Food & Drink
Use the Money Mantras
Before spending, use Martin’s Mantras. If you answer 'NO' to any, then don't buy!
Then ask:
- Do I need it?
- Can I afford it?
- Have you checked prices elsewhere?
Then ask:
- Will I use it?
- Is it worth it?
Free protection for all shopping!
There's a little-known piece of legislation that turns any credit card into a financial self-defence superhero. 'Section 75' of the Consumer Credit Act means your plastic must protect anything you buy for more than £100 for free, so if there's a problem or the company goes bust, you can still get your money back.
And although Section 75 doesn't apply to debit cards, there is something else to fall back on if you've paid using a debit card, or used a credit card for a purchase under £100. Known as Chargeback, this is part of banks' and card companies' internal rules and not a legal requirement. Read full details of Section 75 or Chargeback, plus how to claim, in our guides.
What the * means above
If a link has an * by it, that means it is an affiliated link and therefore it helps MoneySavingExpert stay free to use, as it is tracked to us. If you go through it, it can sometimes result in a payment or benefit to the site. It's worth noting this means the third party used may be named on any credit agreements.
You shouldn’t notice any difference and the link will never negatively impact the product. Plus the editorial line (the things we write) is NEVER impacted by these links. We aim to look at all available products. If it isn't possible to get an affiliate link for the top deal, it is still included in exactly the same way, just with a non-paying link. For more details, read How this site is financed.
Duplicate links of the * links above for the sake of transparency, but this version doesn't help MoneySavingExpert.com:
7 December 2022
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Three banks pay a FREE £175+
Plus up to 7% interest
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12 easy Christmas MoneySavers
Gifts, spending & more
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Cut boiler cover costs
By £100s
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Do diesel claims ads stack up?
We've full pros & cons
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2.85% easy-access savings
New top payer
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Code gets Vax for £100
Worth £160
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Cheap kids' prepaid card
£2.94 (normally £36)
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Martin Lewis calls for more support for mortgage borrowers during meeting with the Chancellor and lenders
8 December 2022![]( "2052735650")
Mortgage lenders have been pushed to offer more support for struggling homeowners following a meeting with MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and the financial regulator. The move comes as homeowners continue to face higher and significantly more expensive interest rates amid the cost-of-living crisis. -
Cold weather payments triggered in England and Wales – can you get £25 towards your energy bills?
8 December 2022![]()
Cold weather payments worth £25 have been triggered for residents in over 300 postcode areas in England and Wales, amid a cold snap expected to last into next week. -
Martin Lewis: Fed up with unfair energy direct debits? Switch to variable direct debits instead
6 December 2022![]()
With many complaining about unfair energy direct debit hikes, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis takes a look at variable direct debits, and when it's worth considering them. -
Over 30% of British Gas prepay customers say they're still waiting for October and November energy bill help vouchers in MSE survey
6 December 2022![]()
More than one in five energy users on traditional prepayment meters say they're yet to receive EITHER of their £66 Government energy help vouchers for October and November, with customers of British Gas being the worst hit, according to a MoneySavingExpert.com survey of over 5,500 people. -
Disability payments delayed ahead of Christmas with many left waiting for their money - here's what we know
6 December 2022![]()
Some claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) say they have yet to receive their payments for this month, leaving many struggling for cash ahead of Christmas. The disability payments were due to be paid today (5 December).
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Martin Lewis: Is it time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents?
5 December 2022![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: The one thing everyone aged over 66 needs to know
29 November 2022![]()
It is a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners, many of whom have been paying into the system for years, are missing out on a critical boost to their income. It's called pension credit, and this year it also means you get an extra £650 to help with energy bills.
Clever ways to calculate your finances
