From January 2025, several changes in Belgium will lead to an increase in prices and expenses for households. Don’t miss the last weeks of 2024 to anticipate these increases and limit their impact on your budget. By making certain expenses today, you will save a few precious euros tomorrow.
If salaries are to be indexed from next year, so are expenses. In 2025, inflation will indeed affect several sectors, leading to higher prices for fuel, energy, food and many others. Acting now can make a difference to your finances.
1. Fuels
Stocking up on December 30 or 31 could be interesting for your January budget. And for good reason, with the arrival of ETS2, fuel prices will gradually increase. Even if a priori, the effects of this new reform will only be felt at the pump from 2027, we can never be too careful… Especially since the return of Donald Trump as President of the United States will undoubtedly have significant repercussions on fuel prices, both in Europe and in America. For now, prices are relatively low, so now is the time to take advantage.
2. Titres-Services
In 2025, the price of service vouchers will increase. In Wallonia in particular, indexation will allow their prices to be adjusted at least twice a year (in January and July). From January, this increase could reach 20 cents or more per security. Good news: service vouchers purchased in 2024 will remain valid in 2025 at the current rate. To save money, one piece of advice: plan ahead! Order your service vouchers before the end of the year and avoid increases from the start of next year.
3. Technical control
From January 2025, the prices of technical inspection centers in Wallonia will be indexed. The base price for a car goes like this from 56.10 euros to 58.20 euros. Without forgetting the late fees, which are also increasing:
- 1 month late: 10.30 euros (compared to 9.90 euros currently),
- 2-3 months late: 15.20 euros,
- 4-6 months: 29.10 euros,
- Up to 58.20 euros after six months.
If your inspection date is approaching, do it before the end of December to avoid these new indexed rates.
4. Driving license
Same story for the driving license tests. In Wallonia, the indexation of prices will have an impact on the cost of theoretical and practical exams from January 1. If there are still places available, don’t delay in taking your exams before the end of 2024.
5. Telecommunications
Despite the arrival of DIGI and its slashed prices, classic telecom operators like Orange and Proximus will increase their prices by January. This is the opportunity to find out about packages more suited to your consumption or to renegotiate your current contracts.
6. Mortgage credit
In January 2025, the introduction of reduced registration fees on the purchase of a first home leads to the removal of other attractive advantages. In particular the housing voucher, which reduced the repayment of the mortgage loan in the long term thanks to the tax deduction. If you do not meet the conditions to benefit from the new registration rights, do not delay before signing your deed of purchase. You still have a few days left to benefit from the housing voucher.
7. Assurances
Insurance premiums are expected to increase in 2025, as is often the case. Now is the perfect time to analyze your current contracts. Compare the offers available on the market and do not hesitate to renegotiate your conditions. You could thus take out cheaper insurance and make lasting savings.
8. SNCB
Ticket and subscription prices will increase on February 1, 2025, in line with the evolution of the consumer price index (+2.91%). To avoid the 3.03% increase on your train subscription, renew it before February.
