Tag: money saving tips

23 money-save hacks for 2023

Households are being offered 23 money-saving hacks to use in 2023 as experts reveal the best ways to save little and often throughout the year

Consumer experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have identified useful ways to save cash by completing monthly saving challenges as well as advice on how to knock hundreds off holiday expenses.

The cost-of-living crisis spiralled over the last year and the rising costs of food and expenses have left families worried about how they can manage their finances in the new year.

Brits can save little and often by taking early preventive steps to save their cash, from sticking to a digital budget planner to track how much they’re spending, to investing in a smart meter so they can monitor how much gas and electricity is being used in the home.

Lucinda Fox, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “December is one of the most expensive months of the year, which is why many families are left tight for cash when it comes to January.

“We’ve faced one of the toughest years when it comes to saving money, as every household expense has been rising from petrol to food and of course our energy bills.

“As we head into 2023, we’re offering households simple tips on how to stick to measurable budgets so they don’t have to worry about overspending or be left strapped for cash towards the end of the year.

“We’ve found various ways to save over the next year such as following budget planners and booking holidays a year in advance.”

Here are 23 money-saving hacks from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk to use in 2023:

  1. Digital budget planner

Start the year off by investing in a digital budget planner so you can visually track how much you’re spending and in which areas. This way you can monitor which outgoings can be cut down to help save hundreds off your monthly budget.

  1. Get a smart meter

Having the physical amount in front of you can let you see clearly how much is being spent on gas and electricity. It means you can knock £20 off the electric bill if devices that aren’t being used are still turned on.

  1. Start a side hustle

A savvy way to earn extra cash in the new year is to earn more and spend less by starting a side hustle. This can simply be done from home whether it’s selling clothing on apps or completing free online surveys to earn rewards.

  1. Enter free giveaways

Social media giveaways are also an easy way to grab a freebie. While it’s all down to chance, it’s worth doing as the only effort you’ll likely be putting in is following the company’s social page and tagging a friend in the comments.

  1. Set measurable savings goals

While it’s great to save as much as possible, don’t just throw everything into savings only to realise there’s not enough money left to pay for the bills. Be reasonable with how much you can save and by putting aside a steady amount to start with.

  1. Shop during sale events

January sales are one of the prime sales events over the year, where many retailers knock down their prices after the Christmas rush. If you have family or friends with birthdays coming up, make the most out of the sales to save on the costs.

  1. Book 2024/25 holidays now

When it comes to travel prices, the earlier you book, the better. Many companies offer zero deposit schemes where you pay the holiday off on a cheaper monthly basis rather than all in one go. Have a look at travel voucher codes to save up to 30% on future trips.

  1. Shop around for deals

Have a look at different outlets offering the same type of products, both online and in-person. This also applies to supermarkets during seasonal events where better promotions can be found by shopping around.

  1. Join community groups for free activities

Signing up for online community groups means you have access to wider information about free local activities going on in the area. This will help even further when it comes to half term to prevent overspending on days out.

  1. Sign up for loyalty schemes

Each time you decide to shop at a retailer, have a look if they have an app available or go straight to their website and join their reward schemes. This can result in freebies or discounts on your next visit.

  1. Book free cancellation trips

Booking free cancellation trips can provide extra insurance to get money back on a cancelled trip. This can be extremely helpful if there are ongoing strikes over the course of 2023 that could impact you getting to your destination.

  1. Sign up for email subscriptions

Even if they end up in your junk mail, it’s worth signing up for email subscriptions every time you purchase an item online, as you can be offered exclusive free items or early discounts before they go live to other consumers.

  1. Freeze leftovers from Sunday roasts

Freezing food and meal prepping is always a handy way to save on food costs. With prices set to rise again in the new year, it’s also worth saving the leftovers from a Sunday roast and batch-cooking them into lunches for the rest of the week to save a few quid.

  1. The 50:30:20 split

A popular TikTok trend from 2022 is one to follow through in the new year. When the monthly wage comes through, allocate 50% of it on bills and essentials, 30% on leisure and 20% on savings.

  1. Use a credit card

When buying a large purchase item, pay for it on finance or directly by credit card to build up your credit score. But only do so if you can realistically manage to fit the payment into the monthly budget.

  1. Have spend-free weekends

Dedicate one weekend a month where you’re going to have a spend-free weekend, where you can go for long walks in the park, get crafty in the kitchen with existing cupboard ingredients, or even just settle down and binge-watch a new TV show.

  1. Use fakeaway recipes

A fakeaway is always a delicious budget treat to have on a Saturday night. Fried chicken and homemade pizzas might take a little longer to make but the rewards are just as tasty.

  1. Notepad mystery box

Write down different amounts you’d like to put into your savings on separate pieces of paper and put them into a bowl. Every Sunday, draw out a different amount to determine how much money you will be putting into your savings that week. This is a great way to save little and often, just remember to keep it realistic!

  1. Check for tax rebates 

Often many find themselves accidentally paying too much tax, which can be reclaimed on the Government website. Even if it’s £30 – it’s still worth a look.

  1. Take part in free subscription trials

Brands offer freebies by signing up for subscription deals, whether it’s entertainment packages or beauty products. These can often be cancelled shortly after, so make sure to do so to prevent being charged.

  1. Stick to non-branded foods

These can cost nearly 50% less compared to other products even if there’s a lack of difference in price and quality. Veggies and meats often taste the same so it’s worth investing in the non-branded versions to cut down on weekly meals.

  1. Put locks on banking pots

Virtual banks often allow for savings pots to be locked and only accessible on certain dates. Having the visual lock on display can help prevent the temptation of taking cash out on a frequent basis.

  1. Stick to the plan

Don’t just stick to the budget for January and forget about it for the rest of the year, make it a personal goal that you’ll stick to the saving targets so that the rewards will be greater by the end of next year.

For more ways to save in 2023, please head over to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk.

Second hand toys for a cheaper, greener Christmas

Cash strapped parents struggling to find the extra cash for Christmas are being urged to clear out the cupboards and sell unwanted toys.

The penny pinching experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have pulled together their tips for families hoping to sell used toys, and buyers hoping to bag a bargain this Christmas.


With money being tight for many this festive season, the experts are expecting parents to find alternative ways to buy their kids the toys they’ve asked for without forking out for brand new items.

Buying second hand is a good option for securing a bargain for the buyer, and raising a little extra cash for the seller.

Rebecca Bebbington, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Christmas is an expensive time of year and with the ongoing cost of living crisis, it will put additional pressure on families.

“Selling unwanted toys is a good way for parents to get additional cash together – and is great for those hoping to buy a bargain bundle of second hand toys.

“It’s also better for the environment too. Rather than toys being put into landfill, they’re being cleaned down, repackaged and sold on for another little one to enjoy.

“We’ve put together some helpful tips for toy sellers and buyers to make sure everyone gets a good deal this Christmas.”

Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s top tips for buying and selling toys this Christmas:

For sellers:

  1. Photos

Take plenty of pictures showing the toys at their very best. If they’ve been in the back of a cupboard to up the loft, give them a good wash down so they look as good as new. However, there’s no point trying to hide any imperfections. Ensure your images represent the item in the best way so a buyer knows exactly what they’re getting and the quality it will be in.

  1. Description

Write a detailed description, describing the items as accurately as possible to avoid any confusion. Don’t be misleading. It’s always important to be honest in your description, even more so when the item is likely to be a special gift for Christmas.

  1. Haggling

Be prepared for a haggle. Lots of buyers will offer you a price lower than you are selling for. Be aware of this and price accordingly.

  1. Price comparisons

Have a look online to see what the same items are selling for, you don’t want to miss a sale because you’ve overpriced. Likewise, you don’t want to underprice and not get the amount the items deserve.

  1. Delivery

Offer to deliver for a small fee. Sometimes this may make the difference in securing a sale.

  1. Hold your nerve

Don’t settle on the first offer. It’s likely that you will receive a few offers after posting your item. Hold out a day or two to be sure you get the best price.

For buyers:

  1. Haggle

Don’t be afraid to ask for a few pounds off. If someone really wants a sale they will be happy to negotiate a price.

  1. Offer a swap

If you don’t want to pay the full price or can’t afford to, have you got something the seller might want? Ask if they’re happy to do a swap instead of a sale. You never know, you might just have something they’re looking for.

  1. Buy local and collect

Try to buy items in your local area and collect them wherever possible. Often, sellers can create their own fees for delivery so it’s always worth saving yourself a few pounds by picking the items up yourself.

  1. Photos

If you think the pictures don’t depict the item clearly, ask for more. You want to be sure that you get what you’re paying for and that it’s in the condition they have stated. Particularly important if you’re shopping for the item as a gift and you want it to look as good as new.

  1. Ask questions

If you have any doubts about the quality or condition of an item, ask lots of questions. It may be that the seller wasn’t clear enough – it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

For more tips on saving on toys this Christmas including buying secondhand, toy swaps and making your own https://www.netvouchercodes.co.uk/blog/save-this-christmas-with-second-hand-toys

Revealed:Cheapest supermarket to get your child’s packed lunch essentials

Aldi has been crowned as the cheapest supermarket to pick up your child’s packed lunch essentials from.

Consumer finance experts at CashLady.com conducted research into the prices of key packed lunch essentials consisting of fruit juice cartons, yoghurts, fruit, crisps and all the ingredients to make a delicious ham and cheese sandwich.  

The supermarkets were then ranked from one to nine in terms of their value for money, with one being ranked the cheapest and nine being ranked the most expensive. The items included in the costings included:  

  • Bread 
  • Cooked Ham 
  • Cheese 
  • Tomato 
  • Lettuce 
  • Banana 
  • Crisps 
  • Yoghurt 
  • Fruit cartons 

If you’re looking to whip up a balanced packed lunch for your child, to keep them fueled throughout the school day, the research has revealed that Aldi is the best place to shop.  

At Aldi, for just over £7, you can get all the packed lunch essentials to feed your child for a week- that’s £1.46 per day. 

However, ranked as the most expensive supermarket is M&S, where the same packed lunch essentials will set you back over £18, followed by Waitrose at a costly £14.85. 

Supermarket Price  Ranking 
Aldi £7.32 1 
Tesco £8.23 2 
Sainsburys £8.33 3 
Asda £8.43 4 
Lidl £8.52 5 
Morrisons £11.48 6 
Co-op £14.10 7 
Waitrose £14.85 8 
M&S £18.55 9 

Commenting on the findings, CashLady.com’s Consumer Finance Expert, Dan Whittaker said: “There’s a lot you may be needing to budget for, from school uniform and stationary supplies to packed lunches. Plus with the cost of living crisis upon us and energy bills about to soar, there’s no better time to save where you can.

“We’ve crunched the numbers to find the cheapest supermarket for packed lunch essentials so that you can serve up your children delicious, nutritional lunches whilst still keeping to a strict budget.”  

Seven heatwave hacks to save money on cooling your home

With temperatures set to soar to 30 degrees in parts of the UK this week, many people may find themselves tempted to splurge on household items to help keep them cool.

But keeping temperatures down at home can be expensive. Some hot weather tips are great for lowering the heat, but they can cause your costs to rise.

To help us to save whilst keeping cool this summer, consumer finance expert, Paul Wilson, has shared his top tips on heatwave hacks which can save up to £177 a month. 

  1. Avoid portable air conditioning units – save £90

“Homes in the UK tend to be poorly prepared for heatwaves, so when the temperatures start to soar, it can be tempting to spontaneously splurge on the latest cooling gadget or device.”

“Whilst portable air conditioning units sound like a great idea in theory, in principle they can eat through your money and wrack up heavy costs on your energy bills. Our research shows that portable air conditioning units cost around 38p per hour.

“Based on the average run time of four hours, 18 mins during the day and four hours, 48 mins at night, this could add £24 per week onto your energy bill, if not more.

“According to Uswitch, running an standard electric fan will cost only £1.64 per week, which means running air conditioning would cost you over 14x more for the same effect!”

  1. Opt for cotton sheets – save £7

“There’s nothing worse than being kept awake all night due to the heat. Rather than buying satin sheets, opt for white cotton sheets. The light and breathable material will enable you to sleep much easier during a heatwave.

They come at the fraction of the cost of satin sheets which retail around £18. If you’re thinking of purchasing sheets for a double-bed, from a large online retailer, you could save as much as £7 by choosing the cotton option over satin.”

  1. Ditch branded summer toiletries – save £7

“Suncream is an essential summer toiletry, especially when the temperatures are set to hit highs of 30 degrees. But instead of splurging on summer sun essentials, ditch the household brands and choose supermarket branded items instead.”

“They’re just as safe and are often more than half the price of the branded alternative. For instance, you could get your hands on a budget-friendly suncream for £3.90 instead of a household name brand that retails at £7.”

“For those that suffer from Hayfever, try swapping out your usual branded packet of tablets for a generic branded packet to save half of the price.”

  1. Take a cold shower – save £2

“Jumping in the shower is a great way to cool off instantly when the temperature climbs, but make sure you’re being efficient with your water usage. Reduce the number of baths you are taking and opt for a short, cold shower with a water-efficient shower head.”

“This saves you the cost of heating water and reduces steam which would make your bathroom hotter – which is the last thing you want in a heatwave. If you swapped a daily bath to a short four minute shower, you could save £24.82 over the course of a year.” 

  1. Swap coffee for flavoured water – save £27

“It can be tricky to stay productive when you’re trying to work in a stuffy office or at home during a heatwave, especially when you’ve had a bad night’s sleep thanks to soaring temperatures. So, it’s a natural urge for many of us to want to reach for a cup of coffee for a caffeine boost in the morning.”

“But caffeine can actually make you feel hotter in a heatwave, as it can make you feel jittery, and this can have a knock-on effect on your productivity. Instead, try swapping your takeaway coffees, from a popular high street chain, for large bottles of water.

Keeping hydrated in a heatwave is crucial, as your body sweats more to keep itself cool. Plus, your wallet will thank you later, as you could easily save £6 each week by swapping your coffees for flavoured water.” 

  1. Turn appliances off when you’re not using them – save £36

“When the heatwave hits, the last thing any of us want to do is generate more heat indoors. But did you know that electrical appliances generate heat whilst they’re in standby mode? Not only does this create more heat in your home, but it also adds extra costs to your utility bills.”

“The average UK household wastes around 30% of their energy usage, adding up to a huge £429 on an annual electricity bill. Appliances like TV’s generate heat when they are left on standby, so make sure you switch everything off if it’s not being used.” 

  1. Air dry clothes – save £8

“Hot weather is the perfect condition for air drying clothes and getting on top of that dreaded laundry pile. Check what rating your tumble dryer is, so that you can make some quick savings. For instance, a ‘C’ rated dryer costs over £100 a year to run, meaning that you can easily cut costs over the summer months simply by letting clothes air dry in the garden or well ventilated rooms in your home.”

“As with any cost-saving plans, the key is convenience when figuring out if you can stick to a cost-saving technique or not. Lockdown has been tough on all of us and the heatwave offers Brits a great chance to get out and about and make the most of restrictions lifting. Hopefully these tips will offer options on how to keep costs down and stay cool, whilst still being able to make the most of the great weather.” 

Paul Wilson is a Consumer Finance Expert at Financial Conduct Authority authorised and regulated credit broker CashLady.com.

Switch or haggle with your broadband and mobile provider to save hundreds

As the impact of the cost of living crisis hits home for millions of people, Which? shares tips to save consumers hundreds of pounds on their broadband and mobile bills:

Broadband and mobile customers across the country are paying more than they need to for their connections – but reducing these costs doesn’t have to be hard. There are simple things all of us can do to make sure we’re not paying over the odds, such as switching or haggling, taking advantage of perks on offer or ditching costly insurance.

1. Switch provider and save £240
At the end of broadband and mobile phone contracts, Which? suggests switching providers as an easy way to save money. New customers often get affordably priced introductory offers which can cost as much as 90 per cent less than standard tariffs. In some cases, switching could save hundreds per year. Which? research found that broadband customers who switch away from the ‘big four’ providers (BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media) typically save hefty amounts on their annual broadband bill – as much as £190. Customers with a TV and broadband package can save even more – over £200. Switching mobile providers netted customers an average annual saving of £40. Customers leaving O2 and Three made the largest savings on average.

2. Haggle at the end of your contract and save up to £162
Providers often expect and invite haggling. The biggest potential savings are available to customers with a TV and broadband deal – when Which? surveyed customers who’d haggled with their provider, it found the average saving was £128. Broadband customers who haggle save an average of £85 annually. Meanwhile, the average mobile customer saved £34 a year by haggling. Customers with the major providers saved even more: the average Three customers saved around £45 a year by haggling, and the average EE customer saved £75.

3. Think twice before taking out a mobile contract and save £288
While contracts allow customers to spread the expense, they often cost more in the long run and are sometimes subject to mid-contract price rises. For those who can afford to buy their phone outright, a low-cost Sim-only deal for the right amount of data you need can save money and help make future payments more predictable. Which? compared prices and found Three selling the iPhone 12 on a 24-month contract with 4GB of data at £42 per month, plus £29 upfront – £1,037 over the term. Purchasing an iPhone 12 outright for £629 with a rolling 30-day contract with Smarty for 4GB of data at £5 per month, could save £288 over the same period.

4. Look out for incentives from broadband providers and get £100 in vouchers
Many broadband and mobile providers offer incentives to entice new customers, typically vouchers and reward cards. Sometimes hardware is on offer too – Which? spotted perks such as free wireless speakers, tablets and televisions. Comparison sites often offer vouchers for checking broadband deals through them. Which? found that vouchers for £100 aren’t uncommon – and they’re not only associated with the priciest deals. Researchers regularly spot £50 and £75 vouchers, often for use with Amazon, John Lewis, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Uber Eats. Consumers can explore which incentives are available using a comparison service, such as Which? Switch Broadband.

5. Don’t overpay for mobile data
Premium phones are commonly sold on contracts with high data deals, but for those who aren’t heavy data users, most of that will go to waste. Which? recommends customers keep track of their data and minutes, so they know how much they need. A low data contract such as 5GB of data from ID Mobile costs £6 a month, whereas 100GB of data from EE costs £34 a month. There are plenty of options between these extremes, such as 60GB of data from SMARTY for £10 a month.

6. Check your roaming charges
Travellers should ensure they know exactly what their provider will charge for using phone data abroad. Since Brexit, EE, Three and Vodafone have all introduced new charges for using data in Europe, whereas O2 has not. If travelling beyond Europe, the cost can vary dramatically between providers. For example, Which? found that using data when roaming in the US varies dramatically. Plusnet charges £6 per MB, compared to just 20p per MB with Giffgaff, so users could potentially save £5.80 per MB by switching.

7. Be aware of price rises to avoid paying an extra £55 a year
Popular providers such as BT, EE, John Lewis Broadband, Plusnet, Shell Energy Broadband, TalkTalk and Vodafone all include price increases in their contracts. Usually, customers are given the right to exit a contract penalty-free if the provider announces a price hike, but if they are included in the terms and conditions of the contract that no longer applies. Customers within their minimum contract period will have little choice but to accept the price increase (or to pay a pricey exit fee to terminate the contract).

However, not every provider specifies price rises in contracts, Virgin Media and Sky stick to ad hoc price rises. Other providers such as Hyperoptic, SSE, Utility Warehouse and Zen Internet all commit to keeping their tariffs the same for the duration of a contract. When Which? looked at the average amounts affected customers pay, it found that this year’s price increase would add as much as £55 to the average customer’s annual broadband bill. Customers can avoid the extra cost by switching away or picking a provider with a fixed price.

8. See if you’re eligible for a social tariff and save a potential £144
Social tariffs help financially vulnerable customers afford their broadband and mobile costs. Customers on a means-tested benefit, such as Universal Credit, could be eligible. However, Ofcom found that out of around 4.2 million households that are eligible for social tariffs, only 55,000 have signed up so far.

Several broadband providers, including BT, Hyperoptic, Virgin Media, and most recently Now and Sky, offer them for customers who receive certain benefits. Vodafone has also recently expanded a social tariff plan for its Voxi mobile network to those receiving benefits, offering unlimited 5G data, calls and texts for £10 for up to six months

While it doesn’t offer a social tariff, TalkTalk partners with the Department for Work and Pensions to offer six months of free fibre broadband to certain jobseekers. However, this isn’t available to all customers; eligibility is determined by Jobcentre staff so those on Universal Credit should ask their Jobcentre Plus work coach if they’re eligible.

The typical standard broadband package costs £27 a month, but social tariffs are available for as little as £15 a month, meaning it’s possible to save a potential £144. Social tariffs for fibre broadband are also available for as little as £15 a month.

9. Take advantage of the extras on offer
Some broadband providers also offer mobile and energy deals and offer their customers discounts on other services. For example, EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone can offer discounted mobile phone deals, while SSE and Utility Warehouse often offer discounted broadband and energy bundles.

Which? found other extras on offer from some providers that can also save money. Shell Energy Broadband gives customers access to its Shell Go+ programme, which includes three per cent off 60 litres of fuel per month. Now Broadband offers discounted Now TV services and Virgin Media customers can access discounts via O2 Priority. The savings on offer vary depending on which benefits customers take advantage of. It could be a modest £1.05 for Virgin Media customers who take advantage of a free Greggs sausage roll, or £32 annually for those taking advantage of the discounted fuel on offer from Shell Energy Broadband.

10. Look outside the ‘big four’ mobile providers
The majority of mobile customers are with one of the ‘big four’ networks – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These providers are often at the more expensive end of the market, particularly for low data packages. To attract customers, virtual providers sometimes run deals on their packages which can mean extra savings. Which? found that opting for a smaller provider could save £240 in the first year. A 10GB Sim-only deal with EE costs £27 a month. Smarty offers 12GB of 5G data for £4 a month for the first three months, and £8 a month thereafter.

11. Refer a friend
Many broadband providers, including BT, Virgin Media and Vodafone offer bonuses if satisfied customers refer a friend. These usually come in the form of a gift card, but some providers offer bill credit or money off tariffs instead. For example, BT offers a £50 voucher to both parties.

12. Weigh up mobile phone insurance
Customers should weigh up the extras that are bundled into their mobile phone contract, as it could work out cheaper to buy them separately or not at all. Customers might already have contents insurance which may cover mobile phones through personal possessions cover. This protects your belongings whenever you leave your home and could even offer protection when you travel abroad. If their phone is covered by contents insurance, customers could save £120 per year on mobile insurance costing £10 per month.

Adam French, Which? Consumer Rights Expert, said: “Despite the cost of living crisis, many providers have not hesitated to impose above-inflation price hikes, leaving customers feeling the pressure. But, there are steps you can take to minimise the cost of broadband and mobile bills.

“It’s worth shopping around or haggling for the best deal, particularly if you’re out of contract. Which? research has found that haggling with your providers or switching deals could save you hundreds of pounds a year.”

Enjoying the holidays on a budget

Free and cut-price things to do over the Easter holidays

Which? is advising families facing cost of living pressures on how they can save money over the Easter holidays with these handy hacks for free, or cut-price, activities. 

1. Enjoy a meal out with ‘kids eat free’ offers

When dining out as a family, it is worth checking if nearby restaurants offer discounts for children. Many restaurants and cafes run ‘kids eat free’ offers during the holidays. Which? found several popular chains offered discounts at certain times, including Yo! Sushi, The Real Greek and Morrisons Cafe.

2. Visit a theme park for less

Check the prices at attractions in advance, to save. For example, Which? found an adult day pass bought on the day at Alton Towers costs £62, but only £34 when bought in advance – a 45% saving.

Shoppers can also save money on days out at theme parks and attractions up and down the country when purchasing groceries at the supermarket. 

Which? found that some Carex handwashes have vouchers for half-price entry for Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Sea Life Centres and Sanctuaries valid until May 31 2022.

Meanwhile, selected Kellogg’s cereal packs and snacks offer ‘adults go free’ vouchers for Merlin attractions valid until June 2022. 

Tesco Clubcard holders can convert points into Tesco Reward Partners Vouchers, which can be used for as much as three times the saving at theme parks, wildlife parks and more.

3. Learn something new at a free gallery or museum

Many UK national galleries and museums are free to enter and are an easy way to entertain the family for a day out. Which? members highly rated: St. Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, Beamish: The Living Museum of the North in County Durham, National Railway Museum in York,  Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, Shropshire and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Just remember they may need visitors to book a free ticket before arrival. 

4. Burn off the Easter chocolate with some sport

There are many free sporting activities available up and down the country during the holidays. It’s worth checking local council websites for opportunities, some offer free swimming lessons for children, for example.

Alternatively, Parkruns are free weekly events, held every weekend in hundreds of locations around the UK. There are 5k events on Saturday mornings, and junior runs for children on Sundays. 

Tennis for Free also offers free tennis sessions for all ages in public parks around the country.

5. Watch the latest movies at a discount

Some cinema chains offer discounts for family films at certain times, usually in the morning. Odeon’s ‘Odeon Kids’, Picturehouse’s ‘Kid’s Club’, and Vue’s ‘Mini Mornings’ all offer discounts for both adults and children.

For example, Vue ‘Mini Morning’ tickets cost £2.49 or £2.99 if you buy online (£3.49/£3.99 at the venue).

Film fans can also get cinema discounts with dining cards Gourmet Society and Tastecard. Both offer up to 40% off some cinema chains and currently offer 90-day free trials.

Anyone who buys a policy through the price comparison website Compare the Market will get 2 for 1 cinema tickets on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a year – those who may have bought a policy recently should check if this offer is available to them.
It is also worth checking if your phone provider offers cinema discounts.

O2 customers have access to O2 Priority and can often claim free Odeon tickets to use on Sundays and Mondays. Three Mobile customers can claim £3 adult cinema tickets for Cineworld or Picturehouse using the Three+rewards app and Vodafone customers can get two adult tickets for £7 at most Vue cinemas to use each week, using the My Vodafone app.

6. Catch a theatre show for less

Although usually an expensive outing, it is possible to bag cheaper theatre tickets. Local theatres often host touring West End productions for a fraction of the cost of London shows.

Which? found tickets for The Book of Mormon in Leeds Grand Theatre starting at £15, while prices begin at £40 in London on the same date.

Most theatres offer cheaper tickets for under 30s. For example, the National Theatre offers £5 tickets if you’re under 18, and £10 tickets if you’re under 26.

Every Monday at noon, a number of tickets for Disney shows (The Lion King/Frozen) are available for £25 through DisneyTickets and some shows, including Hamilton, run daily lotteries to enter, with winners able to purchase tickets for between £10-£35 for a performance that week.

Apps such as TodayTix can save visitors up to 66% on certain shows. Which? found tickets for Roald Dahl’s Matilda on Thursday 7 April for £25. 

Often, seats at the back of the theatre cost less, but it is worth checking if the view is obstructed. Seatplan allows visitors to check out the view before purchasing tickets. 

7. Take the train to save on days out

Some train companies offer cheap train travel for children travelling with an adult. For example, Southeastern, Chiltern Railways, London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway will allow up to four children (aged 5-15) to travel for £1 on a single or return journey when joined by an adult in off-peak times.

Which? found an adult and two children could go from London to Margate and back on Southeastern services for under £30, with the children’s tickets costing £2. If two adults are travelling, they could save money with a railcard – the two together card costs £30 upfront but also saves a third on rail fares for a year.

National Rail also offers 2 for 1 tickets at a range of attractions nationwide including Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and London Zoo when purchased with a train ticket.

8. Take advantage of local libraries

As well as borrowing physical books for free, most libraries allow users to borrow e-books and audiobooks. Some can also grant access to digital magazines and newspapers. Check local library offers via on the local council website and sign up for free.

9. Explore the great outdoors

Take advantage of the free parks up and down the country. Check out the Which?  guide on the best national parks in the UK. Alternatively, plan a walk using Which?’s guide to the best UK walks.

Those in search of adventure could try geocaching tracking co-ordinates on a smartphone app to find hidden boxes known as ‘caches’. The National Trust has 10 places to try.

10. Seek out free local events

Many local councils offer free events during school holidays, so it is worth checking their websites. Search the local council’s name followed by ‘half-term activities’ to see what’s going on in that area. It is always worth checking out the local council’s website.

For example, Which? saw that Manchester City Council will be running springtime craft sessions and Haringey Council in London will offer free Easter workshops for teens aged 11-16 in creative writing, drama and film.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? Home Products and Services Editor, said: “With the rising cost of living taking its toll on household finances, millions of families are looking to cut down on their spending. However, there are plenty of fun, cheap and free activities you can do during the Easter holidays that don’t need to break the bank. 

“Theme parks offer discounted entry if you book in advance, and there are plenty of deals on offer ahead of the Easter holidays. Many cinemas and theatres also offer discounts for children. It is worth checking if your local council is running free events or workshops, while parks and museums are free to enjoy at your leisure.”

Spring Forward: Personal finance expert shares daylight savings tips

Personal Finance Expert at CashLady.com, Paul Wilson, has released eight tips to help save money during the warmer weather and longer nights.

We’ve all been there – at the first signs of summer, we rush to a beer garden with friends or splurge on picnic supplies without a second thought. However, with months of sunshine and lighter evenings to come, it’s important to not get ahead of ourselves and spend beyond our means.

There are lots of little things you can do to make your money go further as Daylight Savings begins and the days get longer, and you’ll soon find that you can budget effectively whilst still having fun.

1. Waste less food

With the warmer weather incoming, who doesn’t enjoy a spontaneous picnic in the park? However, over-buying food can lead to an increase in food waste. According to recycling charity WRAP, the UK throws away 6.6 million tonnes of food waste a year- three-quarters of which could have been eaten.

Save your money and save the planet by packaging up any food you buy and repurposing it later as leftovers.

Stick firmly to use-by dates, but for items with best-before dates, trusting your taste and smell to determine food is still good to eat rather than rigidly sticking to the dates means your food stretches further, and so do your finances.

2. Round up your savings

One of the most commonly used methods of saving money is the ‘skimming’ method, where each time you get money into your account, you automatically ‘skim’ some off the top and deposit it straight into a savings account – acting as though it never existed.

Banking providers such as Monzo offer ‘pots’ where you can deposit money into separate locked away ‘pots’ and see your main funds separately. Throughout Daylight Savings, you could set a goal of depositing spare change into savings every time you spend, and by October you’ll be set for Winter.

3. Check your taxes

The tax year officially ends on the 5th of April, just one week after Daylight Savings begins, so now may be a good time to check your tax code with HMRC and ensure you are paying the right amount of tax.

If you’ve been overpaying on your tax for a period of time then you could be due a rebate, putting money straight back into your pocket.

4. Take advantage of the long nights

Instead of running home to escape the cold and curl up on the sofa, use extended daylight hours to enjoy the outdoors. You’ll save money on electricity by not running indoor lights and gadgets and benefit from the fresh air and sunshine.

After work, why not use these long nights to walk or cycle home if possible? Make use of the improved weather and save money on petrol, whilst also getting some easy exercise.

5. Keep track of your house’s heating

The return of Spring often brings with it sudden heat waves in stark contrast to freezing winter nights. Make sure that your thermostat has been adjusted for the weather, and that you’re not paying for automatic heating whilst you’re sweltering in the garden.

You can even go one step further and ensure that you’re getting the best possible deals with your energy provider by using comparison sites such as energyhelpline.com or uswitch.com.

6. Get cheap flights                                                                                                                                                           
Hotter weather and longer nights will have you lusting after a getaway before too long, and the temptation to book a spontaneous holiday might grow. If this sounds like you, make sure you’re getting the best possible deals on your trip by using price comparison sites and flight alerts.

Skyscanner allows you to search everywhere in the world for the cheapest destination and compare flight prices.

Making use of websites such as lastminute.com makes all the difference in saving your money for the actual holiday.

7. Dress smart

A new season may have you yearning to shop for new season clothes, but ask yourself – do you need to? Upcycling your old clothes and re-inventing your previously loved styles could save big bucks on unsustainable ASOS orders.

If you decide you do need some new styles, then try shopping in your local charity shop. Places like the British Heart Foundation even stock old Pretty Little Thing stock for less than half the original price!

 8. Save on nights out

An increase in socialising often leads to spending your money in pubs, bars and clubs. There are many ways to save when out partying, for example, only take cash on a night out.

This will stop you from tapping away on your card without really adding up what you’re spending. Use free ATMs and avoid buying rounds whilst you’re out to manage your budget effectively.

Paul Wilson is a consumer finance expert at Financial Conduct Authority authorised and regulated credit broker at Cash Lady.com

National Energy Savings Week: Finance expert on reducing fuel usage and saving money

Personal Finance Expert at CashLady.com, Paul Wilson, shares his top tips on how Brits can reduce their fuel usage and save money this Energy Savings Week: 

It looks like energy prices are likely to rise higher than ever before in 2022. Making sure you’re getting the best deal has never been more important, and taking steps to cut back your fuel usage should be on everyone’s agenda.

Even small changes can help put some money back in your pocket and big tasks, like moving to a new tariff, are worth looking into. This Energy Savings Week, why not try some of these nine ways to reduce your fuel usage and help keep your finances on track. 

1.          Draught excluders

Make sure your doors aren’t letting out valuable heat and letting in the cold. You can buy permanent solutions that attach to the bottom of your door, or decorative excluders that are a quick and easy option. Draught excluders are an inexpensive and effective way to quickly tackle any lost heat from your home.

2.            Seal your windows

In the same vein as draught excluders, making sure your windows are sealed against the cold is a quick win. Older houses especially can have less efficient windows. Window sealing strips can be bought from most DIY stores and are available in various styles to also complement home decor. Additionally, if you have curtains, use them! Lined curtains will keep your room warm in winter and cooler in summer, meaning less need to rely on your heating or cooling systems.

3.            LED Bulbs

The initial outlay may be a little steeper when it comes to LED bulbs. However, they use 75% less energy than their incandescent counterparts, so it’s a switch worth making. They also last longer and so you won’t need to buy them as often which results in long-term savings and less waste. 

4.            Plan and prepare 

Simply being mindful of how and when you use energy can lead to some simple savings. Many of us have our heating on a timer; regularly reassess if the times you use the heating still make sense. Perhaps you still have the same settings you had over the Christmas break, but now you’re home less during the day. There may also be evenings when you’re out and don’t need the heating at all. Turn it off before you leave so you aren’t wasting unnecessary energy.

5.            Be mindful

Just as you can plan and prepare when to have your heating on, you can also consider where in the house you actually need the heating. If the spare room is used for the rare times you have guests, then you can turn that radiator off and shut the door. Radiator valves are also there to be used. Smaller box rooms may be fine with a lower setting. Not everyone you live with will like the same level of heat; children’s rooms may need a lower temperature if they tend to get hot in the night. Think carefully about how you are using your heating, not just when you use it.

6.            Other appliances

There are a whole host of things we use daily in our homes that burn fuel. Make sure lights are switched off when rooms are not in use, put post-it notes on the switches as a reminder if needs be. Try not to use the dryer as this is a huge energy burner, instead put clothes on radiators that are being used anyway. Washing your laundry in large loads rather than little and often is another way to be more efficient. Consider batch cooking some of your weekly meals and freezing them. That way, you’re having to cook less which means using the oven less. 

7.            Credit where it’s due

Find out from your energy company if you’re in credit. If you have regular meter readings and pay by direct debit, you may have been paying too much. This can result in you being in credit. You can choose to carry this credit over, which may reduce your monthly bills, or you can ask for a refund. Energy companies have to issue a refund if you are in credit and you could save this towards future bills or just put it aside for a rainy day. 

8.            Your tariff

Traditionally, moving onto a company’s default tariff has been the most expensive option. As soon as your fixed tariff is coming to an end, you should speak to your energy company about a new deal. However, with energy prices now so high, the capped default price may actually be cheaper than the fixed option. Do your homework and find out if you may now be better off staying with the default tariff until prices (hopefully) decrease, or if your specific usage means you would be better off with a new fixed deal.

9.            Change providers 

As with moving to a different tariff, switching providers is now not as cut and dried as it used to be. As many as 20 energy firms have gone bust recently, so you need to make sure you choose a provider that is stable. Use price comparison sites to see if moving companies could be a good thing, but be sure to do your sums first and don’t assume it will lead to savings. You should also only switch at the end of your contract as, quite often, firms charge an exit fee if you still have several months left on your deal. 

Paul Wilson is a Consumer Finance Expert at Financial Conduct Authority authorised and regulated credit broker Cash Lady.

We’re dreaming of a warm Christmas!

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BRITS WOULD FOREGO A WHITE CHRISTMAS AS ENERGY BILLS RISE 

  • Almost seven in 10 Britons (68 percent) hope for a white Christmas each year
  • However, 62 percent admit they would prefer a warmer Christmas this year if it meant they could save money on their heating bills
  • Almost three quarters (74 percent) will consider using the heating less during the festive season in order to save money

Ever since Bing Crosby hit the airwaves in 1942 with Irving Berlin’s nostalgic song, ‘White Christmas’, snow-laden vistas and frosted windows have defined the perfect festive setting for many of us.

Yet whilst almost seven in 10 Britons (68 percent) continue to hold out hope for a snowy Christmas, new research has revealed that 62% would actually prefer a warm Yuletide if it meant they could save on their dreaded winter heating bills this year.

The research by home heating expert Alpha Heating Innovation comes as the collapse of further energy firms is predicted for the coming weeks, following the 22 suppliers which have already folded since September 2021.

With the energy price cap now expected to rise by over 40% next April, the UK is bracing itself for an increase in household bills and looking for ways to conserve home running costs.

As a result, almost three quarters (74 percent) would consider using the heating less during the festive season in order to save money.

Darran Smith, Technical Manager for home heating expert, Alpha Heating Innovation, commented: “With gas prices set to radically increase in 2022 and fuel poverty likely to extend far beyond the four million households already struggling to pay their energy bills, it is little wonder that most of us would happily forego a white Christmas.

“We are urging households to consider ways of keeping their heating bills manageable over the festive period and look to establish some good home heating habits now before the price hikes arrive.”

When it comes to the nation’s Christmas finances, a warm home features in the top three items which UK households prioritise (38 percent), along with presents for friends and family (53 percent) and festive food (52 percent).

The top 10 things Brits prioritise financially over the Christmas period:

1.   Lovely presents for friends and family (53%)

2.   Festive food (52%)

3.   A warm home (38%)

4.   Trees and decorations (29%)

5.   Christmas lights (26%)

6.   Alcohol (24%)

7.   Posting gifts/cards (17%)

8.   Days out (14%)

9.   Nights out (13%)

10. Hosting Christmas parties (12%)

But there’s good news. Whilst gift budgets can be set and purse strings for food tightened, there are simple and efficient ways to save on heating bills without compromising on comfort.

Darran continues: “One of the best ways to heat your home economically is to learn how to control the settings of your heating system so it delivers the optimum temperature for your lifestyle and comfort level, while ensuring you only use the energy you need.

“Don’t waste energy on heating the whole house all night. If you have thermostatic radiator valves, turn them down or off in rooms that aren’t regularly used. Think about what room temperature you normally set and reduce it by just 1ºC – you won’t notice any difference but you can cut heating bills by up to £105 a year in a typical home.

“And finally, put on an extra layer such as that festive must-have: the Christmas jumper. Very simple; but it never fails to make a surprisingly big difference.”

For more practical tips on how to save on heating bills, visit:

Alpha Heating Innovation’s handy online guide.

For further information about Alpha Heating Innovation, visit:

alpha-innovation.co.uk.

Instagram Mums reveal how to save £290 on Christmas decor

Christmas can be the most expensive time of the year for mums. We all want to spoil our little ones rotten with gifts, splurge on festive food and treat ourselves to outings with friends – but it can be easy to get carried away with spending.

To help parents save those extra pennies this December, Little-Loans.com has rounded up some saving tips from Instagram Mums on how to decorate the home for less.

Their tips and hacks can save mums up to £286.50 which should make Christmas spending that little bit less stressful whilst keeping your home looking like a Winter wonderland. 

“It’s hard not to get pulled in by all the shiny new Christmas decorations this time of year, but I actually really enjoy being creative and think it makes your home unique when you make a few things yourself.”

– @emma.wears.it.all

Emma Stretton is a mum-of-two and savvy-saver living in Manchester. She has a keen eye for fashion and interiors and knows how to dress her house for Christmas without breaking the bank. 

  1. Swap fancy wrapping for simple brown parcel paper – save £10
    “A 6 metre roll of brown wrapping paper costs £1 at The Works. I can get two rolls of this to cover all my Christmas presents. The beauty of this is you can then decorate each present individually. I use some simple string or cheap balls of yarn, or even the kid’s craft supplies to make my presents look festive. You can also get the kids involved and ask them to draw Christmas pictures on the presents, making them really unique and personal.”
  1. Save glass jars for table decor – save £20
    “Next time you’re dishing up dinner using a Dolmio jar or similar, peel off the label, wash it out and keep it for Christmas. I decorate them using old bits of ribbon that I’ve saved from gifts or with different coloured yarn and then put tealights, acorns or pine cones in the bottom. It’s a really simple way to dress a table or a fireplace and much cheaper than buying Christmas candles you only use once”
  2. Use cheap fabrics to give your table a rustic finish – save £30
    “A metre of red checked fabric can cost about £5.99. I use this as a simple table runner. You can also buy a pack of Christmas fabric offcuts for about £2.80 on ebay; I roll these up, tie them with yarn and use them as napkins. Instead of buying fancy chargers, I just use my everyday wicker placemats which, alongside the decorated glass jars, creates a simple and rustic Christmas table look.”
  3. Use Christmas cards to your advantage – save £5
    “We tend to get a lot of Christmas cards from my children’s classes. So I buy a ball of twine and some miniature pegs and hang them from the walls. They double up as Christmas decor and keep your shelf space free. This also might be a bit ‘bah humbug’, but I don’t ever give Christmas cards, it’s a waste of money and precious time!”
  4. Fill up your tree with snowballs to spend less on baubles – save £25
    “Decorating the tree can get expensive so over the years we’ve come up with a few ways to fill it up without overspending. One of my favourite things is the fake snowballs we put on it every year. A bucket of 20 costs £5 and we dot them all over the tree to make it look less sparse. We’ve also accumulated several Christmas teddies over the years. These get stuffed between the branches and the kids love seeing Kevin the Carrot peeking out at them.”
  5. Create DIY crafty Christmas letters – save £15
    “This is a good one for keeping the kids occupied. You can buy mdf 3D letters from Amazon for £1 each, then get the paints out and let them decorate them for Christmas. Last year, we did some with our elf’s name on so she had a designated spot in the house where we could find her if she’d been ‘too tired’ to get up to mischief that day.”
Savings tipAmount saved 
Brown paper instead of fancy wrapping£10
Simple table decor including a runner, napkins and glass jars£50
Not buying Christmas cards£5
Snowballs and teddies to fill up the tree instead of expensive new decorations£25
Decorating our own Christmas letters instead of buying them£15
Total savings:£105

“I’ve made cute Christmas tree decorations from an old tartan scarf and Christmas bunting from leftover fabric I had after making my niece some patchwork dungarees.”
– @sarahrefashionhunter 

Devon-based Sarah Hunter is the mother of two twin boys and upcycles forgotten clothes in her spare time. She uses her passion for sustainability and DIY to save on festive decor each year and shares some easy tips on how you can do the same. 

  1. Upcycle bags for life to make decorative Christmas gift bags – save £30
    “I recently found a beautiful quilt in a charity shop for £2.99 and will make little trinket bags from it. If sewing is tricky they can simply be glued with fabric glue, which I like to get my twin boys involved with. For larger gift bags, I repurpose supermarket bags for life. They are nice and sturdy for present holding and you can use faux fur to cover it and make a really fun gift bag that also looks great under the tree.”
  2. Use faux fur trimmings to revamp old decorations – save £40
    “With the offcuts from my gift bags, I tend to cover any tired looking Christmas decorations to give them a new lease of life. The tatty old hearts and stars look much better with a new faux fur cover. It also means I have the same patterns and themes running through my decor which I can easily change each year if I fancy something new, with little cost.” 
  3. Create a DIY rag Christmas wreath – save £30
    “This year, I’m going to make a Christmas wreath using rags. I’ve been saving the offcuts from my sewing projects and will buy a wire frame to wrap them round. There are loads of tutorials and I love that it’s something a little different and uses things that would otherwise be thrown away. It’s also much cheaper than a shop-bought wreath and I can add to it each year to freshen it up.” 
  4. Use old Christmas cards to make personalised gift tags – save £10
    “My twins will be helping me out this year by making gift tags with me. I kept some of last year’s Christmas cards which will be cut into shapes to make new tags, adding stickers, paint, whatever they fancy to customise them. Then just a hole punch at the top and a bit of string or wool and you have your own homemade tag.”
Savings tipAmount saved 
Gift bags made from fabric and bags for life£30
Faux fur/sheepskin Christmas tree decorations and favors£40
Rag Christmas Wreath£30
Homemade Christmas tags£10 
Total savings:£110

“You’d be surprised at how much you can save on Christmas decorations whilst still making your home look like a Christmas paradise!”

– @imperfectly_sustainable_style

Karen Ford is the mother of a boy and a girl, ages 13 and 11. To avoid wasting money on disposable Christmas decorations, Karen’s tips focus on second-hand thrifting and DIY creations which look the part and don’t break the bank.

  1. Make your own chocolate tree decorations – save £2.50
    “I’ve always made my own chocolate tree decorations, my mum taught me this trick and I do it with the children every year. Our personal choice is usually coins, but you can use any wrapped type. Simply push a threaded needle through the sweet, then create a loop by tying the ends together to your chosen length. You could go really bright or more traditional with your choices according to your tree’s theme and colours and it can save you a few pounds whilst feeling way more bespoke and special.”
  2. Choose second-hand decorations – save £30
    “I keep an eye out for any decorations in the charity or second-hand shops and Facebook local selling groups in the build up to Christmas. They often put out saved stock and we have found some really good quality items this way over the years, saving us some money and the bonus of knowing you’re recycling something.” 
  1. Create a DIY pinecone centerpiece and garland – save £24
    “I collect any pretty pinecones, tree vines or sticks we come across while out on walks in local woodland. Simply give them a wash and create your own table centerpiece or garland using a glass bowl and some ribbons or fairy lights.”

    “If you wanted to go really fancy you could dehydrate orange or lemon slices and add them too! You’d be surprised at how beautiful and effective this can look, it’s completely free and really gives that personal touch.”
  2. Revamp old decorations using spray paint – save £15
    “Use spray paint to revamp decorations you already own. If you have classic decorations, like baubles for example, but you feel you want to change your Christmas colours without spending out on a whole new set, spray painting them can be a helpful money-saving option.” 
Savings tipAmount saved
Make your own tree decorations£2.50 
Second-hand decorations£30
Pinecone centerpiece decoration and garland£24 
Revamp old decorations£15 
Total Savings:£71.50

Commenting on the tips, Little-Loans.com’s Personal Finance Expert, Paul Wilson, said: “Christmas is probably the easiest time of year to get carried away with spending. Though it’s important to treat yourself and others, it’s important to find the balance with savvy saving.

“We love these tips from real mums who know exactly what it’s like to feel the financial pressure over the holidays. Their advice just goes to show that you don’t have to lose any of the Christmas magic in your home whilst cutting back financially on decorations! The little ones will never know the difference.” 

The influencer savings tips have been created in partnership with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorised and regulated credit broker Little-Loans.com, a unsecured loan broker that allows customers to browse credit options from over 40 lenders to get the best APR.