April is here, and for many, it brings a wave of financial stress. Dubbed ‘Awful April,’ this month many households are set to see a rise in several household bills, leaving many worried about making ends meet.
We understand how daunting this can feel, but help is available, and there are steps you can take to manage these changes and regain a sense of financial control.
We have outlined some helpful ways to navigate the challenges Awful April may bring and set yourself up for a more manageable month ahead.
The reality of rising costs
From energy bills to council tax, here’s a breakdown of some of the increases hitting households this month:
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Energy bills: Up by an average of £111 per year
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Council tax: Rising by approximately £109
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Water bills: Increasing by an average of £123 per year
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Broadband & mobile costs: Climbing by an estimated £50.40
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Car tax: Up for most by £5- see a breakdown here
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TV Licence: Increasing by £5
These increases can put significant pressure on household budgets, but there are practical steps you can take to ease the burden.
Maximise your savings and build a safety net
While these price increases are concerning, they come at a time when many people will start using less gas and electricity as the weather warms up. With heating costs naturally dropping, now is an excellent opportunity to set aside some money for later in the year when bills may feel even tougher to manage.
Consider setting up a dedicated savings pot for winter bills. Even small, regular contributions can add up, helping you cover increased costs when they matter most
If you have an ISA or are considering opening one, now is the time to act. The tax year ends on 5th April, and you still have a chance to make deposits before your allowance resets. GWCU offers a flexible Cash ISA with 3.5% interest, providing a competitive way to grow your savings tax-free and build a safety net for the future.
Check for Council Tax discounts
You may be eligible for a discount or exemption for Council Tax under certain circumstances such as
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Living alone (Single Person Discount)
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Being a full-time student
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Receiving certain benefits or low-income support
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Living with someone who qualifies for a reduction
You can check out this guide from Citizen’s Advice to see if you may be eligible for any discounts on your Council Tax.
Reduce your energy prices
Energy prices are set to rise by 6.4%, equating to £111 for an average household per year. This could be a good time to consider switching to a more affordable fixed-rate tariff before winter returns. Use comparison sites such as Uswitch or Compare the Market to find the best deals now to cover higher energy costs later in the year. If you are already on a fixed tariff, then your current payment rate will not increase until the rate comes to an end.
Reducing your energy usage where possible is another great way to ensure a lower cost bill, Even small energy-saving habits can lead to big savings over time. Check out these 50 ways to save on energy to reduce costs without drastically changing your lifestyle.
Review your water charges
If you don’t already have a water meter, now might be the time to get one. Households that use less water than average could save money by switching. Alternatively, you can request an assessed charge, where your water company estimates your usage and adjusts your bill accordingly. Use the Water Meter Calculator to see if you could save.
Check broadband & mobile deals
Broadband and mobile providers often increase prices with inflation. If you’re out of contract, now is a great time to switch providers or negotiate a better deal. Comparison sites can help you find cheaper plans, and some providers offer social tariffs for those on lower incomes. You can check for the best deals in your areas with Money Saving Expert.
Review your TV licence & subscriptions
The cost of a TV Licence is increasing, but if you don’t watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you may not need one, check if you need a TV licence by using this guide. Review your streaming subscriptions and cancel any services you’re not using to free up some extra cash.
Don’t struggle alone: Help is available
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by rising costs, you’re not alone. There are many free and confidential support services that can help you navigate financial challenges. Trusted charities like Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper, and StepChange offer support online and over the phone to help you understand your finances, create a realistic budget, and explore solutions.
They’ll help you build a plan and access the support you need to feel more in control.
At GWCU, we’re committed to providing fair and accessible financial solutions to help you manage your money with confidence. If high-interest debts are making things harder, our Debt Consolidation Loan could help you bring everything into one manageable repayment.
Whether it’s saving for the future or accessing affordable credit, we’re here to support you.
