Not being able to afford a bed to sleep on will obviously affect your ability to live, work and study; no cooker or fridge can mean a poor diet, risks to health or relying on expensive takeaways for your food. 

Using a launderette adds up to hundreds more a year too, if you can’t buy a washing machine. If you’re applying for jobs without a desk and a computer, this will be difficult; no iron and ironing board may prevent you from getting ready for interviews… plus imagine not having a sofa to sit on: how can you invite friends or support workers into your home? 

Where to turn

Thankfully there are many organisations set up to help people who find themselves in furniture poverty. Here are a few: 

Gumtree

…has thousands of freebies in your area: just search. All this stuff is free, from sofas to lamps, and from baby items to beds, stuff for your garden, you name it: you’ll be doing someone a favour taking it off their hands. 

Preloved

This site contains ads for virtually everything you can think of: again, most of which are absolutely free, providing you can pick them up. Some might need a little love and paint, and most are being ditched by owners who have no room for them anymore, so there are some real finds to be snapped up on a daily basis.

Plus you can put up free ads to sell your own unwanted furniture, so it works both ways. 

Community Furniture Store

Most towns and cities have a local community furniture store that collects all kinds of furniture from the local area, so again, if you’re getting rid of or wanting to pick up some super-cheap furniture, you’ll find these places aim to provide affordable second-hand bargains for only a few quid or at least a super low price, from large and small items of furniture to white goods and lighting. Everything you could think of, and they often deliver to your home too, for a small fee. 

Freecycle 

Whether you’re looking for free furniture, baby stuff, collectibles, craft supplies, kids’ clothes, or even free books, you’ll find them plus a whole lot more. “Someone’s trash is indeed someone else’s treasure!” as they say. 

Facebook Marketplace 

Like any real-life marketplace, Facebook is teeming with people looking to buy or offload items of furniture, and Facebook is a great place to find communities of people looking to do just that. You can join any of the organisations mentioned in their article via Facebook, or search for furniture for sale or giveaway – the possibilities are limitless. 

Salvation Army

Most towns have a Sally Army, and they are stocked to the rafters with old furniture and bargains befitting one of the UK’s oldest charities. 

ASK People

Also, finally, don’t forget to ask your friends and family! Every day, people get rid of furniture and home items to make space or to buy something new, so ASK and you can be sure someone will be getting rid of something: it’s all recyclable! 

Local Council

Also don’t forget that local councils often offer people a voucher to help. Citizens Advice say the following.

“Your local council might give you vouchers to help pay for day-to-day essentials like:

• a hot meal

• second-hand furniture

• household appliances, for example a cooker

This help is known as ‘welfare assistance’ or the ‘Household Support Fund’. Each council runs their own scheme. The help on offer and who can get it varies. Find your local council on GOV.UK and ask them if they run a welfare assistance or Household Support Fund scheme that could help you.

You don’t have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council. If you do get benefits, they won’t be affected if you start getting money from a welfare assistance or Household Support Fund scheme.”

The post Furniture Poverty and where to get free stuff appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

It’s the time of year where you may be prepping for an upcoming holiday or summer party. We all like to treat ourselves to new clothes here and there, but especially so when we are jetting off abroad or travelling to the coast for some much-needed time away.

As the weather changes, so do the clothes we wear. We pack away our jumpers and fluffy socks and bring out our summer dresses, shorts and polo shirts in preparation for the summertime.

But now, more than ever, saving money is the top of most people’s priorities. This means many of us don’t have the extra money available to buy lots of new clothes or overhaul our whole wardrobe.

But don’t fear – there are plenty of ways to revamp your summer wardrobe without breaking the bank. In many cases, you can even get new clothes for free! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all. Here’s how to get a brand-new summer wardrobe on a budget.

• Charity shops
• Online marketplaces
• Boot sales
• Clothes swapping
• Upcycle

Charity shops

Charity shops can be your best friend. They are one of the best ways to revamp your summer wardrobe on a budget. Charity shops line our high streets, providing us with plenty of amazing goods, both new and second hand. They can be a goldmine when trying to find new clothing on a small budget. You may be surprised at what you can find, too!

Many charity shops sell designer goods for a slither of the price they retail for. Some have vintage sections. Others may have sections where the items are brand new with tags.

The best part of charity shops is that you can get a whole outfit in one place. From your head to your toes, there will be something for you. Whether you are looking for hats, jewellery, shoes, dresses, trousers, skirts, shorts, blouses, dress shirts, suits, coats, cardigans, t-shirts or sportswear, charity shops provide a huge selection of preloved goodies for a fraction of the retail price.

You can also find unique items and one-of-a-kind gems. Some of the items may have been sat in a wardrobe, totally unloved and unworn for many years. They are in amazing condition and in need of a good home.

Don’t impulse buy

When going into a charity shop, it is imperative to take the time to look. There will likely be a sea of clothes and accessories to sift through, but it will most certainly be worth it. Don’t rush through the items, rather take your time and look at every rail, rack and shelf. Many people wander into a charity shop, glance around for a moment then decide it’s all flea-ridden tat.

This is not the case. All charity shops clean the items that come to them. They only sell items in decent condition, too. So, take a breath and work your way through the rails. Be patient. It is guaranteed you will find something to revamp your wardrobe, and it won’t cost a bomb!

Now, we admit. Some charity shops have become quite expensive over the years, charging high prices for newer items or items from more expensive brands. But don’t fear – there are still many charity shops out there which charge low amounts of money for the goods they sell. Their aim is not to make a profit, but to sell their items at a reasonable price and raise money for a good cause. Do some research, either by searching online or visiting the charity shops in your area to see which shop best suits your price range.

Many charity shops now have online shops, too.  Make sure to check out the online stores, and remember you can support charities by buying from their eBay shops, too.

Look for Flipping Items

While you’re on your charity shop haul mission, keep your eyes peeled for designer bargains. Or, if you’re a bit handy with crafts, consider items you could upcycle with some crochet or embroidery. These items will take more of your budget initially – but you could then resell them on marketplaces like Vinted and eBay to make a profit.

MAGPIE IZZY SAYS:

“I absolutely adore charity shops. Most of my wardrobe is either from charity shops or second hand! I spend time looking through my charity shops, combing through each hanger to see if I can find something I like. On more than one occasion, I have saved an item of clothing from a high street shop online to buy later, only to see something identical in a charity shop.

Just the other day I found a dress in my local charity shop that I have had on my wish list for months. It was the exact brand too! The dress is £17.99 online – I got it for £3.50! I have never been so chuffed. Another amazing find of mine was a pair of brand new Tuffa boots for £4.99. They looked unworn and I bought them thinking they’d be good for winter. I later found out they retail for £65!”

Online marketplaces

Another way to get some new pieces for your summer wardrobe on a budget is online marketplaces. We have all heard of eBay or Depop. But there are hundreds of online marketplaces where you can buy great second hand and preloved items. At a time where people want to make a little extra cash during the cost-of-living crisis and when sustainability concerns are at a high, secondhand shopping has boomed.

The great thing about the world wide web is, well, it’s wide. Anything you want, you can most likely buy online. Whether it be designer items, high street brands or something weird and wonderful, you can likely find it on a secondhand marketplace.

The downside to buying on secondhand websites, of course, if that you are unable to return items you have bought. Unless the item arrives damaged or not as described, most sites don’t let you return items just because they don’t fit right. Keep this in mind when buying and look for any size specifications on the listing. Many sellers may add measurements to their items to ensure you buy something which correctly fits you. If these aren’t available, ask the seller to measure the item for you.

Be safe when buying online

Similarly, make sure you buy your items through the official website. Never give your card information to anyone online. This protects you in the case of scams or fraudulent activity. For example, very rarely, an item may be listed which does not actually exist – perhaps a secondhand mobile phone. The buyer then pays for the item and they never receive it. Buying through the platform protects your money and ensures you can get your money back should something like this happen.

Scams for items like clothing are rare, but take extra care when buying designer, vintage or rare clothing items online. Check the reviews the seller has received in the past and their seller rating. If you have any concerns, contact the marketplace directly.

Overall, buying preloved clothing from online marketplaces is a great way to go. Not only are you saving good money, but you are reducing your carbon footprint by buying a pre worn item.

Online marketplaces:

• Vinted
• Depop
• eBay
• Thrifted
• ASOS marketplace
• Shpock
• Gumtree
• Freecycle

READER JESS SAYS:

“I actually spent over an hour the other day scrolling on Vinted for clothes to wear on my upcoming holiday. I genuinely love buying secondhand. Most of my shoes, especially high heels for special occasions, were bought on eBay. I tend to get them all for less them £10. Plus, some of the have been worn in slightly, so I avoid the fiasco of getting blisters from my new shoes! It’s a win, win. I have saved so much money over the years.

Some of my friends have bought clothing for huge amounts of money and I have seen basically the same, or sometimes the exact item being sold online, secondhand for so much less. Lots of ‘preloved’ items are basically brand new or totally unworn, where people have missed the return period or wore something once for a particular event. I always look on Depop, Vinted or eBay first!”

Car Boot Sales

Boot sales can be an absolute gold mine. People want to sell their preloved items quickly and get rid of their clutter. Although it may be clutter to them, it may be just what you are looking for. Clothes sell for as little as 50 pence. Even clothes which are brand new with tags may be sold for a few pounds.

The thing about boot sales is people want to make quick money and get rid of a big bulk of items in one go. If they try to sell items for too much money, they just won’t sell. So, they go low. You can try and haggle, too!

Many of the items may have been for sale online for months, with no luck being had selling them. Sellers want the items gone quickly, selling them cheap. As with charity shops, you can find amazing and unique items too. You never know what you are going to find.

Take a Full Look Before Negotiating

Be patient and take your time. Go around stalls when you arrive to get an idea of what’s on offer, before looking in detail. To find the gems, you often have to rummage. Sometimes sellers hang their items up on rails. Sometimes, they create a jumble sale on the floor, which you have to sift through. But don’t be put off that big pile of loot. Within it may be a pot of gold with your name on it.

Take £50 with you to a boot sale, and you could get five new outfits for summer and have enough left over for a burger from the burger van! Give it a go, and don’t be too quick to turn your nose up at slightly messy stalls.

The downside of boot sales is that the number of traders has grown quickly. These traders sell brand new items of clothing, food and more. Ignore these stalls and head straight for the homegrown sellers. The people who are having clear outs and genuinely want to make a bit of pocket money will sell for very fair prices. You’ll be shocked at the bargains you can bag! Don’t be pressured into a sale, either. Be willing to walk away from everything – and that often means you can haggle a great price.

You can find your local boot sale with a simple google search. They tend to take place over the warmer months and at weekends. Some boot sales may take place during the week, however! Bank holidays are also a great time for car boot sales, with some of the biggest car boot sales taking place during this time.

Remember – get to your local boot sale as early as possible to scoop up the best bargains. If you leave it too late, the best buys will be gone by the time you get there. Set your alarm and get up bright and early. You’ll be grateful you did!

OUR FRUGAL COLUMNIST JANE SAYS:

“Shopping at boot sales is like going on a treasure hunt – you never know what you will pick up. You can also find amazing second hand bargains at a tiny fraction of the new price!

I found a new with tags Monsoon party dress for £3 – the label said £125! I also found a Karen Millen coat for £2. It was grubby so I gave it a gently wash and it came up perfect. It would have cost £300-400 new!”

Clothes swapping

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “Gosh, I wish I had your wardrobe!” or suck a peak at your friend’s wardrobe and wished you had every single item? Why not try clothes swapping?

There are a few ways to go about clothes swapping. You could suggest the idea to your friends and see what they think. If everyone had a clear out of their old clothes, shoes and accessories, you could get together and have a rummage through each other’s pre-loved items. That way, you get new-to-you items and it won’t cost you a thing!

However, this may be hard to organise in a small group and would work better for a larger number of people. Plus, we understand everyone has different clothing and shoe sizes, as well as different styles and preferences.

There is a way around this, however. Thanks to the internet, there are now plenty of websites online where you can swap your items with others. You may be in search of a particular style of jacket, which someone else has. They may be in search for some shoes and like the look of a pair you are offering. Voila – you can swap these items! You get something new and so do they. Plus, you can clear out some of your own preloved items at the same time.

This is also great as you’ll be doing your bit for the environment. Producing new clothes uses up extreme amounts of water, pollutes waterways and produces millions of tonnes of carbon. In fact, fashion production makes up 10% of the globe’s carbon emissions. Swapping clothes means you can add a whole new flare to your wardrobe whilst be carbon neutral. New clothes without the guilt (and the cost to your wallet!).

Some clothes swapping sites:

• Get Swishing
• Untagged Fashion
• The Swap Shop
• NUW
• Swap Society
• Swap Nation

Upcycle

If you are feeling creative, why not revamp some of the clothing you already have? There are so many ways to add a bit of oomph to clothing you own already. Upcycling is not only a fun and creative pastime but adds new life to your summer wardrobe on a budget.

Firstly, go back to basics. If your favourite blouse or shirt is missing a button and it has put you off wearing it for some time, take the time to sew on a new button instead of discarding the item or buying a new one in its place. Sew up any small rips in the seam of a skirt you like and repair the zip on those old jeans instead of buying a new pair.

These things may take time but stick the telly on and catch up on your favourite shows and movies whilst you do it. These things are also easier than you think. The internet can be your best friend, with plenty of how-to guides and videos describing and showing how to repair buttons, zips and seams.

Making small repairs saves you money, as not only does it save you money compared to buying new items but brings back a once loved piece of clothing into your wardrobe.

More upcycling ideas

There are other ways to upcycle your clothes, which are a bit more fun and creative. Iron-on badges and prints are an easy way to turn a plain t-shirt into a one-of-a-kind groovy piece. Similarly, gems, buttons and even fabric paint can be used to turn your old, boring items into new and exciting clothes which bring back your excitement to wear them.

You can also dye clothes to change their appearance entirely. Fabric dye is readily available at supermarkets, online stores such as Amazon and in DIY stores. Perhaps you have a white t-shirt which has become slightly grey and grubby over time. Don’t bin it! Dye it black. You now have a brand-new t-shirt. The same can be done with faded jeans. Don’t donate them – dye them! You can breathe a new lease of life into old, slightly worn or faded items simply by dyeing them.

For some extra fun, why not try tie-dye? It’s simple. Get a few different colours of dye and create a tie-dye masterpiece. You may already have some white or light-coloured tops, hats, socks or any other clothing item. If not, you can buy low cost plain white tops from charity shops. Youtube channel Highsnobiety has a great video about how to tie dye at home, including three different methods of doing so. You can watch it here.

If you know your way around a sewing machine, you could also think about tweaking your clothes to turn them into an entirely new item. You could slightly shorten the length of skirt, dress or trousers. Perhaps you could cut the sleeves of a long-sleeved shirt or top, sewing the edge to look neat. You could even change the buttons on a shirt, skirt or pair of jeans to something new or edgy.

Do you have any fun ways to revamp your summer wardrobe on a budget? Leave them below!

The post Get a new summer wardrobe on a budget appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme, including how to apply, what’s on offer, and why it’s a fantastic way to save money while boosting your beauty credentials.

What is the Aldi Beauty Club?

The Aldi Beauty Club first launched in 2023 and has grown into a cult favourite for beauty fans across the UK. Each year, Aldi recruits a group of shoppers to become official Lacura testers, sending them a curated selection of products to try before they hit the shelves.

In exchange, all you need to do is try out the products and post your honest feedback on social media, helping to shape Aldi’s future beauty launches.

What You’ll Get as a Tester

If you’re chosen as a 2025 Aldi Beauty Club member, you’ll receive a bundle of Lacura goodies completely free. Expect to see a mix of:

• Skincare essentials

• Makeup must-haves

• Haircare treats

You’ll be among the first to try out new and upcoming Lacura products, some of which may not even be available in stores yet. All Aldi asks is that you review them on Instagram or TikTok, tagging your posts with #AldiBeautyClub.

How to Apply to the Aldi Beauty Club 2025

Applications are open now until Friday 3rd May 2025. Here’s what you need to do to throw your name in the hat:

1. Send an email to: beautyclub@aldi.co.uk

2. Include the following:

   • Your full name

   • Proof you are 18+ (e.g. photo ID)

   • Your Instagram and TikTok handles (your profiles must be public)

   • A short write-up (around 150 words) explaining why you want to be part of the club

   • The name of your favourite Lacura product, and why you love it

It’s worth putting some thought into your application. Aldi is looking for genuine beauty lovers who can create authentic, engaging content.

Why You Should Apply

Here’s why Aldi’s Beauty Club is such a brilliant opportunity in 2025:

• It’s completely free – you’ll receive full-size products at no cost

• You get early access to brand-new Lacura lines

• Your feedback matters – it could help shape what hits the shelves

• Grow your social presence as part of a supportive beauty community

• Save money while enjoying luxury-inspired beauty treats

In a cost-of-living crisis, opportunities like this are a savvy way to keep up with beauty trends without blowing your budget.

Final Thoughts

The Aldi Beauty Club is more than just a freebie—it’s your chance to shape the future of affordable beauty in the UK. Whether you’re a skincare addict, makeup maven or content creator on the rise, this could be the perfect role for you.

With the deadline fast approaching, now’s the time to apply and make 2025 your most budget-beautiful year yet.

The post How to Join the Aldi Beauty Club 2025 and Get Free Products to Review appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

This limited-time deal covers the entire month of May, including the May school holidays, giving families a much-needed helping hand during a time when food prices are still high and family budgets are under pressure.

Kids Meals for 60p – No Adult Spend Required

Available in over 205 Asda cafés nationwide, children under 16 can enjoy a hot meal for just 60p, with no minimum adult spend required. That means you don’t need to buy an adult meal to access the offer—perfect for families on a tight budget.

There are over nine hot kids’ meals to choose from, including:

• Penne Pasta with Meatballs

• Chicken Nuggets and Chips

• Fish Fingers and Peas

• Margherita Pizza

Each hot meal also comes with a free piece of fruit, such as an apple, banana, or pear—ideal for encouraging healthy eating on a budget.

Affordable Half Term Meal Deals for Families

Asda’s kids café menu has been a hit with parents since it launched in 2022, with over six million £1 kids’ meals served to date. During school holidays, demand peaks at around 40,000 meals per week, showing just how vital this initiative has become for families across the UK.

Now, by dropping the price from £1 to just 60p, Asda is helping parents feed their kids for less—especially useful during the May half term, when costs can quickly spiral.

For example, a family with four children can get all their kids a hot meal for under £2.50—a fantastic saving compared to eating out elsewhere.

Cold Meal Option Also Reduced to 60p

Prefer a lighter lunch? Asda is also cutting the cost of its cold pick-and-mix kids’ meal to 60p. This budget-friendly bundle includes:

• A sandwich

• A drink

• A piece of fruit

Asda cafés have also introduced new healthy snack options like fruit-filled jelly pots and jelly squeeze pouches as alternatives to crisps—great for health-conscious families on a budget.

Why This Meal Deal Stands Out

Unlike many other kids eat free deals or discounted children’s menus, Asda’s offer doesn’t require a minimum spend or adult meal purchase. That makes it one of the most accessible kids’ meal deals in the UK.

The initiative was originally launched to help families during the school holidays, but due to its popularity, it became a permanent offer in 2023. Now it’s even better value, just in time for Asda’s 60th birthday.

Asda’s Commitment to Supporting Families

Ian McEvans, Vice President of Commercial Food at Asda, said:

“Asda has a rich heritage in supporting families, and reducing our already hugely popular Kids Eat for £1 initiative to 60p is the perfect way to highlight that and to kick-start our 60th birthday celebrations.

We know families face financial pressures all year round, not just in the holidays. Dropping the price to 60p this May is one more way we can help ease that burden.”

How to Access the 60p Kids’ Meals

• When: 1st – 31st May 2025

• Where: Over 205 Asda Cafés across the UK

• Who: Available to all children under 16

• What’s included: Hot or cold kids’ meal + fruit

• Cost: Just 60p per meal—no strings attached

Looking for more ways to feed your family for less? Check out our guide to the best UK restaurants where kids eat free, plus budget-friendly family recipes and half-term activity ideas that won’t break the bank.

The post Asda Reduces ‘Kids Eat for £1’ Café Deal to Just 60p for May – Including Half Term Meals appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

We could all do with cutting our household expenditure, so we’ve come up with 51 easy ways you can save money in your home. By making these tiny changes in your everyday life, you will notice a big difference. It’s a huge list, but every little saving adds up – even if you choose just a few to start with.

1. Raid the Kitchen for Cleaning Alternatives

Forking out for ‘miracle’ cleaners that don’t work is a pain. But there’s no need – have a go with an old-style cleaner instead. White vinegar unblocks sinks, removes limescale and cleans your worktops, and it works a charm to clean windows, too. All you need to do is mix it with a bit of water and a few drops of essential oil to mask the smell. If you have pets, make sure the essential oil you choose is safe for them (for example, cats can’t process lavender while dogs can’t handle teatree).

Bicarbonate of soda works on descaling teacups and teapots, gets rid of smells in your fridge and is a great microwave cleaner. For cleaning, just make a paste with a small amount of water, or mix with water and leave to soak for descaling.

2. Cheap Lick of Paint

Save money when sprucing up your house by checking out the ‘oops’ paints at DIY stores. These are paints left over from when the mixer doesn’t quite get the colour right. Some shades are not so nice, but you may find exactly what you’re after for half the price. You may also get lucky and find a really nice shade that is on sale.

If you only need to touch up a few bits here and there, or have a craft project such as turning that bland wooden mirror into something colourful, check out the tester pots. They’re more expensive per litre compared to a large tin, but if you’re only using a small amount it will save you a lot of cash.

3. Do a Mortgage Check

Mortgages have been hot news for the last few years as interest rates have been doing some… interesting things.

Make sure your mortgage is the best you can get right now – if you’re coming to the end of your fixed term period, shop around for a remortgage on another fixed term to reduce the risk of unstable interest rates impacting your repayments each month.

4. Put a Lid On It!

Save energy by always boiling pans with the lid on – it’ll use less energy and heat faster. If you’re an avid cook and want to save more money in the kitchen, consider a pressure cooker, which makes dishes like slow-braised roasts in a fraction of the time.

When it comes to pre-heating the oven, let’s be honest: you don’t always need to if you’re cooking a midweek dinner that’s not served up for guests. If you do pre-heat, don’t leave it for more than ten minutes (ideally five) to save energy.

5. Revive Carpets with Steam Cleaning

If your carpets are looking tired, they can be spruced up with some elbow grease – so don’t race to replace them at a small fortune just yet. Hiring a steam cleaner from somewhere like HSS is easy and costs around £30 a day, depending on where you live. This will give your carpets a serious deep clean and revive the pile.

For very busy families or messy households (usually those with fluffy pets), it could be worth investing in a wet/dry carpet cleaner to keep on hand like the Bissell SpotWash. This can also revive your sofas, mattresses, and soft furnishings, as well as your car interior.

6. DIY It

In an previous version of this article, we suggested taking a local DIY course for around £100 to learn the basics of being handy around the home. But the truth is, you can learn most things you need for free on YouTube and social media these days!

Before you call an expert, do a little online research. That dripping tap can be fixed with a washer, the strange cubby hole can have some custom-built shelves by your fair hand, or your bathroom retiling could revamp an entire room. Whatever you need to do, take some time to look online and learn what you can – it could save you hundreds of pounds. Some things, like electrics, we always recommend using an expert for, of course. But if you want to try and fix that wobbly stair bannister before calling a carpenter, look to YouTube.

7. Make a Shopping List

Some of us like to collect things, others have a penchant for fashion. Some love shiny jewellery, yet more can’t walk past a craft shop without picking up ‘supplies’.

When you go into the town centre, or the grocery store, make a list and stick to it. Only buy what you need – and if you pick up what seems to be ‘a bargain’, think long and hard whether you want this unplanned purchase. Do you really need it? Do you already have something like it? Will you use it? These questions will help you curb your spending at a time when costs seem to be rising rocket-fast.

8. Make Your Savings Earn Maximum Interest

If you’ve held onto the same savings account for more than a year, it’s time to shop around. There are lots of different types, and it is often worth opening more than one if you have some spare cash to set aside.

Regular savers limit how much you can pay in each month – usually around £200 or £250 – but have a high interest rate. These are great for building an easy-access rainy day fund. They’re usually only available to people who hold a current account at the same bank – which means you can also often set up ’round up’ savings. This is when your bank rounds up everything you spend to the nearest pound (or £5 for some, if you choose). For example, if you purchase something at £4.50, this is rounded to £5 with the 50p moved into a savings account. It’s an easy way to save without realising it.

ISAs have limits (an annual pay in limit of £20,000) but they’re wonderfully tax-free – so you don’t pay any tax on the interest earned. There are several different types of ISA (Cash, Lifetime, Stocks and Shares, IFISA) and you can have more than one – but the £20,000 limit is across all of your ISAs each year, rather than for each account.

A fixed term savings account locks your money away for a period of time but has a higher interest rate. So, if you can afford to lock up some of your savings for the future, consider one of these.

If saving feels impossible as you’re on a low income and Universal Credit, find out if you’re eligible for the Government’s Help to Save account – which could net you up to £1200 FREE over four years.

9. Re-use Old Clothes

Make old jeans into draught excluders by cutting the legs off, stuffing them (try newspaper, magazines, or old plastic bags) and then sewing up the ends. You could re-use baby trousers by turning them into shorts for slightly older kids, or use odd socks for puppet making or stuffing to make dog toys. Tights are great for making cress heads, storing onions and bulbs, packing together to make abrasive cleaner for your sink or wrapping around ordinary coat hangers to pad them out.

Learn how to make do and mend – a smart bit of embroidery or an iron-on patch can work wonders for covering the stain on your favourite top you can’t bear to get rid of!

10. Make a Budget

Take control of your spending by sticking to a budget. Make a list of everything you spend in a week and weed out all the little extras you don’t need. Total up the costs of things you really have to buy, and this is your budget. Make sure you can afford this budget and keep a little left over if possible.

If you don’t have enough money for this budget, then more things need to go. Do you really need to buy lunch at work? Can you live without that Spotify subscription? Make your budget realistic and then stick to it. This should leave you with a little extra every month. You can use this to pay off loans, or make more money by putting it into a savings account.

11. Refuse to Buy Until You Run Out

Go on, admit it: you’ve got half-empty shampoo bottles, a freezer drawer with forgotten leftovers, and at least three opened ketchup bottles in the fridge. We throw out so much food and household waste each year, when making sure we maximise our usage first could save you a significant chunk of cash.

Make a rule: items must have run out (or have one use left, for commonly-used items like washing up liquid or laundry tablets) before you replace them. Keep a list on the kitchen fridge or somewhere easy to see, and write down whenever you throw away an empty container.

This will help you control your spending and minimise overall household waste.

12. Claim Benefits You’re Entitled To

Alright, we’ve snuck this one in because it’s not so much a way to save money in your home as it is a way to ensure you’re getting all you’re entitled to, to boost your income. With recent changes to things like Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit, your household could be entitled to receiving some financial support – even if you previously weren’t.

Use an online benefits calculator such as EntitledTo or Turn2Us to find out if you could claim financial support.

13. Spend Time to Shop Around

Whether you’re renewing your car insurance, house insurance, or broadband, don’t let autorenew catch you out. Make a note in your calendar for EVERY contract renewal (yes, every one) and set a reminder for three days before (or thirty-two days, if your contract has a thirty-day notice period).

Take some time to compare prices online and shop around for deals. Even if you like the current service you’re receiving, getting a cheaper quote elsewhere gives you a bargaining chip to renegotiate with your supplier for a reduced price.

14. Batch Cook

Buying in bulk is a great way to save money – so if you see a BOGOF offer on a household staple like chicken, beef mince, or your favourite veggies, stock up.

Cooking several extra portions in advance and freezing them not only saves you money because you’re only cooking the meal once and you’ve saved on discounted food, it also stops you from reaching for Deliveroo on a night you just can’t be bothered to cook. Replacing one takeaway night each week with a prepped freezer meal could save you around £50 a week – or £2,600 a year.

15. Renegotiate Your Mobile Phone Plan

If you’re out of contract, it’s time to shop around. And now, many providers will let you renegotiate while you’re still in contract, too! Mobile phone providers are clamouring to keep your business, so make sure you contact them to see if you can nab a better deal. If you have a partner or children on the same network, you might also be able to benefit by bundling these together – even better if your broadband could do with upgrading, too.

16. Don’t Pay for Entertainment

Ditch your Sky contract and opt for streaming. Make the most of free trials with a rotating savvy trick: rotate through streamers like Netflix, Apple, and Amazon Prime each month so you’re only using one or two at a time, and set up the free trial. Make a note for when the trial ends!

When you next want to use the service, set up a free trial with a new email address. You sometimes need to use a new payment card, too – but if you’re rotating services each month, this means you could get a year of free entertainment before you’ve run out of payment cards to link to each new account!

If you’re an audiophile, check out Spotify’s family plans – it could save you a fortune, as could Apple Plus (which includes every Apple service for a single fee each month).

17. Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Losing heat and electricity is like throwing money away. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household loses around 50% of the heat generated from inside it. So, you’re paying for power you’re not even getting the benefit from. There are easy ways to fix this:

Block draughts

A whopping 20% of the heat lost is through draughts and poor ventilation. So, even small insulating measures like draught-excluders, or thicker curtains, can really make a difference.

Turn your heating down

It’s hard to do it when it’s chilly, but turning the thermostat down a few degrees can save loads of money. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a reduction of just one degree can reduce bills by as much as 10%. It’s clearly worth it. So grab a big woolly jumper and socks, and turn down that thermostat – even if it’s only by one degree.

Switch everything off

We spend £1 billion every year on powering our electrical appliances whilst they are on standby. It’s so easy just to turn them off at the mains and save money.

18. Save Your Hot Water!

The average bath uses about twice as much hot water as a five-minute shower. That means it takes twice as much energy to heat the water. We know five minutes isn’t much, but if you’re having a bath every day, then swapping some for a few five-minute showers will really reduce your energy bills. (Now add that up for a family of four or more and it’s easy to see how quickly you can save!). If you must have a bath, don’t let the water go down the plughole – reuse it for indoor plants or your garden to save water.

You can also save money in your home by only boiling enough water for what you need – 67% of us boil too much, so save energy and only heat as much water as you need.

19. Go for Own Brands

Own brands are the key to big household savings. You might be attached to your favourite names, but own brands are cheaper. They are also often really good quality. If you aren’t sure, just try them out. We’re not just talking food either – own brand cosmetics and medication are cheaper, too. A pack of Nurofen will set you back around £3, but the same ibuprofen costs as little as 16p when it’s own brand.

20. Sort Your Insurance

You should always be checking to see if you can get a better deal on your insurance. With road tax on the rise, reducing your car insurance costs are a must. Lots of companies are also offering 12 months home insurance for the price of nine, or 25% off when you buy online. Click here to compare home insurance premiums.

It’s also worth considering whether you even need some of your insurance policies – you might accidentally be doubling up. Some paid-for bank accounts offer insurance as a perk, for example, while your home insurance could cover your mobile phone when it’s out of the house. Check the small print and work out which insurance packages overlap, and which are the cheapest to keep.

21. Ditch the Tumble Dryer

Tumble dryers are one of the most power-hungry appliances in the home. They use twice as much power to dry your clothes as washing machines do to wash them. According to the Energy Saving Trust, only 35% of us have a tumble dryer. Those who don’t are already ahead in the energy saving race. Those who do can save easily by ditching the tumble dryer altogether. If you are really attached, try spin-drying your clothes before putting them in the tumble dryer. This way they won’t take as long to dry. You can also dry your clothes outside or on a heated airer, and then just finish them off in the tumble dryer.

If you can’t give up the dryer, make sure you keep your dryer’s lint screen clean and its outside exhaust free of obstructions. Clean the lint screen after each load of laundry and check the exhaust regularly. A lint screen in need of cleaning and a clogged exhaust can lengthen drying time and increase the amount of energy used.

22. Get Supermarket Savvy

Keeping your wits about you when shopping can save you money. Look at the price per unit (usually per grams or kgs) to compare prices. Buying in bulk often means you get more for your money. Buying own-brand food is also cheaper.

If you are reluctant, try it at least once. You’ll probably find own brands are equally as good. Trolley will do all the price comparison work for you. Go online and choose from Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Waitrose. Then select items from your list as normal. Once you’ve totalled everything up, the website will tell you what items you can swap to save money. It will also tell you how cheap you can get your shop at the other supermarkets. If one is cheaper, then consider switching and saving money.

There are also lots of membership cards and loyalty schemes that help you make the most of your shopping – from the Lidl Plus card that gives you 10% off a shop for every £250 cumulatively spent in store, to Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons’ More Card special offer prices for members. They are free to join and hold a card, but could save you a pretty penny every time you top up the pantry.

23. Plan Your Weekly Menu

Meal planning can help you make the most of ingredients, avoiding food waste and reducing your grocery bill each week. It also allows you to buy in bulk, which adds to your savings. For example, if you know you want chicken fajitas on Monday and a curry on Tuesday, a large pack of chicken will be cheaper per gram than buying smaller packs for each meal. You can freeze leftovers, too, which helps cut down on future shopping bills.

Before you go to the shops, check your cupboards, fridge, and freezer. It’s often easy to buy multiples of things you already have at home – common culprits are things like ketchup and other condiments, which you don’t use all the time and might think you haven’t got in stock. Looking at what you already have helps you meal plan as you can see what needs to be used up and you can get creative with your menu that way, too! Sites like SuperCook let you submit the ingredients you already have in the cupboard to find out what meals they’ll make – and if you’re off to the shops, add a few ingredients you want to buy and you’ve got a zero-waste approach to groceries!

24. Use Your Computer as a TV

Gone are the days we all sit around the single TV in the house for the evening. We’re surrounded by screens all the time – so if you want to watch something in your bedroom but only have a TV in the living room, don’t think about buying a new TV for the second room. Instead, use your laptop, tablet, or even phone to watch something.

Alternatively, you could buy a portable projector for around £70 – much cheaper than a television, and they come with an operating system that lets you download your favourite streaming apps like Netflix, Prime, and Disney Plus. They’re pocket-sized, often have built-in speakers and connect to external speakers with Bluetooth, and can give you a massive screen anywhere!

25. Buy Seasonal Fruit and Veg

It’s no longer trendy to eat peaches in the middle of winter. It’s bad for the environment to ship them here from hotter destinations. Plus it means they cost more. Try buying seasonally – root vegetables like carrots and swede are winter vegetables grown in the UK, while spring and summer bring you amazing greens like asparagus, lettuces, marrow, new potatoes, beetroot and raspberries. The National Trust has a great guide to seasonal eating in the UK.

26. Winter Woolies

Wearing your winter woollies indoors can save you money in your home. The human body gives off heat at about 390 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour for a man and around 330 BTUs for a woman. Wearing closely-woven fabrics can help you retain an extra half degree in warmth, and a light long-sleeved sweater is another two degrees. Go for a big woolly jumper or hoody and you can gain up to 3.7 degrees more.

What this all means is that you can turn the thermostat down and save money. So don’t walk around your house in a T-shirt and shorts in the winter if you need to turn up the heat to do it. Layer up just a bit so you can turn the heat down.

27. Clear Out Your Junk

You could have hundreds of pounds’ worth of unused stuff lying around in your house. All you’ve got to do is gather up all the old junk that you don’t need and sell it off at a car boot sale. You might have a secret goldmine in the form of vintage vinyl or collectible toys, but even if you just want to get rid of last year’s wardrobe apps like Vinted help you sell them to make some money and make sure they get a new lease of life elsewhere.

28. Grow Your Own

With food prices seemingly on a constant rising trend, and reports of a risk of food shortages in the future, growing your own is one way to help improve your finances, eat nutritious seasonal food, and have some food security. However, we realise most people don’t have massive gardens or allotments to plant, or even tons of time to turn their fingers green.

The good news is there are lots of things you can do even with a windowsill in an apartment (you can grow an entire herb garden on one shelf!). For balcony space, ideal small-area growers are potatoes, tomatoes, leaves like lettuce and Swiss Chard, beetroots, and carrots. There are some ingenious space-saving planters available these days, which let you use vertical space for planting, so check out your local garden centre to get inspired!

Read our article on growing your own veg for more tips.

29. Thrift It

According to Oxfam, its 2019 Christmas sales were the best for eight years. Loads of clever clogs are already rooting around for bargains in charity shops, so get in on the game. The best places to shop are in affluent areas. You’ve got a better chance of getting good quality picks where people have enough money to throw them away. You can get clothes, toys, books and music from charity shops. It takes a bit of effort, but don’t be put off. Plus, buying from charity shops means your money is helping someone else. Get the real finds by making friends with the staff and persuading them to give you a call when any good stuff comes in.

Charity shops are also fantastic for starting a new hobby – you can often find an absolute steal on used equipment, which is great for trying out before you know whether you like something enough to splurge. For example, you are almost guaranteed to find a yarn corner in your local charity shop, complete with knitting needles and crochet hooks, for just a few pounds – ideal if you want to start knitting but don’t want to splash out just yet.

If you need new furniture, most areas will have a warehouse-style shop, either for a larger charity or your local hospice charity. There, you’ll find all kinds of furniture – which is all up to fire safety standards, too – at a fraction of the price.

30. Ditch Bottled Water

Some bottled water is more expensive per litre than petrol. If you could get free petrol, would you continue to spend so much on it? We didn’t think so!

Keep a jug in the fridge if you like cold water, and refill from the tap. It’s not only more cost effective, but it is much better for the environment – a win-win situation.

31. Use the Dregs

Don’t throw away a ketchup bottle with the dregs left in the bottom. Save money by draining it into the new bottle. This works for most condiments and it can be a bit of fun for the kids to get the bottles balancing. You can also re-use sunflower oil for deep frying. Just drain it into a jar using a funnel and a piece of kitchen towel for a filter. This will clear out everything that isn’t oil.

Other handy saving tips are to snap dishwasher tablets in half, water down beauty products, mix value products with more expensive stuff, turn stale bread into breadcrumbs and use scissors for cutting open old toothpaste tubes so you get everything out.

32. Do Your Sums on Supermarket Offers

Usually we tell you to be wary of supermarket offers. But there is a strategy to making them work for you.

First: only buy something that is already on your grocery list. The exception here is if you see a fantastic bargain on a household product you would usually buy, but haven’t put on your list as it hasn’t run out yet. Things like cat litter, kitchen roll, toilet paper, bleach and cleaning supplies, bin bags, and laundry detergent won’t go out of date but could save you a pretty penny if you snap them up on a bargain.

Check the labels on the shelf, too. Something might look like a good price, but look for the price per kilo, litre, or gram, and compare to other labels. A packet of something may seem like the cheapest option – but you might be better off getting the larger packet at a smaller cost per kilo if it is an ingredient you use a lot.

Definitely make the most of the newer supermarket loyalty schemes, too. They’re free to sign up to, but the new trend is to offer ‘loyalty only’ prices, which can be up to half price on some top label items. You’ll also get vouchers, bonus rewards, or even in-store credit on your spending, saving you money in the future.

33. Use Your Local Library

Libraries are the unsung heroes of our local communities. Sadly, many have closed in recent years – but the ones that are still around are a fantastic resource for saving money. If you can’t walk past a bookshop without ‘just going to browse’ and coming out with three books and £30 less in your pocket, try the library! You can also borrow eBooks, CDs, DVDs, and some even have board games you can borrow. Find your local library here.

34. Say No to Packaging

Items that are pre-packaged are often more expensive. This is because you have to pay, not just for the packaging but for the person who put it in the packet. Buying loose is cheaper and produces a lot less waste. You can also choose exactly how many items you want, rather than paying for items you don’t need.

35. Don’t Gamble

Gambling might make you think of casinos or betting shops, but it includes scratchcards and a weekly flutter on the lottery. You are more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to win the lottery. It’s better to put that weekly couple of pounds into a high-interest savings account and make it your Christmas shopping budget.

36. Drink Less Alcohol

With the average cost of a pint now over a fiver, that Friday night after-work drink (that usually turns into more than a few) is looking like a costly weekly expense. Have you added up how much you spend on alcohol each week lately? You might be surprised. A bottle of wine with a meal out can easily be £15 or more, while a spirit and mixer is over £8 in most establishments. If you go out to drink twice a week but stay moderate – let’s say you have two pints on a midweek date night and three pints on a Saturday afternoon at the pub – that’s at least £25 a week (or £100 a month) just on alcohol.

And that’s before you consider what you buy for home, too. If you regularly have wine or beer in the house to have a glass with dinner most nights, you’re easily adding £30 a week to your grocery shop (or £120 a month). Add that to your going-out alcohol budget and it’s easy to see how savings can be made.

We’re not saying go sober! (Unless you feel you need to, of course). But cutting back on a few drinks a week could save you at least £50 a month (that’s £600 a year).

37. Make Your Own Fun

There are loads of ways to entertain the kids and save money in your home. Recycle old paper by letting them draw and make collages on the other side. Make anything you can out of leftover packaging. Add a little glue and paint to some cut-up cereal boxes and they can create some great 3D pictures. Make your own ice lollies and sweet treats. It’s fun and a lot cheaper than buying them in the supermarket!

38. Don’t Spend More for the Garden

Almost everything you need for the garden can be made from household products and waste. Don’t buy new garden pots – re-use old colanders, teapots, or even old terracotta chimneys. Great compost can be made from vegetable leftovers. You can also make your own weedkillers from washing up liquid, water and vinegar.

Check out your local neighbourhood groups like NextDoor, FreeCycle, and Facebook community groups, too. Very often you’ll be able to nab free soil, rocks (great for drainage) or even old pallets to make garden furniture and troughs from.

39. Reduce Laundry Drying Time

Your washer probably has an ‘extra spin’ function. Use it! It is usually around ten minutes long, but it’ll significantly cut the time required to dry your clothes after. All it does is use the spinning action of the drum to draw water out of the clothes, so they come out much drier. Some fabrics even come out almost entirely dry!

You can also use a portable dehumidifier (around £30) to reduce moisture in the air and help clothes dry faster. Did you know it also doesn’t have to be a sunny day for your clothes to dry quickly outside? As long as it isn’t raining or below freezing, your clothes will benefit from being hung out to dry if you have outside space.

40. No Half Empty Runs

We know you’re not supposed to overfill them, but running washing machines and dishwashers half-empty defeats the purpose. Both dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of water and heat, no matter how full they are. Get your money’s worth by filling them up as much as you can before they are overfull and won’t work properly. This will save money in your home, and it’s better for the planet.

41. Use Supermarket Schemes

You’ve got to get the most out of your shopping loyalty points, offered by the likes of Tesco (Clubcard) and Sainsbury’s (Nectar). But before you get the most out of them, you’ve got to get them. Sign up for the card your supermarket offers and start earning points to save money in your home ASAP. Even Lidl has a loyalty scheme these days – you’re missing out by not being signed up to them all! If you don’t want to give out your personal details, create a new email address just for things like this and check it periodically.

42. Buy in Bulk

Save money in your home by buying toilet paper, detergent and other household items in bulk from a wholesale supermarket, or from your regular supermarket when there is a special offer. Try specialist stores for cheaper prices.

Find out if you could benefit from a wholesale membership such as Costco. Remember: only buy the things you need and not the things that grab your attention as you walk around! It is easy to get distracted by the many bargains on offer, but it’s not really a bargain if you weren’t planning to buy it in the first place. If you don’t have a membership card, or only need it just for a big event (like in the run up to Christmas), ask around your family and friends to see if they’ll take you for a visit.

43. Keep Your Freezer Stocked

Freezers work far more efficiently when they are frost free and full up. Defrost your freezer, and while you’re at it, check what you’ve already got in stock!

Keep your drawers full even if you don’t have food in there, to make it run as efficiently as possible. Use ice cube trays to fill the spaces (and get creative – fill some with stock, pancake batter, or even slices of lemon to use in your cooking and drinks). Any ice-proof vessel will do to fill the space too, even old takeaway tubs or Ziplock bags filled with water. You can take them out to make space for food and reuse them again later.

44. Don’t Shell Out for New Furniture

Give old chests of drawers and wardrobes a new look instead of replacing them. All you need is a lick of paint and a new inexpensive handle.  They will really change the look of your furniture without changing the look of your bank account for the worse.

You can do this with most household furniture – and if you really need something, check out apps like FreeCycle to see if anyone is giving something away for free. You could even make a decent side hustle out of flipping furniture if you discover a hidden talent for upcycling old furniture!

45. Go Electronic

Direct Debits and electronic statements can save you money. Paper bills now incur extra charges from some services. Mobile phones are a prime example, with companies charging up to £3 more for a paper itemised bill. These bills are often available online free of charge. So if you really need one on paper, you can just print it off.

The same goes for Direct Debits. This is because the process of sending you a letter to request payment and then waiting for it costs them money. Payments can always be queried, even after they’ve been paid. So embrace the Direct Debit and save some cash.

46. Never Throw Fabric or Towels Away

Fabric and towels are some of the easiest things to recycle. Old curtains can be made into seat and cushion covers, table cloths, new clothes and even just tea towels and cleaning rags. All you need for new upholstery is a good staple gun and for the rest, a sewing machine or some time for hand sewing.

If your towels are going a bit grey, bring them back to life by dyeing them a new colour. Thinner towels are great for drying hair or taking to the swimming pool when you don’t have much room in your bag. You can also use them for stuffing draught excluders or making toys for your pets to play with. The possibilities to save money in your home are endless, and all free!

47. Check Your Council Tax Band

When the council tax system was put in place in the early 1990s, houses were put into bands from A-H according to their value. The valuations were done in 1991 and so are not necessarily accurate. Your house could have been worth more then than it is now, especially considering the drop in house prices. This could mean you are paying more than you should be. To check if you are paying too much, see what your neighbours are paying at GOV.UK.

48. Less Dust, More Heat

Make sure you bust the dust on your radiator surfaces. Dust and grime seriously impede the flow of heat in your house. So make sure there is no dirt on your radiators so you don’t spend more money than is necessary heating your home.

While you’re in cleaning mode, make sure you empty the filter on your tumble dryer! You should do this regularly anyway, as it can be a fire hazard, but cleaning the lint out will help your dryer run efficiently.

49. Get Rid of Ready Meals

Even if you think you can’t cook, there’s no excuses for ready meals if you’re trying to save money. They’ve got extra additives and preservatives in compared to a homecooked meal. Plus they are far more expensive than it would be to make the same dish yourself. Life doesn’t always give you time to cook, but if you can cook from scratch three times a week and make double, you’ll still be able to have the convenience of microwave meals the other days – just healthy, low sodium, homecooked dinners instead!

50. Keep Track of Your Finances

Always check your receipts, bank statements and bills. You never know who has got hold of your details, so you need to keep tabs on what is going out and coming in. This way if anything is amiss, you’ll be on it like a flash, saving time and money in your home. And of course, always read the small print!

You might be surprised to find old Direct Debits going out for things you don’t use anymore – magazine subscriptions, streaming services, even gym membership. Set up text alerts for your credit and debit cards, so that every time you make a purchase you get a text. It will help you spot possible places to save – and stop fraud in its tracks if you see a transaction you don’t recognise, too.

51. Use Your Oven Less

Ovens use a considerable amount of energy per year, especially if you’re using the oven to cook for a single person. Instead of heating up a full oven why not try using a microwave oven? They are smaller and take less time to cook than regular ovens. There are also other options available such as air fryers and slow cookers. Air fryers have become so popular in recent years, even Jamie Oliver has a cooking show dedicated to them!

The post How to Save Money: 51 ways to save money in your home appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Water bills are on the rise, soon to cost an extra £123 for people in England and Wales (and £44 in Scotland) in April this year.

Want to save a few hundred pounds a year and help conserve a scare resource? Want to give less of your money to a big company and keep more yourself? Simple! Just think about water. And specifically, think about getting a water meter.

Rising Water Rates

During the cost of living crisis, water bills are rising alongside other household bills. While you can’t choose the supplier of your water, there may be a few things you can do to reduce your water bill and save money.

If you’re on a low income (usually under £19,000 household total income, but check with your supplier), you could qualify for something called a social tariff. These are not broadly advertised but every water supplier must offer one and it is a reduced rate for low income households. Other schemes are called cap schemes, which limit the total amount you can be charged for your water.

How a Water Meter Could Help

A water meter can help smaller or low usage households save a significant amount of money on their water bill. One of our MoneyMagpie team managed to take their quarterly bill down from over £200 to just £45 – that’s a whopping annual saving of around £600, and that’s not an unusual case study!

Water meters measure the exact amount of water your household uses instead of estimating it based on factors like the size of your home. You might, for example, still live in your four-bed family home but now alone or as a couple as the children have grown up. Your water usage will be significantly reduced, but the water bills stay the same on an unmetered rate.

Anyone can request a water meter, but a general rule of thumb to know if it is a good idea for your household is the occupant ratio. If you have fewer people than bedrooms in your home, a meter is quite likely to save you money.

Your supplier will arrange for someone to visit your property to make sure a meter can be fitted, which is the case except in highly exceptional circumstances. If they refuse, because it is too difficult or expensive to fit a meter at your property, they MUST offer you an assessed charge rate instead.

Renters can have meters put in, too. It’s polite to ask your landlord first but they are not allowed to refuse.

A household can change back to an unmetered rate within the first 12 months, but then the property remains on a meter after that period.

Extra Help for Disabled or Large Households

If someone in your household uses a lot of extra water due to a disability, you may qualify for extra financial help towards your water bill. Similarly, if there are three or more children living full-time at the property, you can apply for a cap to your bill which means you won’t pay over the average price of a bill for your property size even if you use more water.

WaterSure is the scheme you need to look out for on your supplier’s website to find out more.

Save on Water Bills with Water Saving Tips

There are lots of ways you can reduce your household water usage, which is not only great for the environment but also your wallet! Follow these tips to save water and save money.

1. Only run a cycle if you’ve got a full load

On average, one washing machine cycle uses 19 gallons of water. The average household runs between 5 and 6 loads per week, which adds up to 5,605 gallons of water per year.

So, if you wash your clothes only when necessary you can save water and reduce your electricity bills. If you were to drop down to just 4 loads a week, you’d use over 1500 less gallons of water a year.

Half loads are very inefficient so if you’re a small household, wait until you’ve enough for a full load. Of course, if you’ve got children you’ll probably have no problem filling up the washing machine!

You might want to consider washing your clothes at 30 degrees instead of 60 degrees too. Higher temperatures use more energy, so it’ll cost you in the long-run. Pre-soaking overnight can help to loosen a lot of dirt and stains and make the wash cycle more efficient too.

2. Use the dishwasher

This might sound strange, but it really does work! Most modern dishwashers only use 12 litres of water, whereas hand washing uses between 60 and 70 litres.

However, this only works if you scrape your plates rather than rinse them. Like with a washing machine, you must only run the cycle when it’s full. If you’re a smaller household, it’ll may be worth investing in a smaller dishwasher.

Remember! When you’re buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load-size adjustments, as they’re more water and energy efficient.

If you want to cut down on your bills further, check out our article on cheap, green cleaning products that you can make yourself, here.

3. Take showers instead of baths

According to Waterwise, a short shower with an efficient shower head uses less water than a bath. But this is only the case if you take less than 10 minutes in there and don’t have a power shower. We recommend saving your singing voice for after your shower!

Try adapting your daily routine to fit in a shower rather than a bath. If you really can’t do without your bath, why not pour it an inch lower every time as it’ll save you around 5 litres. You could even use your bath water to water household plants, but make sure to keep your baths to once a week.

4. Turn the tap off

A staggering 80% of British adults are wasting water regularly.

Brits waste water while brushing their teeth and while they’re filling up the kettle. Leaving the tap on for a minute wastes 6 litres of water, so if you’re leaving it on while you brush you’re wasting 24 litres a day!

Luckily, these bad habits can be remedied, so you can save on water and cash.

If you have any persistently dripping taps, make sure you get them fixed. This can be a huge waste of water over time, costing you money if you have a water meter.

5. Re-use water for plants and vegetables

Wash your fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of running water from the tap. You won’t notice the difference at all when you’re cooking. However, you’ll be able to re-use to water for house plants.

When you boil an egg, save the cooled water for your houseplants. The nutrients released from the shell will be good for them. Not only will you save water, but you’ll make your plants healthier too.

Equally, if you have a fish tank, the dirty water is rich is phosphorus and nitrogen, which are great for your plants!

6. Keep water in the fridge 

If you’re a stickler for cold drinking water, this one’s for you! Rather than running the tap for a minute or so, store bottled water in the fridge. Refill your water bottles in the morning and store them in the fridge for a perfectly chilled beverage.  This way you won’t have to run the tap for ages if you want to have a cold drink and you’ll be helping the environment too.

7. Hippo water saver

The Hippo water saver is a pack that goes inside your toilet cistern to help you save water.

Every time you flush, the Hippo can save up to three litres of water. This will save you approximately £20 a year. They cost £2 so they’re a great investment!

8. Eco shower head

According to the Energy Saving Trust, by simply switching to an eco shower head you could reduce your water usage by an average of 74% and cut your hot water bills by as much as 40%.

You can get a PulseEco shower head for around £33 and it’s easy to fit onto your shower hose too. All you have to do is unscrew the shower head you do have and replace it with this new one

9. Get a water butt

If you love your garden, get a water butt to use rainwater on your plants. If you don’t have lots of space for one, a rain chain and bucket is a good alternative. You could qualify for a reduced cost water butt through Save Water, Save Money.

• 10. Get free water saving devices

Save Money, Save Water has a nifty questionnaire to help you show how much water you’re using – and how much you could save. Even better, you can choose from a range of free water saving devices, from shower timers to tap aerators and even strips to put in your toilet to make sure you don’t have a sneaky flush leak.

The post Jasmine Tells Us How To Get the Best Deal on Your Water Bill appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

• How can I save money on my gas bill?
• See our DIY quick fixes to cut your heating costs
• Keep your home warm and cosy
• Get free money from the government to cut your heating costs
• Help with your bills
• Keeping yourself warm

How Can I Cut Heating Costs?

The first and most obvious way to cut your bills is to switch to a cheaper provider. Many people are looking at monthly bills of around £200 right now, so the most urgent thing you need to do is to switch to a cheaper energy company.

If you’re desperate to warm the house but worried about the nasty bills it will incur, then switch right now to save yourself hundreds over the year.

If you are using oil to heat your house then look at our article on how to get cheaper oil. There are a number of specialist heating oil websites around that will help you compare prices, and also buy in bulk with your neighbours so that you can all get cheaper prices. It’s definitely worth considering as oil prices continue to rise.

Also, before the worst of the winter weather comes, ensure that your boiler is working properly. Check out how a poor credit score could affect your ability to make use of monthly payments for a new boiler. Keep an eye on your score!

DIY quick fixes to cut your heating costs

You don’t have to pay hundreds to make your home warmer and more energy efficient (and so cheaper to heat). There are all sorts of little tweaks you can do yourself that are easy and cheap, but make a big difference to your bills.

In fact, we have a bunch of ideas on how you can save money on your bills and on how to save money by being green. Take a look!

Here are some quick wins you can achieve this evening to cut your bills and keep you toasty through the winter:

Tin foil behind the radiators

Sticking some tin foil behind your radiators will make them heat your room more efficiently and allow you to turn the radiators down a bit. Simply attach the foil to the wall using sticky tape or wallpaper glue, and make sure the shiny side is as close to the radiator as possible.

This works by reflecting heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through the walls. You can pick up some specially-designed radiator foil from Wickes for £14.99, but good-quality kitchen foil will work almost as well.

Thermal curtains

Another option is to buy ready-made thermal curtains – but with this you have a limited choice of colours and fabrics. Also, the cheap ones often look exactly that, while the expensive ones can cost over £100 in some stores.

It’s pretty easy to make your own thermal curtains though – by simply lining your curtains with an insulating material you can dramatically reduce heat loss.

• You can get thermal curtain lining which can reduce heat loss by as much as 25% – some start from just £11.
• Alternatively, you could easily make your own using cheap fleece on eBay or a PVC shower curtain with some lining sewn over the top.
• For added insulation you can replace the shower curtain with foil insulation. If you’re not much of a sewing whizz, pick up some fabric glue and fix the fabrics together that way.

Insulate your windows, doors and floors

Check the draughts around your house. Loads of cold air comes in under the doors and through the letter box, floorboards, cat flaps, and window cracks.

You can find out where the draughts are in your house by lighting a candle and placing it near your windows and doors. If the candle flame starts to dance around like crazy then you know you’ve got a draught!

By using draught excluder seal around your windows and doors, you can eliminate chilly draughts running through your home. It’s really easy to install and makes a surprisingly big difference.

Insulate your fireplace

Whatever you do – don’t try this if you actually use your chimney.

But if you don’t use your fireplace, all you need to do is stuff the opening in your room with newspaper or cardboard to stop draughts from creeping in.

If you do have an open fire during the winter months, there’s an easier way to insulate your fireplace: a chimney balloon.

All you need to do is inflate it to block the draught from the chimney cavity, then when you want a fire, you can deflate it and easily remove it. You can get chimney balloons from Amazon from £20. 

Keeping your house warm and cosy

Then, there are ways to cut your heating bills without any effort at all…

Turn your heating off. Yes, really

If you’re going to be out of the house all day, simply set it to come on just before you return in the evening and it should be nice and toasty for your arrival.

Just make sure you set it to switch back off again before you go to bed.

You don’t want to be paying to heat the house while you’re tucked up warmly in bed asleep! Anyway, scientists say it’s better to sleep in a cool atmosphere, while your body is warm under the bedclothes.

Clean Your Radiator System

Making sure your heating system is working properly can save you a lot of money. Sludge can build up in your heating system over time, blocking the flow of the hot water. This sludgy build-up could add a massive 25% more to your bill. A sign of a build-up of dirt is cold spots at the bottom of the radiator, or individual radiators taking longer to heat up than others.

Keep all the doors closed

Close off any unused rooms so you’re not heating places you’re not going to spend your time in. Close your curtains when it starts to get dark, but keep them open during the day to let any sunlight in.

Turn the thermostat down

Turning your thermostat down just one degree can cut your energy consumption (and your bills) by 10%.

Only heat the room you’re in

If you’re spending the whole evening in your bedroom, don’t put the heating on for the whole house, just use a portable heater in that room for a few hours.

You could also invest in a heated throw so that you don’t even need the portable heater. There are lovely ones around where you just plug them in and then wrap them around you.

Lakeland has a lovely selection of heated throws, electric blankets and even a heated foot-warmer. Take a look and get yourself set for a cosy winter!

Don’t put your wet laundry on your radiators

This is something I used to do FAR too often!

Now though, I have a heated tower airer from Lakeland instead. It’s marvellous. Take a look at it here.

It’s not cheap – at £99.99 – but it is very cheap to run. It costs less than 6p an hour, so it’s great for families.

There’s also a larger, three-tier one that costs £109.99 here. Definitely worth it if you have big loads of washing to do regularly.

Not only are these efficient, but they will also enable you to leave your radiators to do their intended job. They will also save you money on the cost of running your tumble-dryer.

Get free money from the governmENT to cut your heating costs

If you receive any benefits like Universal Credit, pensions or disability allowance, you may qualify for a grant from the government’s Affordable Warmth scheme.

This can be spent on things like loft insulation, draught-proofing and cavity wall insulation. Of course we don’t know how long this scheme will continue for, so apply early to be in with a chance.

Even if you don’t receive benefits, there are still loads of discounts available. Check out our article ‘Insulation: save money and conserve energy’ for loads of information about larger scale insulation projects, and how much you could save.

In October 2021, the UK government announced homeowners in England and Wales will be offered subsidies of £5,000 to replace their gas boilers. These grants will be given from April 2022, and are part of the government’s plan to stop the sale of new gas boilers after 2035. It will also contribute to lower carbon emissions by replacing gas boilers with low-carbon heat pumps.

The Government have not yet released exact details of when and how you can apply for the grant, so be sure to keep checking for updates and secure your money!

help with your bills

are you struggling?

Certainly, the first thing to do if you’re really struggling with your fuel bills is to contact your energy provider. All the big ones have ‘slush funds’ to help those in need. As with anything, the more persistent you are the more likely it is that you will get something!

warm homes discount scheme

There is also the Warm Homes Discount Scheme which will give you £140 off your heating bills from October to March. It’s a Government scheme and has been signed up to by some, though not all, of the energy providers. You can find out about it here.

There are grants and other help organisations for fuel poverty as we explain here.

the green deal

The government have also set up the Green Deal, an initiative designed to encourage homeowners and businesses to use more green technologies.

There’s no free money here, but there are free assessments of your home. Also you can get finance plans – i.e. ways to pay the cost over time rather than in a lump.

The sort of improvements you might be advised to make are:

• insulation,
• heating
• draught-proofing
• double glazing
• renewable energy products (e.g. solar panels)

N.B. this isn’t available in Northern Ireland

Also, if you are a pensioner or on tax credits/benefits, there are grants and other types of help at hand.

A 2000w solar panel kit, for example, should cost you under £4,000. While it’s a bit of an initial investment, this solar setup should be enough to power small homes year-round.

If you want more information there is a free helpline that can give you access to grants and information on heating bills.

Keeping yourself warm

Keeping yourself warm is just as important as warming the places where you spend your time.

If you can keep yourself warm with exercise and sensible clothes then you won’t need the heating turned up so high!

Exercise

Spend 20 minutes a day exercising.

Not only will it keep you warm it will do wonders for your immune system, making your body better able to tolerate the cold.

Even if you’re at home your daily exercise can include vacuuming, cooking and dusting. Housework and exercise in one? Done.

Layer up

If you’re in the house all day but you don’t want to spend a fortune heating it, put on an extra layer or two. Layers will keep you warmer than one big jumper so if you are a particularly chilly person invest in some thermals.

And smokers be aware: Smoking slows down your circulation so you’ll get colder quicker. Your circulation will begin to improve after two weeks of quitting, helping to keep you warm from the inside.

Keep warm in bed

Instead of leaving the heating on all night, turn it off before you go to bed, make yourself a hot water bottle, and put an extra blanket over your duvet. You’ll be so warm that touching the thermostat won’t even cross your mind!

Have you got any tips for keeping warm on the cheap?

Any saucy ones? Go on – I bet you do!

Tell us about them in the comments below!

[inlineslignup]

The post Winter Chills: Easy Ways to Cut Heating Costs appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

So we’ve looked around to find some bright, attractive, mood-enhancing and good value light-producers to make your Christmas full of light, whether you’re on your own or with friends and family.

• Create great mood lighting in your home
• Indoor Christmas lights
• Candles
• How to bring inner light into your life

Create great mood lighting in your home

It doesn’t take a lot to make a Christmassy mood in your home with just a few lights.

• Look for old candles in drawers and shelves, display them in jam jars that the kids can paint or put stickers on to make them look more like Christmas
• Buy tea-lights (£7.99 for 50 at Amazon) and put them around the table on saucers surrounded by holly or ivy or other pretty sprigs of berries you have picked up on walks
• Set up a candle ‘winter shelfie’: gather up all the sold candles that you have an arrange them on a shelf, or on the mantlepiece, with pine cones, arranged prettily. Pick some branches of pine to display behind the candle arrangement to put greenery behind the white candles and brown pine cones. You could even spray some of the cones in gold or silver to add some glamour!
• Grab an old, glass bowl (maybe one of those cut ones that your mum used to use), fill with some soil and top with moss, pine cones and odd Christmas decorations that you don’t know what to do with (baubles without their hook, a Father Christmas that should go on a cake…that sort of thing) and arrange around some tall dinner candles that you fix into the earth. Display on the dinner table.

Indoor Christmas lights

Northern Lights Colour Fire Cones RRP: £14.99 from Lakeland. This is a lovely way to bring additional lighting into your home in an atmospheric way.  Coming in a pack of 30 to 40 cones and suitable for any real-flame fire, drop 2 or 3 into the flames of your fire and watch the blues and greens of the Northern Lights come to life.

Lights don’t just belong on the tree, use them around your home or to decorate your Christmas table. Lakelands Star Cluster Lights RRP: £19.99 and Snowflake String Lights RRP: £11.99 (currently on offer £9.99 while stocks last) are perfect to add that festive glow to your space for you, friends and family to enjoy.

Lakeland have a great range of Christmas lights to choose from. Our favourites include the Christmas Car String Lights and Light Up Ribbon. Both battery operated, you won’t have any issues in trying to reach the plug socket. RRP: £14.99 each. 

How to bring inner light into your life

The long, dark nights of mid-winter can make us feel miserable if we allow it.

I used to complain about it endlessly and I hear people talking about how the long  nights make them depressed and afraid.

But do we have to have this unhappiness? Really. I’m serious – do we really have to?

I’ve learnt over the years that much of this unhappiness really is unnecessary. After all, thinking of the Scandinavian countries – they have a lot more darkness than we do and they manage to make the most of it. Cosiness, getting comfortable, cuddling up to friends and family or enjoying cosy time at home alone, are all ways of making the most of the long nights.

But event more than that, it’s an opportunity to discover light that isn’t material and isn’t affected by where the sun happens to be.

Remember, the Scriptures say “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” but it didn’t say there was a sun or even stars – it was just light. 

Do you know anyone who just lights up a room? Someone who just somehow is light? That person can be you. Light is light and you can find it – maybe with a fair amount of effort – by determinedly looking away from the dark thoughts, the gloomy reminiscences, the critical and downbeat thoughts, to actual loving thoughts, thoughts that look for the good and thoughts that are not centred in the body or things or what you think you’ve lost.

Light really is here now, even if we don’t seem to be able to see it just yet. But we can turn to the light – and actually be the light – when dark thoughts tempt us to be down. Accepting the fact that Light is here and is real, actually filling the universe,  it’s easier to express light ourselves.

Try it each time the darkness has a go at taking over your thought. Persisting with it will work, just as switching on a light in a room instantly dispels the darkness. It can’t hold out against light.

Outdoor Lights

Level up your lighting decorations with smart LED lights Twinkly Festoon.

Whether you’re hosting summer parties and barbecues, planning a dinner with friends, or sitting back to relax, create just the right vibe with Festoon. Available in multiple lengths and with various numbers of bulbs, these premium, app-controlled, addressable LEDs were designed for extraordinary brightness and color quality in over 16 million colors. Perfect for use both indoors and outdoors.

The post Let there be light! appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

• Foodie Gifts
• Hair & Beauty Gifts
• Home and Garden Gifts
• Children & Teens

Last Minute Offer

Order by Friday 20th December to receive these in time for Christmas!

With the last minute rush for Christmas gifts creeping upon us, one retailer has put together the ultimate gift for Numberblocks fans – and it’s only £10!

Foodie Gifts

Melissa Forti: Live, Love, Bake: New and Classic Italian, English, and French Recipes for Cakes, Cookies and Other Desserts £27.50 
www.prestel.com

For fans of baking, Live, Love, Bake takes  you through a mouthwatering journey of classic and modern baked treats intertwined with beautiful imagery of Melissa Forti’s culinary journey. With personalized recipes for tiramisu, red velvet cake, meringue and more, Melissa also looks to the future, with classic bakes updated for contemporary diets, including vegan chocolate cake, gluten free pound cake and dairy free apricot galette. This gorgeous book makes a fantastic gift and is a great addition to any bakers collection.

Lottie Shaw’s Traditional Mince Pies £4.50 and Gingerbread Decorating Kit £5.95 www.lottieshaws.co.uk

Lottie’s Great Aunts baked their original recipes of regional specialities in Yorkshire over 100 years ago. Inspired by her history and family recipes Lottie has carried on the journey. Lottie Shaw’s Traditional Mince Pies are deep filled with plump rich fruit, finished with an elegant star and perfect served warm with a dollop of cream. The Gingerbread Decorating Kit includes 3 gingerbread men, 3 gingerbread trees, 2 decorating pens and a sachet of smarties, a great gift for kids to make.

Gingerbread House Bundt® Pan – £30.00

A quicker, easier, and tastier version of the classic holiday baking project, our cast Gingerbread House Bundt pan bakes a cake with exceptional detail. Ready to decorate shortly after baking, there’s no fussy assembly or royal icing needed.

You’ll be amazed by the level of crisp detail on this cast Bundt pan and the cake it bakes; no design element was overlooked. Its shingled roof and chimney are ready for a simple dusting of snowy powdered sugar, while mullion windows and door detailing are ready for decoration with candy or frosting. A sturdy brick foundation and decorative evergreen trees provide additional textured areas to adorn or simply leave plain, since the beauty is baked right into the cake.

Lindt Festive Edition Chocolates £20.00 www.lindt.co.uk

Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 175 years. Their festive edition box is filled with Lindt’s finest milk, dark and white chocolates including Chocolate Fondant, Hazelnut Praline and Velvet Caramel Milk. A great gift for friends, family or better still a treat to yourself.

Fitzbillies Festive Brownie Box £22.00 (Box of 12) www.fitzbillies.com

Whether you’ve lived, been on holiday or just passed through Cambridge, you will have undoubtedly made a stop at Fitzbillies, renowned for their Chelsea buns (baked by hand 362 days a year). Our very own Head of Partnerships, Marc, who has a very soft spot for brownies, taste-tasted their Festive Brownie Box in flavour combinations of White Chocolate & Cranberry, Chocolate Orange and Seasonal Spiced Gingerbread. The verdict “Rich, gooey and delicious. You’ll need willpower to limit yourself to just one!”

Joe&Seph’s Festive Popcorn Gift Box – £25

Spread some festive cheer this Christmas with a box packed full of delicious popcorn treats. Featuring 1 x Gingerbread Popcorn, 1 x Mint Chocolate Popcorn, 1 x Festive Chocolate Popcorn Slab, 1 x Chocolate Popcorn Star and 1 x Chocolate Caramel Orange Sauce.

Macknade Kent Cheese Hamper £35.00 www.macknade.com

The Macknade brand has been synonymous with quality and community since 1847 and with good reason.  For 2024 you can choose from 18 Christmas hamper offerings ranging from chocolate, coffee and Christmas Favourites. The Kent Cheese Hamper showcases some of Kent’s finest cheesemakers, including Kingcott Dairy Blue Cheese and Cheesemakers of Canterbury Chaucers Camembert. Paired with all Kentish accompaniments and packaged in the Signature Macknade Hamper Box, this makes a great gift for cheese lovers.

Wickedly Welsh Deluxe Christmas Family Sharing Hamper £35.99 www.wickedlywelsh.co.uk

If you’re thinking of a gift that both adults and children can enjoy, this hamper from Pembrokeshire based Wickedly Welsh caters for both. From Rudolph lollipops, a mint humbug bar to sachets of hot chocolate, the option to include a personalised message or video when ordering is a lovely added touch.

Fattoria La Vialla – The Non-Alcoholic Treat (Vegan) £40.80 www.lavialla.com

Fattoria La Vialla is a family-run, organic-biodynamic farm in Arezzo, Tuscany and you are really spoilt for choice if you’re a fan of Italian delights.  Their non-alcoholic treat hamper is packed with 9 specialities including Sugo Bombolino and Caponata. Everything is sent directly from the farm to a central UK warehouse, so no need to worry about import duties. An added gift included with orders is the ‘Handbook’, which contains nutrition labels, tasting notes, ideas and recipes – they really have thought of everything. Having been lucky enough to sample this hamper, I can honestly say if you want to bring the true taste of Italy to your home, Fattoria La Vialla does just that. Buon appetito!

The Tracklements Cheese-Lover’s Collection Gift Pack – £15.75

Costa Christmas Range

This year, Costa Coffee is decking the halls with a brand-new Christmas merchandise collection. Sip in style with two new reusable 16oz cups; a stainless-steel reusable cup which features a gorgeous burgundy leaf design, or a plastic reusable cup with a gold to burgundy ombre leaf design and finished with a ribbed sleeve. And why not bring a little magic home with the new Santa-themed ceramic mug, complete with a lid and a spoon for that extra sprinkle of holiday fun.  

For those looking to spread the Costa Coffee cheer, add a charm to your tree with the adorable new Costa Coffee tree decorations, available in two designs – the classic Gingerbread man who is wearing their very own Costa Coffee apron, and a Costa Coffee cup full of presents. What’s more, add festive cheer wherever you go with Costa Coffee’s new Christmas keyrings, featuring three designs, from a Costa Coffee cup with a Christmas tree, and one with the adorable Gingerbread Man, as well as an enticing Gingerbread House. These make the perfect stocking fillers for the Costa Coffee lover in your life.

John Lewis Double-Barrelled Craft Beer Tasting Pack £20.00

Craft Beer Tasting Box from Double-Barrelled Brewery. A carefully curated range of four craft beers brewed by Double-Barrelled Brewery in small batches at their brewery in Reading. The perfect gift for the discerning Craft Beer lover or those exploring the breadth of beer, the gift box includes the following selection of Double-Barrelled’s best-selling beers.

VonHaus Popcorn Maker £18.99

Popcorn is a fun snack to make with the kids – but it’s surprisingly healthy, too. This super kitchen gadget uses no additional oil producing virtually fat-free popcorn which is an excellent source of fibre. The secret is in the hot-air circulation system which eliminates the need to use butter, drastically reducing the calorie content.

It’s quick and simple to get started. Place a single scoop of kernels in the machine using the measuring cup supplied. Then listen for the first kernels to start popping! You can add flavour during cooking, if you wish, by drizzling salt, sugar or melted butter through the top. Whatever flavourings you choose, you’ll be able to create lots of popcorn from just a handful of kernels, making this a fun and affordable way to create a party treat. What about scheduling a cinema night, renting a film or two and making enough popcorn for everyone to have a box full of their favourite flavour?

CamelBak Thrive Mugs – from £35

CamelBak‘s new Thrive Mugs make an excellent Christmas gift for outdoor enthusiasts. Available in 1L (£40) and 0.5L (£35) sizes, these mugs are crafted from vacuum-insulated 18/8 steel, keeping drinks cold for up to 21 hours or hot for up to 10 hours.

They feature soft, comfortable handles and dual-thread construction for right or left-handed use. The non-slip silicone base prevents dents and ensures stability on any surface. BPA, BPS and BPF-free, the mugs are durable, dishwasher safe, and come with CamelBak’s Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee.

Haymans Sloe Gin £3.00 – £29.00

PlayInChoc 12 Day Advent Calendar

Countdown to Christmas with this famous, eco-friendly 12-day advent calendar. Behind each of the dozen windows you’ll find a super-cute festive toy plus a dreamy, creamy chocolates and fun facts card. That’s three treats every time! Each planet-friendly collectable doubles up as a super-cute decoration. Not-so-secret news; adults love these ethical yuletide calendars as much as children. The outer sleeve of the advent can also be opened up into a landscape to play with all 12 toys.

Hair & Beauty Gifts

KinKind PAMPER me Hair and Skincare Gift Set – £23.85 www.kinkind.co.uk

For those who are more concerned about ingredients, KinKind’ products are vegan friendly and paraben free. The PAMPER me set includes a rich and foaming shampoo bar, conditioner bar enriched with Cocoa Seed Butter and Coconut oil, Hand & BodyWash bar full of moisturising coconut oil and BUTTER me up! Moisturiser bar, with nourishing Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter & coconut oil.  A great beauty routine that makes a difference to not only your hair and skin, but also the planet.

REN Clean Skincare – Evercalm  Cleanse and Nourish Duo £25.00 www.renskincare.co.uk

Unwrap calm and nourished skin with these bestsellers from REN. The Evercalm  Cleanse and Nourish Duo includes Cleansing Gel which removes daily dirt, excess oil and impurities leaving your skin feeling fresh and Overnight Recovery Balm containing Olive, Almond, Linseed & Jojoba to intensively nourish skin. Included is a free gift of cleansing wristbands! A great gift for friends or family who care about their skincare routine.

We can also recommend the gift of digital gift cards and credit with these excellent companies, both of which allow you to choose from thousands of items:

Prezzee Smart eGift CardThe Prezzee Smart eGift Card is the ultimate swap card that turns into hundreds of brands like Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Deliveroo, Marks & Spencer, Asda, John Lewis, Primark, and lets your recipient choose what they want.

Vistaprint offer credit for their entire range of print services, so if you can’t decide what to get your loved ones from this amazing ran ge, why not give them the gift of choosing their own frames and photo products.

If you want even more choice of gifts, try the Marks & Spencer and Prettygreen gift cards.

Home and Garden Gifts

The Flora Lab Double-Wicked Christmas Candle

The ultimate scent of Christmas. Christmas Double Wicked Candle, £36. Hand-poured with a coconut & rapeseed wax. With an enveloping fragrance of spcy cinammon, rich warming clove and fresh zesty organe, this scent personifies the winter celebrations

Grill delicious deep-filled snacks for the whole family to enjoy using this 4 Slice Deep Fill Sandwich Maker from Tower.

With 8 pocket moulds it provides enough space to serve up to 4 toasties packed full of your favourite ingredients, with a powerful 1600W output for ultra-fast heat-up and crispy golden brown results, ideal for a speedy family lunch or afternoon snack.

The multi-layer Cerastone coating holds superior non-stick qualities, so you can enjoy healthier meals using little or no oil. The automatic temperature control allows you to pop your sandwich onto the plates and let the grill cook your food to perfect consistency and flavour. Its cool touch housing provides safe and comfortable handling when serving your golden brown toasties to avoid nasty burns. And, the non-slip feet keep your deep fill sandwich maker stable on your kitchen countertop for safe cooking when in use.

Terrys have been selling fabrics and home furnishings for over 50 years and have a great Christmas range to choose from.  For a modern take on your dining space, this fun strawberry candy-striped runner will definitely bring festive cheer to the table.

StyleTech MK520 Keyboard £29.99 www.argos.com 

Brighten any homework time with this cute – and quiet – keyboard and mouse set. It comes in either pale blue or mint green, and has raised keys with travel for good typing ergonomics, without the annoying clacky sound of many manual keyboards. The mouse is compact and light, ideal for teenager’s hands, and the keyboard is compact but has enough space to make typing comfortable. It also includes a slot for their phone to easily read notes or even type directly onto the phone!

Tower Handheld Steam Cleaner £29.99 www.towerhousewares.co.uk

Looking to buy for someone that enjoys practical and useful gifts? Instead of cluttering your home multiple cleaning tools which takes up space, the Tower handheld steam cleaner comes with 9 accessories including a fabric steaming tool, nylon brush, long nozzle attachment and squeegee. Heating up in just 3 minutes, and with a lengthy 3 metre power cord, you’re able to tackle all manner of cleaning tasks around the home. 

Clothes Doctor Scented Drawer Liners £12.00

These beautifully scented drawer liners are thoughtfully crafted to keep your clothes fresh and protected.

Infused with real essential oils, these liners feature four signature scents, that we love but moths hate! Simply line your drawers to enjoy the benefits of a natural moth repellent while adding a long-lasting, pleasant aroma to your wardrobe. It’s our prescription for a little dose of luxury!

Arighi Bianchi Beetle Wall Mirror  £44.10

An eclectic sculptural wall mirror that will be sure to add a touch of playful style to your home. The wall hanging comes in the shape of a beetle in a gold coloured purposefully aged metal finish. The surfaces of the beetle are made from reflective mirrored pieces which will reflect light back into your room. Designed to make an impact, this ornamental work of art is both practical and opulent. The wall mirror is perfect as a statement piece on any wall and will look equally wonderful displayed alongside other mirrors and works of art to create a home gallery.

This Gardening Tool Holster from Genus £49.99

Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Gardening Tool Holster is one of the Genus Carry-On Collection which also includes the Gardening Caddy Bag, Gardening Kneeler, Twine Pouch, and a Gardening Apron.  Designed for hands-free work around the garden, this holster can be slung around the hips or over the shoulder, or you can slot it on to your own belt. 

Children & Teens

Canyon Bluetooth Speaker £19.99 www.game.co.uk

Thinking of what to buy for a teenager? This stylish Canyon wireless speaker is compact, lightweight and packs a powerful sound. Compatible with Windows, iOS and Android, the wireless communication uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology and has a range of up to 10 meters. A great solution for music lovers to enjoy inside or out throughout the year.

Canal Toys Photo Creator Instant Pocket Printer £34.99 www.argos.co.uk

For children who love being creative, this instant pocket printer allows them to turn their photos into mini works of art and customise their prints with markers and stickers, making each one truly unique. The printer com with 1 sticky roll, 3 paper rolls, USB charger cable, stickers and 3 pens so there’s plenty to let their imaginations run wild. 

Klean Kanteen 295ml Kid’s Cup –  £15.95

Easy for small hands to hold, fits in most pram and car seat cup holders, and comes with a spill-proof Straw Lid with matching reusable straw. Both the cup and straw are made with certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel. Pop on the compatible Sippy Lid (sold separately) to create a convenient sippy cup. The extra durable Klean Coat® finish keeps Kid Cup colours bright and scratch free. These cups stack up to a whole lot of fun at home and on the go!

Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel Board Game £27.99 at Amazon

A lot of fun for all the family and a great way to entertain kids in that weird time between Christmas and New Year, this board game follows the format of the popular quiz show The Wheel, presented by Michael McIntyre. With 540 questions, you’re bound to get hours of fun out of this game with children aged 10 years and up. Until 2nd December, it is on offer for £20, with an RRP of £27.99.

The post Christmas Gifts 2024 for under £50 appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

At MoneyMagpie HQ we love nothing better than a good cup of tea or coffee and chocolate (ooh, and popcorn!), so when given the task of taste testing various advent calendars we just couldn’t resist. Below are some of our favourites for your countdown to Christmas.

• Advent Calendars for Adults
• Advent Calendars for Children
• Advent Calendars for Tea and Coffee Lovers

Advent Calendars for Adults

‘Find Joe And Seph’ Illustrated Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar RRP: £30.00 Available from www.joeandsephs.co.uk
Who doesn’t love popcorn. This years calendar features an illustrated puzzle- Can you find Joe, their resident popcorn chef, and Seph their popcorn connoisseur in and amongst the hustle and bustle of popcorn HQ? With flavours including Toffee Apple & Cinnamon, Salted Caramel, Candy Cane and Double Chocolate behind every door, you’ll find it hard to limit yourself to just one a day.

Hotel Chocolat Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar RRP: £13.95 Available from Amazon
Behind each door you’ll find a solid milk chocolate sculpture accompanied by an uplifting message to keep your spirits high during this festive season. Will your favourite be the reindeer, snowman or the penguin? Whichever your preference, just try not to eat them all at once!

Say “Nadolig Llawen” – that’s Merry Christmas with the Wickedly Welsh Christmas Advent Calendar. From Welsh Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate, Madagascan Vanilla White Praline and Gingerbread Crunch in Milk Chocolate, just some of the gorgeous flavours to choose from,  you’ll need be hard pushed to limit yourself to one a day! RRP: £19.99 Available from www.wickedlywelsh.co.uk

This Christmas, celebrate doing gifting Divinely differently with the world’s only farmer-owned Fairtrade chocolatier – Divine. Treat yourself to a delicious chocolate heart each day from their Fairtrade Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar or vegan friendly 70% Dark Chocolate Advent Calendar.
RRP: £5.50 www.divinechocolate.com

Unwrap a daily dose of Christmas magic with the Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar, a delightful treat for sweet-toothed fans. With its sleek design and generous portions – including a full-size Winter Wonderland bar behind window 24 – it’s the perfect way for grown-ups to join in the festive fun and make the countdown to Christmas truly delicious. RRP: £10.00 from nationwide retailers

The NEW Toblerone Truffles & Tiny’s Advent Calendar is perfect for those who want to enjoy milk, white and crunchy almond “tiny’s” of this classic chocolate as well as Toblerone Truffles. RRP: £12.00 available from Tesco

Advent Calendars for Children

Moo Free, free-from chocolate suppliers best known for being dairy free and vegan, is additionally free from wheat, gluten, and soya.  Whether you choose milk or white chocolate, these delightful Advent Calendars have the perfect bite-sized chunk of chocolate and make a fab Christmas treat, especially for little ones with food allergies or intolerances.

Cadbury 3D Advent Calendar RRP: 11.00 from nationwide retailers. This fab 3D Advent Calendar is 40cm in height and behind every door is a surprise from Cadbury Dairy Milk buttons to Dairy Milk Freddo and other Cadbury treat size chocolates.

Advent Calendars for Tea and Coffee Lovers

Try your way through new, festive and delicious flavours each morning as you get closer to Christmas with Little’s Advent Calendar. The Devon-based family business is turning up the flavour with 24 Nespresso compatible capsules featuring three exclusive Little’s flavours—Pumpkin Spice, Irish Cream, and Chocolate Orange – only available in this advent calendar. RRP: £25.00  www.wearelittles.com

A must-have festive countdown for all tea lovers is the iconic Bird & Blend Tea Advent Calendar. Every day, open one of the 24 little cubes containing x2 tea bags (perfect for sharing).  Featuring a free gift inside and containing a mix of both Christmas teas and fan faves including some limited editions such as Gingernut Biscuit, Buttermint and a top secret new blend.  RRP: £38.00 available to buy online and in-store www.birdandblendtea.com

The Contact Coffee Co. Ground Coffee Advent Calendar is packed with 25 sachets of expertly ground coffee from some of the best coffee regions around the world. Offering 13 different coffee blends, ranging from Brazil Yellow Bourbon to the festive and rich Jingle Blend, perfect for a variety of brewing methods, including Aeropress, Moka Pot, Pour Over, French Press, and Espresso Machines. RRP: £30.00 www.contactcoffee.com

Chance to Win

If you would like the chance to win some of the above calendars then we are giving some away over on our Instagram. So make sure you come and follow us and get charing those posts.

GOOD LUCK

The post Advent Calendars for all the Family 2024 appeared first on MoneyMagpie.