A leading financial expert has revealed that the average UK family could reclaim close to £1,500 in the coming year without even needing to leave their home. The secret lies in conducting a simple audit of household finances to tackle 'lazy' bills that quietly drain bank accounts.
The 'Lazy Bill' Trap and the AI Fightback
Greg Marsh, chief executive of the financial platform Nous.co, warns that many residents are unknowingly throwing away cash on underwhelming interest rates and overpriced service plans. He explains that the system is often designed to make comparing providers feel like a difficult chore, which benefits big suppliers.
"Almost all of us could save significant sums by getting on top of our finances," Marsh states. "All too often, our savings don't work hard enough and we overpay on bills. It's not because we're careless, but because big suppliers make it so difficult to avoid."
He identifies the start of the year as a perfect moment for a financial reassessment, though acknowledges the process can feel overwhelming. The good news, he says, is that new AI tools are starting to level the playing field, making it easier for consumers to fight back against confusing pricing.
Five Key Areas for Instant Savings
Marsh highlights several specific areas where households can make immediate gains, with potential total savings adding up to nearly £1,500 annually.
Switch Your Current Account - £200: Banks frequently offer generous cash bonuses to attract new customers. "If you can't remember the last time you switched, you're leaving free money on the table," Marsh advises, noting the Current Account Switch Service handles most of the work.
Fix Your Energy Bills - £264: Families still on standard variable tariffs, which fluctuate with the Ofgem Price Cap, could secure better value. Marsh suggests that switching to a competitive fixed deal could save over £250 a year based on typical usage, providing valuable price certainty.
Ditch Premium Broadband - £276: Once your initial contract expires, you likely pay a 'loyalty penalty'. Households out of contract pay an average of £48 monthly but could secure superfast deals for around £25, saving nearly £300 without sacrificing connection quality.
Streaming, Mobiles, and Savings
Downgrade Your Streaming - £156: Review your subscriptions. Paying for premium features like 4K or multiple screens that go unused is a common drain. Moving to an ad-supported tier could save £156 annually, with most users barely noticing a difference.
Move to a SIM-Only Plan - £240: If you've finished paying off your handset, continuing your old contract means you're paying for a device you already own. Switching to a cheap SIM-only deal with 20GB of data can save £20 per month.
Optimise Your Savings - £350: Leaving cash in a standard high-street savings account offering as little as 1% interest is costly. Marsh points out that moving £10,000 to an account with a 4.5% return would net an extra £350 a year in interest.
Taking Back Control of Your Finances
The overarching message is that significant financial gains are within reach for most households. The process doesn't require drastic lifestyle changes but rather a proactive review of ongoing commitments where providers rely on customer inertia.
By focusing on these key areas—banking, energy, broadband, subscriptions, mobile phones, and savings—UK families can boost their disposable income substantially throughout 2026. The exercise proves that a few hours spent auditing finances from the sofa can yield a very rewarding return.
