Free days out & post lockdown adventures
Way back in the early days of lockdown I went out for a walk every day, and while I'm lucky enough to live near the countryside; my daily walk over the fields and round the woods did start to feel...
Why I’ve decided to drain my savings….
Savings rates are rubbish right now so I've decided to drain my savings and track down some better ways to boost my cash. Doors slammed on new savers It spells crazy days in savings world when a 'chart topping' account;...
Redundancy rights – where do you stand?
Losing your job is something you hope won't happen, but if it does, where do you stand when it comes to redundancy rights? Nine million of us have been on 'furlough' during the Coronavirus pandemic. Officially known as the Coronavirus...
My rundown of the Chancellor’s Summer Statement
The Chancellor presented his Summer Statement today; basically a 'mini budget' with the aim of kick starting our struggling economy. Here's my quick run down of what it all means for the pound in your pocket. Jobs, jobs, jobs..... The...
Holidays abroad get the green light. Here’s how to protect your trip.
Holidays abroad get the green light today as the Government says we can now visit a whole host of countries around the world. Since March it's been advising against 'all but essential' international travel but it's now published a list...
Deals and discounts I’ve spotted this week……
Here's my run down of some of the deals, discounts and great buys I've spotted this week...... Save 25% off stays at Jurys Inn & Leonardo Hotels You can save 25% on bookings at both Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels...
How to have a mortgage payment holiday
Think of holidays and right now bet it's the beach one you're dreaming of. But if you're strapped for cash in the current climate, taking a 'mortgage payment holiday' can help ease the financial strain. What is a 'mortgage payment...
Online Shopping. Why it pays to check the returns deal.
I've always been a big fan of online shopping, but in the current climate, with most shops shut, I've ordered everything online, from our new garden furniture, to supplies from Boots, plus a couple of summer dresses. But it's worth...
How I got a refund from Airbnb
I'm a big fan of Airbnb. In fact the snap you've just seen was taken from the balcony of a fabulous apartment we stayed in last year in Malta. Sadly this year's trip won't be going ahead but Airbnb has...
How to get your money back if shows, festivals or sports events are cancelled due to Coronavirus
If you've got tickets for the theatre, festivals or sporting events, chances are you won't be going. Theatres are closing their curtains, cinemas have shut and everything from Glastonbury to the Grand National has been cancelled. If you've forked out...
Five easy ways to cut car costs
You've forked out for your wheels but keeping them on the road can be costly. By the time you've totted up insurance, tax, fuel and the cost of those often 'unexpected' repairs, you can find you're stumping up an average...
Valentine’s meal deal at Bella Italia and a trick to pay half price
Valentine's meal deals are popping up with M&S, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda all launching one. But aside from supermarket offers, Bella Italia's Valentine's meal deal is one of the first 'restaurant' ones I've spotted so far this year so I...
5 ways to protect your holidays
January is the most popular month for booking holidays, and we splash out an average of £3,216 a year on them, so here's five ways to protect your trip against holiday nightmares. Book a package holiday Don't let your dream...
5 ways to be one step ahead with Black Friday sales
Black Friday 'deals' have been piling into my inbox, but I'm always rather cynical when it comes to all this Black Friday hype. Stores may advertise big savings to lure you in, but it's no guarantee that buying on...
Ways to see the wonder of Uluru
Taking a trip to the Red Centre, the red dusty spiritual heart of Australia and home to the mighty Uluru, is beyond amazing. Also known to tourists as Ayers Rock, it got this name when William Gosse, the first non-Aboriginal...
Second Hand September How did I do?
Way back at the start of September I decided to challenge myself to save some cash, and the environment, by wearing stuff that was already hanging in my wardrobe or borrowing, or buying, preloved or second hand clothes. Oxfam had...
