Just for fun

Many schools are off from the end of this week for half-term, and if things seem a little strange, it's not just because Halloween falls next week too. Even if you're not comfortable going out and about during half-term, there's still plenty of fun to be had at home for Halloween.

Salons and barbers are once again temporarily closed across the UK due to lockdown restrictions. If you're in need of a haircut you might be tempted to take matters, and the scissors or clippers, into your own less-than-qualified hands – so this blog is here to offer some dos and don'ts from the MSE team and fellow MoneySavers who've tried it, plus a few video tutorials from the pros.

With gyms temporarily closed again across the UK, and many of us staying inside a lot more, exercise regimes may slip. But there are loads of free apps, online tools and resources that can help you keep fit at home. Handy if you're not able (or ready) to return to fitness centres – or if you just want to save £100s on a membership you won't use.

It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also end up being the most wasteful, too. Wrapping paper is one of the most expensive single-use Christmas products, but what if I told you there are ways you can forego this expense this year, saving you money and helping the planet, too? I've been using the same wrapping paper for five years, and bows from about 1980 and I've shared my tips so you can do the same!

Face coverings are now mandatory on public transport in the UK, as well as in shops, so sewing your own could save you money. I'm going to show you two ways to make masks, or alternatively where to buy the cheapest ready-made versions.

This week, from Monday 7 to Friday 11 September it's Zero Waste Week. Previously, we've brought you 13 ways to use less plastic and save cash, so at MSE we're always thinking about whether we could in fact save money as well as the planet. First thing on Monday, I tried a completely zero-waste morning, and this is what I came up with.

Did you know there are three important things in life? The first is to be kind. The second, to be kind and the third? You guessed it – be kind. I may have butchered that quote from Henry James, but I think we can all agree – we should always strive to be kind, and not just on Random Acts of Kindness Day (17 February).

Working at MoneySavingExpert.com, obviously the purpose of my job is to help people save money. Unfortunately, I've always been bobbins at saving money for myself. But in an effort to change that, I've been trying out some of MSE's tips and tricks. Previously, I've covered the likes of train delays, overseas travel, credit scores, finding lost cash and depositing coins. Today: doing a direct debit audit (sort of).

Right, some of you know the drill by now, but if you don't, here it is. While working at MoneySavingExpert means I help others save money, when it comes to my own cash, I'm usually in a muddle. But now I'm looking to unmuddle myself and, in the process, motivate fellow MoneySavingIdiots. Previously, I've covered train delays, overseas travel and credit scores. This week: reclaiming cash (kind of).

While I help people save money as part of my job at MoneySavingExpert.com, I've never been much cop at doing the same for myself. So I'm writing about my efforts to improve in an attempt to motivate others who are far from experts when it comes to MoneySaving. Previously, I've covered train delays, overseas travel, credit scores, finding lost cash and switching bank. Today: depositing coins.