Just for fun

White chocolate, crochet baskets & clean cupboards – this week's MSE Forum highlights

Forum Executive

31 July 2026

When one MoneySaver found their preferred white chocolate was no longer on the shelves, naturally they turned to the MSE Forum to find a cost-conscious tasty alternative. Read on for more on that and the rest of the week's top discussions.

If you're not a member yet, here's how to register for the MSE Forum. It's simple and quick to join.

A few of this week's top threads

These are some of the Forum discussions that caught our eye this week:

Money Moral Dilemma

Every week, the Money Tips email features a real-life Money Moral Dilemma (MMD for short). They're intended to encourage debate and, as such, they're usually among the most discussed threads each week.

Should I tell my brother and his wife they don't need to buy me presents?

I'm a childfree aunt to three young nephews and I love to buy them presents, take them on days out and give them pocket money. Their parents don't have much money to spare, but they get me birthday and Christmas presents 'from the kids' to say thanks. While I appreciate the gesture, I'd far rather they put the money towards themselves or the children. But I'm worried if I say this it'll come across as ungrateful and patronising. Would you say anything if you were me?

See what our MSE Forumites had to say and add your own thoughts on the Money Moral Dilemma discussion thread. Do please stick to the MSE Forum rules: keep it kind and keep it clean. Remember, there's a real person behind every dilemma.

Challenge corner

The start of a new month is the perfect time to join one of the regular Forum challenges. The Grocery Challenge and the No Spend Days Challenge are both up and running for August. Our supportive MoneySaving community could be just the help you need to trim your spending.

Photo of the week

Sea_Shell recently posted this snap of a crochet basket they'd made: "I'm going to use it as a working yarn basket, to stop my balls running away across the room."

Please note: We love seeing your photos in the MSE Forum, but if you're uploading one, make sure it doesn't include any personally-identifiable information such as your face or address.

Latest comping wins

"I'm really chuffed as it has been on my wish list of wins for the last few years," wrote Lirael as they let the comping community know they'd won an air fryer. And it turns out another Forumite - rms1965 – was also a winner in the same competition.

Also celebrating this week is hjg123 who is off to the Cotswolds for a two-night hotel break with spa treatments.

Head across to the Competitions Time boards to browse the latest opportunities to win.

Your two cents

Whether it's to cut down on food waste, get better value for money, or enjoy tomorrow's lunch, taking leftovers home after a meal out can be a smart move. Yet plenty of people still feel a bit awkward about asking for a doggy bag.

When you're eating at a restaurant and don't finish your meal, how often do you ask to take the leftovers home?

Vote and comment on this week's Forum poll.

If you're not a member yet, it's easy to register for the MSE Forum.