Kids & Toys
Now might be a good time to buy toys – especially if you're stocking up for Christmas – as we often see supermarkets running 'up to 50% off' toy sales in October.
Now that the lead-up to Christmas is underway, did you know you can get a free letter from Santa when you post one to him?
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
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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:
28 September 2022
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Mortgage market in turmoil
What you can and should do
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Energy bills go up this Saturday
Key actions
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Sim price war
15GB data for '£4.67/mth'
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Martin's mini-budget explainer
As stamp duty, national insurance, income tax cut
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Up to £280 off Shark cordless vacuums
Via code
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Try to cut card & loan interest NOW
Martin’s urgent warning
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New. 2.5% 'easy access' savings
Highest in 10 years
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Read the full email
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes - join the 12m who get it. Don’t miss out
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Welsh households on universal credit and other benefits can get £200 to help with energy bills – check if you're eligible and how to apply
27 September 2022![]()
More than 400,000 low-income households in Wales can get a non-repayable £200 cash grant to put towards their energy bills this winter. -
£150 cost of living disability payment hit by delays, Department for Work and Pensions admits - though most to be paid by early October
27 September 2022![]()
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has admitted there's been a delay with handing out the £150 one-off cost of living payment to those on disability benefits, however has said that everyone will have had it by the October deadline as expected. -
Bank of England increases base rate to 2.25% – what the rise means for your mortgage and savings
27 September 2022![]()
The Bank of England has increased the base rate to 2.25% from 1.75%. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and influences what borrowers pay and savers earn. -
How you'll receive the £400 energy bill discount from your supplier
27 September 2022![]()
Millions of households in Britain will get £400 this winter to help with rising energy bills as part of the Government's 'Energy Bills Support Scheme'. Exactly how you'll be paid this money depends on your supplier and how you pay for your energy bills. -
Mortgage lenders lengthen product transfer periods to allow homeowners to lock in new deals earlier – here's what you need to know
27 September 2022![]()
Several major lenders have increased how far in advance existing borrowers can lock in a new mortgage deal as interest rates rise. It comes as many homeowners look to start the process of lining up a new mortgage earlier than usual, hoping to get a cheaper deal and stay ahead of future rate hikes after the base rate hit 2.25% in September.
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Martin Lewis: The one thing everyone aged over 66 needs to know
9 August 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
