Can someone explain to me with the amount of rain we have why we are seeing on average a 5.7% increase in our water bills from April?

No, I didn't think so.

However, until there is supplier choice, then the price hike is something we all have to live with.

If you haven't already done so, then considering a water meter could be an option dependent upon the amount of water you use. If you decide to switch, Holly Thomas has written an article that may help you.

Having done the calculation, un-metered is the best option for us, meaning a 7.5% (due to where we live) increase is inevitable. Although this seems high, putting it in terms I relate to, such as pounds and pence, it means £25 a year I need to save to level the playing field. So I kept my eyes and ears open for saving opportunities.

I have assumed that supermarkets with their bulk-buying prowess would offer the best price on fruit and veg. However a chance conversation with a friend over a pint put my assumption into doubt as he told me of a local Saturday stall where the quality and size of fruit were better, but the prices were the same.

So next morning, I walked into town to see the market trader. His stall was covered with signs saying "a pound a pound", buckets for a pound and the odd item (cherries are my Achilles heel) £2 a pound.

He didn't have every item on my list, primarily because where he bought his produce that morning he felt they were too expensive, however he is ideally pitched next to the supermarket so it would be easy to pop in there, though in this instance bought an alternative from him.

I looked at the grapes, explaining that I had recently been disappointed with the bitterness of the ones bought at the supermarket "try one" he said, "sweet aren't they?" An option not offered to me by the larger store.

Choosing my own clementines was great, as opposed to buying a bargain bag, which with increasing regularity seemed to always have a dodgy one inside. So my friend made a good find, however he got one thing wrong, the price was in fact CHEAPER than the supermarket.

My local store would have cost around £8.50, however the stall was £1.30 cheaper. Assuming I purchase 48 weeks a year, the saving would be around £60 - more than the water price hike. Added to this, it supports local trade.

Another utility bill will hopefully be going down though. I mentioned in a blog recently reflective foil that was recommended to increase the heat in our chilly bedroom. It worked a treat, taking me around half an hour to put behind a big radiator. The heat emanating from the foil increased the warmth of the room significantly. Previously taking over an hour and a half, the room was almost perfect temperature in an hour, despite even colder weather recently.

Written by Marc Lockley – a negotiation coach and money saving expert. Information correct when writing. Marc's opinions are his own and for general information only - always seek independent, professional, financial advice. He also tweets atwww.twitter.com/negotiator1