
Why this winter feels expensive
Winter, in numbers
The heating's on, the kids are home and Christmas lands in the middle of it. Most of the help out there is scattered and easy to miss. This guide puts it all in one place.
The average yearly gas and electricity bill from 1 October, the highest since July 2023.
Ofgem price cap, Oct 2026
UK adults borrowed money to pay for Christmas 2025, mostly on credit cards and buy now pay later.
YouGov, January 2026
of households who qualify for cheap broadband and mobile tariffs have never heard of them.
Ofcom
The amount households estimate they lose each year to subscriptions and contracts they don't use.
Survey of 2,000 UK adults, 2026
Take a look inside
Flick through the guide
Real pages from the 100-page guide. Plain English, real numbers, and printables you'll actually use.
Start here
Printable
Printable
Printable
Printable
Kids
Kids
KidsMade For Real Family Life
The guide that pays for itself
One page could be worth more than the whole guide
These five are all from the 30-minute quick wins page. Any single one of them is worth more than the guide costs.
Then there's everything else: Pension Credit for older relatives, Scotland's winter payments, council tax help and Christmas without the debt.
Off your electricity bill if you qualify. Page 9.
If you're on Universal Credit or other benefits. Page 60.
From 22°C to 21°C. Page 26.
Consoles and old TVs are the worst. Page 38.
One song, then out. Page 41.
Typical yearly figures from Ofgem, Ofcom and the Energy Saving Trust. What you save depends on your home and what you qualify for.
Researched So You Don't Have To
The help is out there, but it's scattered across dozens of websites and written in jargon. We pulled it into one plain-English guide, and every number comes with its source so you can check it yourself.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything You Need to Know
Is this a physical book?
Is this a physical book?
No. It's a 100-page PDF you download straight after checkout, so nothing is posted. You can print any pages you like at home.
Can I print it?
Can I print it?
Yes. It's A4 and designed to print well on a home printer. The planners, trackers and kids' pack are made to be printed, and you only need to print the pages you'll use.
Does it cover where I live?
Does it cover where I live?
It covers UK-wide help, and schemes that only exist in Scotland (or work differently there) are clearly flagged, so families in Scotland see exactly what extra they can claim.
Are the figures up to date?
Are the figures up to date?
Every figure was checked in September 2026 and has a named source listed at the back of the guide. Prices and rates do change, so the guide tells you where to check the latest before you act.
Is this financial advice?
Is this financial advice?
No. It's general information in plain English that points you to the official schemes and free advice services. If you're struggling with debt, Part 7 lists free services that can advise on your situation.
What do I need to read it?
What do I need to read it?
Any phone, tablet or computer that can open a PDF. No app or account needed.
How do I get it after I buy?
How do I get it after I buy?
Your download link appears on the order confirmation page and is emailed to you. If it doesn't arrive, check your spam folder or contact us.
Can I get a refund?
Can I get a refund?
As it's a digital download, it can't be returned once downloaded. If something is wrong with your file, get in touch and we'll put it right. See our refund policy.
Instant Delivery
Download straight after checkout.
Every Figure Sourced
Checked September 2026.
Secure Payment
Your payment details are protected.
Friendly Support
Real answers from a real person.