers a 25% bonus on savings, making it a good option for first-time buyers. Lewis recommends couples check for marriage tax allowance, which could save them up to £1,258. Additionally, employees may reclaim taxes for maintaining work uniforms and should check their tax codes to ensure they’re correct. Energy bills are set to rise by about £111 a year starting April 1. The average household will see its annual bill increase. Lewis advises comparing energy providers for better deals. On the same date, stamp prices will also rise. Water bills are expected to increase significantly, with an average jump of about 25%. Lewis suggests installing a water meter to potentially save money. Council tax will rise by 5% for most households, and some areas will see larger increases. Lewis emphasizes checking for discounts and ensuring you're in the correct tax band. For broadband and mobile services, consumers should consider switching to lower-cost contracts as rates are anticipated to rise. Parents should also check eligibility for free school meals, which requires an application before March 31. Lastly, the Help to Save account will be more accessible from April. It allows people on certain benefits to save money and receive substantial government bonuses. Lewis encourages anyone eligible to take advantage of this opportunity.