UK, February 18, 2019: UK consumers can save more than £2,500 a year by taking control of their finances, new analysis from Experian reveals.
Families overpaying on their mortgages and energy bills, and those paying interest on their credit cards can cut their costs by switching to a better deal. Experian has launched Money Matters Week to help consumers take control of their finances and have a greater awareness of the money they could save on their household bills.
Currently, homeowners could find themselves overpaying by around £1,8001 annually if they fail to re-mortgage when their introductory offer ends and they slip onto their providers’ Standard Variable Rate (SVR) deal.
Of those who ended up on their providers’ Standard Variable Rate (SVR), 29%2 did so as they thought re-mortgaging was too much hassle or too complicated, while 28% admitted they didn’t realise that moving onto SVR could lead to higher repayments.
Another fifth (19%) said they had tried to re-mortgage but were unable to do so because of stricter borrowing criteria. Overall, only 6% had switched their mortgage provider in the last year.
Meanwhile, nearly two thirds of households (62%) haven’t switched energy providers in the past 12 months, meaning they could be overpaying by as much as £255 a year3 on average.
Switching energy provider is most popular with those aged 25-34 (37%), compared to just 29% of 55+ year olds who have changed in the past year, suggesting older people are more reluctant to switch. Some 15% of the 55+ category also said they didn’t trust the smaller – and often cheaper - energy firms, compared to just 7% in the 25-34 group.
People can also cut their costs by transferring their existing credit card balance to a 0% balance transfer card. Typical cardholders who don’t switch will be incurring interest of £4684 on their credit card balance. However, nearly a fifth (19%) are incurring interest on their current card, with just 10% transferring a balance in the past year to avoid paying interest.
When asked why they had not switched, 23% said they were unable to due to having a low credit score, while 18% said they felt the process of switching was too complicated, and 16% said they didn’t know what the benefits were.
Managing Director of Experian Marketplace and Affinity, Amir Goshtai, said: “While many households are looking to make savings where they can on their monthly bills, too many are still over-overpaying when they don’t need to.
“That’s why we have launched Money Matters Week, to bring some focus and practical tips to help people review their bills and make some savings.
“I urge homeowners to make sure they know when their introductory offer is coming to an end and see what their re-mortgaging options are. Switching energy companies is a simple process and there are many ways to avoid paying interest on credit cards.”
Overall, the combined savings a typical UK household can make by switching are worth £2,521. People wanting to get their finances in shape can visit www.experian.co.uk/consumer/financial-fitness-plan/ to get a step-by-step plan on how they can achieve their financial goals.
ENDS
1Based on the average mortgage amount taken out by Experian customers in October of £151,955 with a typical SVR of 4.39% over a 25-year term, with a monthly payment of £822.41. With customers being offered an average initial rate of 2.38% in October, they would be repaying £672.55 a month – a difference of £149.86 monthly and £1,798.32 annually.
2Poll of 2,000 UK adults conducted by One Poll, February 2019
3Experian’s energy comparison service is in partnership with Runpath. Pricing data from Runpath based on a typical dual fuel customer with medium usage (OFGEM medium usage customer profile 3100KWh for electricity & 12,500KWh for gas), comparing the most expensive ‘Big Six’ (British Gas, Eon, EDF Energy, nPower, Scottish and Southern Energy, and Scottish Power) vs the cheapest available tariff. Figures accurate as of 14 November 2018.
4 In November, UK credit card holders transferred an average outstanding balance of £2,260, with a typical APR of 17.9%, based on Bank of England figures. Those who don’t switch will be incurring interest of £468. Figures are based on £100 monthly repayment with no additional spending, on a balance transfer card with a 24-month 0% period, with 1.4% fee (£32).
About Experian
Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organisations to prevent identity fraud and crime.
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