678

Money Saving Expert offers advice to minimize bills amid upcoming increases

As mobile phone users brace themselves for an 8 per cent price hike in April, Martin Lewis, the renowned Money Saving Expert, has issued urgent advice on how to mitigate the impact of these rising costs.

Lewis emphasized steps individuals should take to reduce their bills as several major providers, including BT, EE, O2, Sky, Three, Virgin Media, and Vodafone, have confirmed price rises this spring, following a 17 per cent increase last year.

Speaking on ITV’s Martin Lewis Money Show Live, Lewis urged viewers to take proactive measures to manage their expenses amidst the impending price hikes.

Highlighting the disparity between increasing contract prices and plummeting SIM-only deal costs, Lewis outlined three crucial steps:

1. Check Contract Status: Send a free text with the word “INFO” to 85075 to determine if you are eligible to terminate your contract.
2. Compare SIM-Only Deals: Utilize a SIM comparison tool to find cheaper alternatives.
3. Request PAC Code: Text “PAC” to 65075 to obtain your PAC code, which you can provide to your new network to transfer your existing number.

Lewis also advised consumers to leverage competitive deals as bargaining chips when negotiating with their current mobile providers. If faced with a threat of disconnection, individuals can buy time by suggesting they need to consult with their spouse, partner, or even their pet.

Consumer advocacy group Which? has long criticized mid-contract price rises, warning about the potential financial strain on consumers, especially amid the current cost-of-living crisis. Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, stressed the importance of transparency in contract costs and called on regulators to ban unpredictable price increases.

As individuals navigate these challenging economic times, Lewis’s guidance serves as a beacon of financial empowerment, empowering consumers to take control of their mobile expenses and make informed decisions about their contracts.

For those concerned about the impact of price hikes, Lewis’s advice provides a roadmap to navigate the evolving landscape of mobile phone contracts, ensuring greater financial resilience in the face of rising costs.