Let’s face it—living like a millionaire might be out of reach for now, but managing your money well means you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without stress. Whether you're a young professional renting your first place, a couple saving for your next step, or a family juggling bills and childcare, we’ve put together a practical guide to help you stay on top of your finances.
From understanding your monthly outgoings to finding ways to stretch your income further, this is your go-to breakdown for staying ahead.
Budgeting starts with knowing what to expect. The key regular costs most tenants face include:
Rent (plus initial deposit and any upfront fees)
Utilities (gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi)
Council tax (unless exempt)
Groceries, toiletries & household essentials
Transport & commuting costs
Insurance (contents or renters' cover)
Mobile phone bills, subscriptions & memberships
Occasional repairs or home essentials
Leisure (dining out, hobbies, nights out, etc.)
If you’re renting through HAUSI, your rent may include some or all utilities, depending on your agreement—check your tenancy documents for details.
Budgeting might sound like a chore, but a little planning goes a long way in helping you stay in control and reduce financial stress. Here’s a quick system that works for most tenants:
Calculate your monthly income
Add up your salary, any benefits or top-ups, and other sources of income. If you’re self-employed or on variable income, use an average from the past 3–6 months.
List your fixed costs
These include your rent, council tax, utilities, phone bills, and essential subscriptions.
Estimate your variable costs
These might change month-to-month: groceries, fuel or transport, takeaways, social events, and one-off purchases.
Track what’s left over
Set a portion aside for savings or emergencies—even a small amount adds up. Then assign the rest to your flexible spending categories.
Use tech to your advantage
Try using budgeting apps like Emma, Snoop, or Monzo to track your spending automatically and set limits for different categories.
Shop in bulk – staples like pasta, rice, cleaning products and toiletries are cheaper when bought in quantity.
Meal prep – planning a few meals in advance reduces food waste and cuts takeaway temptation.
Invest in a slow cooker or air fryer – cook smarter, save energy, and get multiple meals from one batch.
Share subscriptions – Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon Prime often allow multiple users.
Use loyalty schemes – whether it’s your supermarket or a high-street chain, points build up faster than you think.
Review your bills – check regularly for cheaper tariffs, cancel unused subscriptions, and negotiate where possible.
A solid budget should also include a small emergency fund. Whether it's for car repairs, a broken appliance, or an unexpected cost, having a financial buffer avoids dipping into your overdraft or credit.
Try setting aside even £10–£20 a month into a separate account or jar. It might not sound like much, but over a year it adds up—and gives you peace of mind.
At HAUSI, we believe good living doesn’t have to cost the earth. With the right approach, you can enjoy your home and build financial security—without sacrificing the things that make life enjoyable.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s included in your rent, or need support around bills or budgeting while renting with us, our team is always here to help.
