Just for fun

Driving to work, ducklings & Dutch trains – this week's MSE Forum highlights

Forum Executive

14 August 2026

September is often a time for new starts and this week Forumites have been preparing for the next phase of educational and professional life, discussing name tapes for school uniforms, options for commuting to work and generally getting a better handle on personal finances. Read on for more about all that and the rest of the week's MSE Forum action.

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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 push my grandad to tip more when we go for dinner?

Every couple of months my grandad and I go for dinner and split the bill, but he often leaves a tiny tip - or none - even when the food and service are good. I end up leaving more so the staff get a reasonable tip. I've mentioned it, as I know he can afford it, but he laughs it off or says he forgot. Should I push him to tip more, or accept it's his choice

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.

Photo of the week

Daphne the duck (featured here in 2025 and 2024) has made a welcome return to Miró's garden with her latest brood in tow, to the delight of regulars on our charity shop thread.

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

Forumite swatmough has won a 12-month luxury flower subscription priced at £450. Not only that, but the prize includes a vase, candle and a box of Belgian chocolates.

Turn to the the Competitions Time board where you'll find all the latest potential prizes.

Your two cents

MSE_Ruby is collecting your tips on keeping cool in hot weather to help put together a new MSE guide. We'd love to have your input.

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