Tag: advice

Ten ways to reduce motoring costs this spring

Drivers are being urged to act now as motoring costs threaten to climb with fuel price volatility, insurance hikes and rising repair bills hitting household budgets hard.

Motoring experts at car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco have offered drivers practical tips to help cut everyday motoring costs and avoid being caught out by price rises.

Petrol and diesel prices have been unpredictable in recent years but ongoing tensions in Iran have pushed oil markets back into the headlines.

Disruption to Middle East supply routes are creating fresh uncertainty and the potential for sudden price spikes at the pump over the coming weeks. 

Spring and summer also typically see higher driving volumes thanks to bank holidays and ‘staycations’ which can push pump prices even higher. 

At the same time, insurance premiums remain elevated following a sharp rise in claims costs and vehicle repairs.

Car maintenance is another growing concern as warmer weather reveals damage caused over winter, including pothole wear, tyre deterioration, worn brakes and battery strain.

Drivers who delay routine maintenance often face larger repair bills later in the year, especially as garages tend to become busier ahead of peak travel season.

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco.com said: “Many drivers assume their biggest motoring cost is fuel, but several expenses tend to rise together in spring and summer. 

“Increased travel pushes up fuel demand and cars begin to show the effects of winter wear and tear.

“But small habits can make a surprisingly big difference. Improving fuel efficiency, staying on top of maintenance and reviewing insurance cover can collectively save drivers hundreds of pounds over the coming months. 

“Taking action early is key, as waiting until a problem appears often means paying more than needed.”

To help motorists stay ahead of rising costs, LeaseLoco’s motoring experts recommend:

1.Shop around well before your insurance renewal

Start comparing quotes three to four weeks ahead of your renewal date. Insurers can reward early shoppers with lower premiums, while leaving it until the last minute can lead to higher prices.

2.Review your cover and excess levels

Removing unnecessary add-ons and adjusting your voluntary excess could reduce premiums, as long as it remains affordable in the event of a claim.

3.Avoid last-minute fuel purchases

Filling up near motorways, holiday routes or on peak travel days often means paying more. Planning fuel stops and using price comparison apps can help drivers find cheaper stations nearby.

4.Check tyre pressure at least once a month

Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption, reduce tyre lifespan and compromise safety. Correct tyre pressure improves efficiency and reduces wear.

5.Clear out excess weight from your vehicle

Roof racks and heavy items in the boot all increase fuel usage. Removing anything not needed for daily driving can improve efficiency immediately.

6.Adopt smoother driving habits

Gradual acceleration, gentle braking and maintaining a steady speed can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Using cruise control on longer journeys can also help.

7.Stick to regular servicing schedules

Oil changes, filter replacements and basic checks keep engines running efficiently and can prevent expensive breakdowns later in the year.

8.Check your air conditioning early

Faulty air conditioning systems often go unnoticed until the first hot day. Early checks can prevent costly repairs and improve fuel efficiency.

9.Combine errands into fewer trips

Multiple short journeys from a cold engine use far more fuel than one longer trip. Planning routes in advance reduces unnecessary mileage.

10.Consider car sharing or alternative travel when possible

Sharing journeys can cut fuel spend over time.

Pensioners urged to be alert to Winter Fuel Payment scams

  • Winter Fuel Payments paid in winter 2025 will be recovered from pensioners with income above £35,000
  • Check if your payment will be reclaimed at GOV.UK – you don’t need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • Scammers may try to trick customers into handing money over

Pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month.

Almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment due to their annual income being more than £35,000 – for most, an automatic process.

HMRC saw more than 25,000 Winter Fuel Payment scam referrals over the last 12 months and is warning that scammers may now use the recovery process as a hook to use texts, emails and phone calls to target this group.

For most, the payment will be recovered through a change to their PAYE tax code from this month (April 2026) with no need to contact HMRC.

For those in Self Assessment who file online, the payment should be pre-populated in their 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. Customers should check and add it manually if it is not shown.

Paper filers will need to add it on their tax return, due by 31 October 2026. 

This applies across the UK – including in Scotland, where the payment is known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and in Northern Ireland, where payments were made by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. In all cases, recovery is handled by HMRC.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: ““Criminals are great pretenders and often use fake letters, emails, calls and texts to impersonate HMRC and trick people into giving them money.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s unsure to use our online tool at GOV.UK to check whether and how their payment will be recovered – there’s no need to call us”

HMRC will never contact people by text or email to ask them to repay their Winter Fuel Payment, or to request bank details.

People can use HMRC’s online checking tool at GOV.UK to see whether their payment will be reclaimed and how.

ACAS: Feeling stressed at work

Feeling stressed at work?

Stress can affect anyone, and it’s often linked to things like workload, support or communication.

This Stress Awareness Month, talk to someone or ask for support if work is affecting you.

See below for simple steps you can take👇

#StressAwarenessMonth

#MentalHealth

#Jobs

Playlist for Life: Free Webinar

TUESDAY 14th APRIL at 7pm on ZOOM

If you would like to know more about how personal playlists can be used in dementia support, we are hosting a free webinar on Tuesday 14th April.

The one hour session will cover:

🎵 How personal playlists can help someone live well with dementia

💡 Tips for finding music that sparks memories, conversation, and connection

👂 Simple ways to listen – no technology experience is needed to enjoy playlists!

💚 An opportunity to share songs from your own playlist and connect with others

This free session is open to anyone affected by dementia.

🎟️ Book here: https://sbee.link/n4xyvw86hc

Small changes could make big difference to Edinburgh charities

Edinburgh charities may be able to improve their financial resilience through smarter approaches to saving, despite ongoing pressure from rising costs and uncertain income streams, new research suggests. 

A survey found that many charities hold substantial cash reserves, yet almost half lack confidence in their long-term financial stability. The findings point to a disconnect between balances held and the role those funds play in supporting sustainable operations. 

While reserves remain a vital safety net, the research highlights an opportunity for charities to make their money work harder. By reviewing where cash is held and exploring more suitable savings options, charities could strengthen resilience without increasing risk or reducing accessibility. 

The survey by Redwood Bank, MoneyComms’ Best Charity Savings Provider 2026, found that 69 per cent of UK charities hold over £50,000 in savings, with almost half (46 per cent) holding more than £100,000. When current accounts are included, 84 per cent hold more than £50,000 and 68.5 per cent hold over £100,000. 

Despite these substantial balances, charities are under mounting pressure: 

  • 80 per cent reported rising day-to-day costs 
  • 73 per cent said they struggle to secure stable donations and funding 
  • 62 per cent have seen the value of donations decrease 
  • Almost half (49 per cent) lack confidence in their long-term financial stability 

One charity said: “We face increases in demand for our services at the same time as our donations are falling. That combination is unsustainable.” 

The research also shows that while 81 per cent of charities review their savings at least annually, many still do not seek alternatives that could improve returns. Fewer than half (44 per cent) do not hold a savings account with a second provider, choosing instead to keep their money in a current account, with over a third of these charities citing lack of awareness of the options available. 

The survey highlighted what matters most when choosing a savings account. Alongside competitive interest rates (85 per cent), charities value accessibility and withdrawal terms (72 per cent), bank reputation (60 per cent), digital ease (56 per cent) and ethical or social values (51 per cent). 

The findings have prompted the specialist Bank to draft its first Redwood Research Report, How smarter saving can strengthen the UK charity sector, which sets out practical steps to help organisations make their reserves work harder. 

Jessica Darrah, Senior Savings Product Manager at Redwood, said: “Charities are working tirelessly to support communities but are often doing so under financial strain and with limited options.

“Our research shows that while many have substantial reserves, these funds are not always working as hard as they could or should be. When every pound matters, smarter saving strategies could make a real difference to financial resilience. 

“As a specialist business bank, we can provide personal service with consistently competitive savings rates. The Bank has been recognised as the Best Business Variable Rate Deposit Account Provider at the Moneyfacts Awards for seven consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to delivering value and clarity for customers. 

“Unlike traditional high street banks, we can focus on understanding the specific needs of charities and smaller organisations. Our dedicated savings products and knowledgeable team aim to make saving simpler, more transparent and better suited to the realities of the sector.” 

The Redwood Research Report can be downloaded here:

 https://redwoodbank.co.uk/savings/charity-savings-accounts 

Essential fuel saving tips ahead of Easter road trips

10 fuel saving tips for drivers  

Drivers are being told that harsh acceleration and braking could be contributing to poor fuel efficiency. 

Experts at LeaseLoco.com are sharing ways to help cash-strapped Brits minimise fuel waste on the road and save money when travelling this Easter.  

As prices continue to fluctuate, adopting more cautious driving habits and reducing unnecessary energy output can lead to significant savings.

Shopping around for the best fuel prices and planning ahead for fuel top ups can make a big difference in cutting costs.

Motorists should plan journeys and try to include well priced petrol stations in their route to prevent unnecessary detours for fuel.

Drivers are also advised to conserve fuel and prevent unnecessary consumption by avoiding excessive engine revs and sudden acceleration.

Other tips like closing windows to reduce drag on a vehicle, and minimising air conditioning use can prevent vehicles from overworking and using fuel unnecessarily.

These tips can also benefit electric vehicles (EVs). EV drivers can extend their driving range and reduce the need for frequent charging by minimising energy consumption, ultimately saving money.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “Fuel costs are continuously rising but there are a few ways to combat this which can help make a difference to your monthly budget.

“Some common bad habits that cause drivers to waste more fuel than they realise include unnecessary engine revs, harsh acceleration, and idling in traffic with the engine running.

“If you have an older car you’ll want to avoid frequently restarting your engine in brief stops. Those with new models however should definitely consider making the most of their stop-start systems to help reduce fuel consumption. 

“By thinking ahead and driving smoothly, you can make significant savings on fuel by reducing your vehicle’s consumption.”

TEN FUEL-SAVING TIPS:

Shop around 

Checking out where near you has the cheapest fuel, you can use sources such as PetrolPrices.com to help you work this out. 

Accelerate and brake smoothly 

Driving smoothly, with gentle acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption by minimising sudden spikes in fuel usage.

Reduce engine revs

Revving your engine increases fuel consumption. By reducing revs, you can make your fuel usage more efficient.

Use cruise control 

Using cruise control or driving at a steady, consistent pace, particularly on motorways, will help reduce fuel consumption.

Remove unnecessary weight

The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Reducing unnecessary weight will decrease fuel consumption and improve efficiency.

Top up tyre pressures 

Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up; this will reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.

Combine trips and plan ahead

Plan your trip in advance to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic, especially on unfamiliar journeys. This can help you save time and reduce fuel consumption. If possible, combine trips and car share if you’re taking the same route.

Cut down on air conditioning

Anything that requires energy from your vehicle, such as air conditioning, will consume fuel to operate. To reduce fuel costs, it’s best to minimise the use of air conditioning when possible.

Close windows 

Driving with the windows open can increase drag on your vehicle, requiring more acceleration to reach speed. Particularly on fast roads, keeping the windows closed will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Turn engine off

When stopped for a few minutes, turn off your engine. In newer cars, utilise the start/stop function. Reducing idling can help lower fuel consumption and costs.

LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of deals from the UK’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.

“Not Just for Gym-Goers: Why Glute Strength Matters for Your Heart”

HEART RESEARCH UK HEALTHY TIP

When we think about heart health, we often focus on cardio exercises like walking, running, or cycling. But did you know that your bottom, AKA the glutes, can play a surprisingly important role in keeping your heart healthy? 

Your glutes are the largest and most powerful muscle group in the body. They are essential for everyday movement, posture, and balance. When they are strong, being active feels easier and is sustainable, which supports long-term heart health. 

In this month’s Healthy Tip, Luca van Cleemput, Healthy Heart Coach at Heart Research UK, explains why strengthening your glutes is about much more than aesthetics, and discusses how it can help protect your heart. 

Why do glutes matter for heart health? 

Strong glutes power everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, or carrying shopping. When these muscles are weak, other parts of the body, like the lower back or knees, often compensate. Over time, this can lead to discomfort and reduce daily movement. 

Regular activity is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. Research shows that even small increases in daily movement, like walking more, are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Strong glutes make movement feel easier, which helps you stay active consistently. 

Luca explains: “Cardio is essential for heart health, but muscle strength is often overlooked. Strong muscles support heart health, bones, balance, independence, and long-term quality of life.

“For best results, include regular cardio along with at least two strength-training sessions per week. Since the glutes are the body’s largest muscle group and support everyday movement, they’re a great place to start.” 

Glutes, energy, and metabolism 

Because the glutes are such a large muscle group, strengthening them has benefits beyond movement alone. When muscles work, they generally use glucose for energy. Therefore, doing strength training regularly helps improve blood sugar control and supports insulin sensitivity, which is important for overall health and specifically heart health. 

Luca adds: “People often think strength training has to be time-consuming. In reality, even simple glute exercises done regularly can help your body manage blood sugar and support heart health over time.” 

Maintaining muscle mass as we age is also important for supporting a healthy metabolism. From mid-life onwards, we naturally begin to lose muscle, a process called sarcopenia. Because muscle burns more energy than fat, even at rest, losing muscle gradually lowers the body’s resting metabolic rate. This means we burn slightly fewer calories over time at rest, which can make gradual weight gain more likely, even if eating habits remain the same. 

Luca explains: “Even simple glute exercises done consistently can support your metabolism and help you burn more calories at rest. Strong glutes aren’t just about aesthetics, they support your heart, weight management, and independence as you age.” 

Carrying excess weight, particularly around the waist, is linked with higher blood pressure, cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart disease.

Keeping large muscle groups like the glutes strong helps preserve overall muscle mass. This supports weight stability, a higher resting metabolic rate, and better long-term metabolic health. 

While glutes are the largest muscles, strengthening other major muscle groups, including the legs, core, and back, complements glute strength. Building overall muscle mass supports everyday fitness, makes daily movement easier, and reduces the strain on joints. 

Stronger glutes make exercise feel easier 

When your glutes are doing their job properly, activities like walking, cycling, or climbing stairs require less effort from smaller muscles. This reduces fatigue and improves movement efficiency. 

Lower-body strength also helps your body cope better with aerobic exercise. Strong muscles make everyday activities feel easier and more manageable, even at the same pace or intensity. This makes it easier to maintain moderate-intensity activity, the level most strongly linked with improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall cardiovascular fitness. 

In simple terms, when movement feels easier, you are more likely to do it regularly. And when it comes to heart health, consistency matters more than intensity. 

Strength training works best alongside regular aerobic activity such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Together, they provide the strongest protection for heart health. 

Posture, balance, and injury prevention 

Weak glutes can contribute to poor posture, such as slouching or excessive arching of the lower back. Over time, this may make daily activities feel more tiring. 

Strong glutes play a key role in balance and stability. They help control movement at the hips, which is essential for staying steady when walking, turning, stepping up or down, or getting out of a chair. 

As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength if it isn’t regularly challenged. Reduced lower-body strength increases the risk of falls, a major cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults. Even short periods of inactivity following an injury can negatively affect heart health, as people often move less and lose confidence in their ability to stay active. 

Luca adds: “Glutes play a surprisingly big role in preventing falls. Keeping them strong stabilises your hips, which can help you move safely and more confidently every day, especially as you age.” 

Maintaining glute strength improves balance, reduces the risk of falls, and supports long-term independence. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference. 

Simple ways to strengthen your glutes 

You don’t need a gym or heavy weights to start strengthening your glutes. Simple exercises at home can be adapted to suit different abilities. 

The UK physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. These sessions do not need to be long and can use bodyweight alone. 

Examples of glute-strengthening exercises: 

  • Sit-to-stands from a chair
  • Glute bridges
  • Step-ups
  • Glute kickbacks
  • Romanian deadlift 

As your strength improves, exercises may feel easier. Gradually increasing repetitions, adding an extra set, or introducing light resistance (from a resistance band or dumbbells) helps maintain progress. Small, steady increases are safer and more effective than sudden large jumps in intensity. 

A good rule of thumb is that the last few repetitions of an exercise should feel challenging, but you should still maintain good form and breathe steadily. 

Luca explains: “Strength training should feel challenging, but not overwhelming. Start at a level that suits you and build up gradually.

“Choose exercises you can perform without pain and focus on perfecting your technique before increasing intensity. This is the best way to get all the benefits of a specific exercise.” 

Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily large muscles. It’s to maintain strength, support everyday movement, and protect long-term heart health. 

Bringing it all together 

Strong glutes are more than just an aesthetic goal. They: 

  • Make everyday movement easier
  • Support heart health and blood sugar control
  • Helpmaintainweight and metabolism 
  • Reduce the risk of falls and injury
  • Contribute to overall muscle strength, functional fitness, and independence

Incorporating glute exercises into a total-body strength routine provides maximum benefits for your health, both now and in the long term. 

Download Heart Research UK’s Free Resource 

To help you get started, we’ve created a ‘Glute Strength for Everyday Movement’ exercise sheet. It includes simple, step-by-step exercises to support mobility, balance, and heart-healthy movement, with options for different ability levels. 

These exercises focus on movements that strengthen not just the glutes, but other important lower-body muscles too, helping you build functional strength that supports everyday life. 

Download the free resource and take the first step towards stronger glutes and a healthier heart:

Glute-Strength-for-Everyday-Movement-exercise-sheetDownload

More charities closed than opened in Edinburgh in 2025

THIRD SECTOR FACES GROWING PRESSURE

Charities across Edinburgh entered the new year facing a complex operating environment, as Scottish Charity Register data reveals more organisations were removed from the register last year than were newly established.

According to the register, 101 charities were registered in Edinburgh during 2025, while 122 were removed from the register.

Removal from the register can include mergers or charities completing their purpose, but the figures highlight the ongoing pressures within the voluntary sector as organisations adapt to rising costs, regulatory demands and changing funding patterns.

This local picture mirrors UK trends. The Status of UK Fundraising 2025 report found that 54% of UK charities saw their fundraising income remain static or fall over the past year, with a substantial majority attributing this to wider economic conditions. While income is not universally declining, many organisations are having to work harder to maintain stability.

Ansvar Insurance, a specialist insurer for charities and not‑for‑profit organisations, says the challenge is less about short-term survival and more about long-term sustainability.

Photo of a group of friends studying together at home

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “Edinburgh has always had an incredibly active charity sector, but these figures show just how challenging the current environment has become.

“Rising operational costs, a more competitive fundraising landscape and increased demand with an average of 27% of Edinburgh residents relying on charitable services mean organisations need to think differently about sustainability.”

To help local organisations strengthen their resilience, Ansvar is encouraging charities to explore less obvious strategies that can make a meaningful difference:

  1. Build practical partnerships: Formal partnerships with organisations serving similar beneficiaries can reduce overheads through shared back-office functions, joint fundraising and collaborative grant bids, while strengthening funding applications.
  2. Focus on long-term supporter relationships: Nurturing existing supporters through regular updates and consistent storytelling can help convert into monthly giving, providing greater stability than one-off donations.
  3. Review insurance and risk exposure: A risk assessment can highlight duplicated cover or gaps in protection. As services evolve, charities should ensure their insurance reflects current activities to avoid unnecessary costs or unexpected exposures.

Despite the pressures, the registration of new charities in Edinburgh during 2025 demonstrates the commitment of local communities to addressing social need.

Adam Tier added: “Financial sustainability isn’t just about raising more money. Often, it’s about taking a fresh look at existing processes and asking the right questions.

“The organisations that thrive are those that plan ahead, understand their risks and adapt early, positioning themselves to weather these challenges and continue serving their communities for years to come.”

https://www.cafonline.org/insights/research/uk-local-giving-report-2025#interMap