If this is the first time you are setting up a home and managing household bills, you need to think about the basic things you need to start with, including:
- Carpets
- Furniture
- Curtains/blinds
- White goods - fridge, washing machine, etc
- Cooker
- Bed(s) and bedding
- Towels
- Kettle, pans, cups, plates and cutlery
- Television and TV Licence
Once you have set up your home, there will be regular bills to pay, including:
- Rent
- Council Tax
- Gas and electricity
- Telephone bill
- Food and household goods
- Clothing
- Home Contents Insurance
- Car expenses including insurance, tax and MOT
- Travelling expenses (bus/train fare, car parking)
- Any credit cards, store cards or catalogue payments
How much money will I need?
Draw up a simple income and expenditure sheet so you know exactly how much you will have coming in and going out on a weekly/monthly basis.
How do I know how much my bills will cost?
Gas and Electricity – according to the Money Helper website, the average dual fuel bill is £94.35 per month, or £1,131 a year (as at June 2021). You should use an independent price comparison website to find the best deal for you.
Water bill - according to the Money Helper website, Water UK estimate that the average water and sewerage bill is £396.60 a year or £33.05 per month (this varies by region).
Rent and Council Tax – you will be informed of your rent at sign up. North East Derbyshire District Council will send you a separate bill which will inform you of how much your Council Tax is for the year.
Food and Housekeeping – according to the Money Helper Website, the average family’s food bill was £63.70 per week. This will be less for a single person but it is important to factor in your weekly shopping when working out your income and expenditure.
TV Licence – a colour TV licence costs £159.00 for the full year in 2023/24. You can pay for your TV Licence monthly. The cost is £13.25 per month.
Home Contents Insurance – We recommend you visit an independent price comparison website for the best deal for you.
Where can I get help?
Speak to our Financial Inclusion Officer for help with budgeting.
Get in touch with us to find out more
I can’t afford new furniture – what should I do?
Visit the Ashgate Hospice Furniture Store and Bedroom Centre for quality second-hand furniture at reasonable prices, as well as helping a local registered charity.
Ashgate Hospicecare
Furniture Store and Bedroom Centre
Unit 9A
Storforth Lane Trading Estate
Hasland
Chesterfield
S41 0QD