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Get a free EPC rating with Skipton Building Society
Are you a homeowner or landlord looking to improve your property’s energy efficiency? Skipton Building Society’s free EPC Plus offer is a great opportunity. Available to members, this service provides a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment conducted by Vibrant, a professional energy assessor. An EPC is essential for anyone renting or selling a property, providing a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), alongside actionable recommendations to lower energy costs.
For landlords, having a good EPC rating is especially important as UK regulations now require rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of ‘E’. Skipton’s EPC Plus can help landlords meet these legal requirements while also improving the property’s overall appeal to potential tenants. The service includes a personalized report outlining practical improvements that could save you money in the long …
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Stay protected this flu season – Superdrug & Asda lead way with affordable jabs
As flu season approaches, it’s important to stay protected, especially with the variety of affordable and accessible flu jab options available across the UK. Whether you qualify for a free NHS vaccine or need a private jab, here’s what you need to know.
Are you eligible for a free NHS flu jab?
The NHS offers free flu jabs to specific groups at higher risk from flu complications. You qualify for a free flu jab if any of the following apply:
- You are 65 or older
- You live in a long-stay care facility or residential care
- You receive Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for someone elderly or disabled
- You live with someone who is immunocompromised or on the NHS shielded patient list
- You are pregnant
- You are under 65 and have certain health conditions
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Act now: understanding crucial tax changes for UK Airbnb owners before April 2025
As April 2025 approaches, UK Airbnb owners are facing significant tax changes that could impact their rental income. One of the pivotal updates is the restriction on claiming mortgage interest as a deductible expense. With the introduction of new legislation, I have been helping out a friend who has an Airbnb to understand and use furnished holiday let (FHL) capital allowances. Tax consultancy firms – like Zeal or HMA Tax – are invaluable, offering expert guidance to ensure Airbnb owners maximise their tax efficiency.
What are FHL capital allowances?
FHL capital allowances allow UK Airbnb owners to deduct the costs of certain items purchased for their holiday lets from their pre-tax profits. This includes expenditures on furniture, equipment, and fixtures necessary for the rental operation. To qualify, properties must be available for let for at …
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10 ways to reduce car hire costs
A recent survey conducted by iCarhireinsurance.com revealed that a mere 38% of UK drivers take advantage of comparison sites to secure the best rates when looking for cars to hire. But comparison sites aren’t the only ways to save….here are 10 other ways:
- Early Bird Gets the Worm, But Last-Minute Deals Shine Too: Booking your car hire early ensures you get your preferred vehicle at a favourable rate. However, don’t overlook last-minute checks for price drops if your chosen provider offers free cancellations. For example, for a week’s early summer hire in Faro, Hertz quoted £265, while Sixt quoted £110.
- Avoid Main Transport Hubs: Consider renting from locations slightly away from primary airports or train stations. This often results in considerable savings that outweigh the cost of an extra taxi ride.
- Save on Excess Protection:
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Unmissable bargains: dive into Argos’s scorching summer sale
Are you ready to snag some serious bargains this summer? Argos has kicked off its 2024 Summer Sale, and it’s a treasure trove of deals you won’t want to miss! From plush home furniture to must-have outdoor sets, and even top-notch beauty essentials, there’s something for everyone. Let’s delve into the highlights of this summer bonanza, where you can save up to a whopping 50% on selected items.
Home sweet home deals
First up, if you’re looking to spruce up your interiors, Argos has got you covered with up to half price off on selected indoor furniture. Imagine sinking into the luxurious comfort of the Emma Original Mattress (4ft6), now just £423 down from £635. And for the little ones, the Hab Ellis Toddler Bed in crisp white with a handy drawer is now only £132. …
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The Ultimate List of UK Universities with the Cheapest Accommodation
Finding affordable student accommodation is crucial for many students and their parents. With student loans needing to be supplemented with jobs, for many students it’s tough to make ends meet, especially in London or in unis that are highly popular hence driving up rent costs.
Selecting a university with cheaper accommodation options can make a big difference. I took a look at multiple sources that had compiled lists and based on that information, here is a comprehensive list of UK universities known for their affordable student accommodation.
1. University of Hull
Hull offers some of the most affordable student accommodation in the UK, with prices starting from as low as £60 per week (Edvoy). The University of Hull is located in a city that has undergone significant regeneration, making it a vibrant and …
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National Walking Month: WalkActive shares the #MagicOfWalking with free coaching programme
Throughout May, physical activity and fitness education system WalkActive will be offering free access to its app to encourage participation in National Walking Month. With informative guides, educational videos and an audio coaching library, the programme will show users how to elevate their walking technique, posture, pace and tone.
WalkActive’s founder, walking, fitness and wellbeing expert Joanna Hall, hopes that free access to the scientifically verified system will provide a supportive confidence boost to those taking part in National Walking Month. This year, the campaign invites people to discover the #MagicOfWalking by committing 20 minutes to the activity each day.
Joanna explained: “I love the theme this year because there is definitely something magical about walking. It’s such an accessible activity, especially for those new to exercise or limited by health conditions or injury, …
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Cheap way to get your photos printed: FreePrints
I was quoted in a photo shop 70p a print to get some images printed for some picture frames, so I decided to do some digging to see what else was around and came across FreePrints.co.uk. This service offers a cheap way to preserve treasured memories without relying on a device.
One of the standout features of FreePrints.co.uk is its simplicity. The process of ordering prints is user-friendly, making it accessible even to those who might not be tech-savvy. All you need to do is download the app, select your favorite photos from your phone or social media accounts, and place your order. Within a few taps, you’re on your way to receiving high-quality prints delivered straight to your door.
Despite the service being free for up to 45 6×4 prints per month, the …
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6 ways to save money right now
So many of us are dealing with financial worries at the moment and they can affect just about every area of your life. Not only can it be incredibly stressful, but it could also mean that you stop participating in some of life’s joys, such as traveling or spending time with friends and loved ones.
With that in mind, here are some smart strategies that you can use to save money – so that you can get back on the path toward financial health once again!
Take budgeting seriously
According to a recent report, 60% of adults do not know how much money they spent last month. This likely means that they do not operate with any kind of budget in mind. While you may not consider this to be a major issue, failing …
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Don’t let your ISA languish in low-yield accounts – transfer them
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are tax-efficient savings, yet many savers fail to maximise their potential by keeping their funds in low-interest accounts. I was doing a stock take of my accounts and found a partially filled ISA providing me with 2.5% return….whereas I could switch it to one at 4.6%…..so I wanted to share with you how to manage the transfer correctly, safeguard your existing ISA without affecting your £20,000 annual limit, and ensure your money retains its tax-free status.
An ISA transfer means moving your funds from one ISA to another. This can occur between the same types of ISAs or from one type to another, like transferring from a Cash ISA to a Stocks and Shares ISA. The main reason for a transfer is to benefit from better tax-free interest rates. First £1,000
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