I am on a meter, then I pay for what I actually use... not what the water people would charge a whole family for, if I was not on a meter. It costs nothing to have a water meter installed, and they can't refuse unless it would be an impossibly difficult installation... so no-brainer really.

Don't forget, I'm absent from the country for 3 or 4 months each year.

My gas and electric are as agreed between me and British Gas, after looking at my previous use. They originally were charging me about 50 quid a month and I was building up large credits. Better in my bank than theirs !

I am just careful with all of my spending, so I can afford to go abroad and to support my family there. I don't particularly feel that I'm lacking anything. I just don't waste money on stuff I don't need... like new computers, phones, cars, etc etc every year.