Cost of Living crisis: helpful digital resources
The cost of living has been increasing across the UK.
AbilityNet encourages people to be online because it can open up a whole new world of opportunity. For example, instead of paying over the odds for services, you can often search online to try to find a better deal.
So, as an additional resource as part of our free Cost of Living crisis and how digital can help webinar we have gathered together some of the major price comparison sites that may help you get the best deals, along with some lesser known sites and apps that may be able to save you money.
We will continue to add further resources to this page as we become aware of additional advice available.
Last updated: September 2022
Contents include
Price comparison websites
Price comparison sites for consumer goods
Pricespy
Kelkoo
Pricerunner
Google Shopping
Price comparison sites for supermarket food
Price comparison sites for utilities/travel
Uswitch
Money Supermarket
Compare the market
Go Compare
Trivago
Easy Read guide to saving money on energy bills: Easy Read resources from Taking Charge energy.
You can now switch providers to try and get a better deal. We'd advise thinking very carefully about doing this. Get useful tips from Martin Lewis on the MoneySavingExpert website.
Financial apps/websites
Mint: Budget Tracker & Planner - Free Online Money Management
Money Manager: Budget Planner
Starling Bank: see what items you spend most on
Top Cashback: get money back when you shop online
Claro Wellbeing Financial Calendar download [PDF]
Budgeting apps for people with learning disabilities
Money Saving Expert: 31 MoneySaving tips for disabled people
Student-focused resources
Save the Student: a list of money-saving ideas with student deals highlighted
Totum: Student discounts recommended by NUS
Other money saving ideas
Liftshare: links drivers with passengers so you can share costs, reduce your travel impact on the environment, and have someone to chat to on your journey.
Too good to go: this app aims to avoid food waste. Food outlets advertise that they have got "Magic bags" available which you can reserve. This provides valuable food to those in need.
Olio: this is similar to Too good to go, connecting neighbours and local businesses to avoid food waste. Non-food items are also available.
Stonerefurb.co.uk and Getonlineathome.co.uk: both offer refurbished technology at affordable prices
Moneysavingexpert discount codes: a range of discount codes to use online that may be useful
The Big Hack: Check out its analysis of video on demand streaming services for accessibility.
Help getting online
Greater Manchester Combined Authority: see its summary for how to get online
Ofcom: summary of current, cheaper broadband and phone packages including social tariffs
National Databank: The National Databank is providing free data to 500,000 people in need via a network of community partners
USwitch: Guide to Broadband for low income families
If a friend or a loved one needs encouragement or advice about how to get online, contact us to arrange for an AbilityNet tech volunteer to come to help.
Local government support
Cost of Living Hub: This hub has been designed to share best practice and help councils to support their residents with the rise in the cost of living. Case studies and resources can be found for each topic area within the site.
How AbilityNet can help you
My Computer My Way
My Computer My Way is an AbilityNet run website packed with articles explaining how to use the accessibility features built into your computer, tablet or smartphone. The site is routinely updated as new features and changes are made to the Windows, MacOS, iOS, Chrome OS and Android operating systems. The site is broken down into the following sections:
- Vision – computer adjustments to do with vision and colour
- Hearing – computer adjustments to do with hearing, communication and speech
- Motor – computer adjustments to do mobility, stamina and dexterity
- Cognitive – computer adjustments to do with attention, learning and memory
Use it for free at mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk
Advice and information
If you have any questions please contact us at AbilityNet and we will do all we can to help.
- Call: 0300 180 0028
Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls. - Email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
IT support at Home
If you’re looking for in-person support, you can book a free visit from one of our disclosure-checked volunteers. Many of our volunteers are former IT professionals who give their time to help older people and people with disabilities to use technology to achieve their goals. Our friendly volunteers can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones.
