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Where to buy cheap Christmas decorations without spending a fortune
I love Christmas, but honestly, have you seen how much some Christmas decorations cost these days? By the time you’ve bought a few baubles, some lights and a wreath for the front door, you’ve spent a small fortune.
The thing is, you really don’t need to spend loads to make your house look lovely for Christmas. There are so many places to pick up cheap decorations, and some of the best bargains aren’t even in the shops.
I’ve been having a look at where you can save a few quid this year, and these are the places I’d be checking before paying full price.
B&M Bargains
You can’t really go wrong with a trip to B&M at Christmas, can you? Although I do find it impossible to go in for one thing and come out …
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How to get cheaper Railcards with TrainPal and save yourself a few quid
Is it just me or have train tickets got ridiculously expensive? Honestly, sometimes it’s cheaper to fly abroad than get a train to London!
Anyway, I recently needed a Railcard and, being me, I wasn’t about to pay full price if I could help it.
I had a little look around and found that TrainPal offers discounted Railcards, so I managed to save myself some money before I’d even booked a train ticket – instead of £35 I paid £26.95. I did have to enter a code, and as you could be reading this anytime, just search online for one. I believe that TRIP also has discounted railcards. These are digital though, so if you prefer a card, then you may need to pay full price.
Two Together Railcard
If you regularly travel with …
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Ltd company directors…did you know that you could get £300 worth of tax-free perks a year?…
If you run your own limited company, here’s a little money-saving tip you might not know about!
Did you know your company could pay for up to £300 worth of treats for you every tax year, without you having to pay personal tax on them?
And yes, that can include gift vouchers for your favourite shops. It’s all thanks to something called Trivial Benefits, which is actually allowed under HMRC rules. It’s not some dodgy tax loophole either!
So how does it work?
If you’re a director of a qualifying limited company, your company can buy you little gifts throughout the year, as long as they meet a few simple rules.
Each gift must cost no more than £50, and you can receive up to £300 worth in a tax year. The gifts can’t …
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Graduates get main meal for free at Las Iguanas this July
Las Iguanas – the UK’s spot for Latin American and Mexican-inspired dishes – is celebrating the Class of 2025 with a delicious graduation treat that’s high on flavour and low on cost: graduates can enjoy a free main meal on the house.
From 2nd to 31st July (excluding Saturdays), anyone graduating this year can claim a free main from the à la carte menu by showing their results and ordering any drink. It’s the perfect way to mark the milestone – whether you’re gathering with friends or sitting down with family to celebrate.
To claim your free meal, simply bring proof of your results, buy a drink, and pre-book your table, making sure to mention the offer when you arrive and again when you pay. No complicated hoops to jump through – …
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Best UK meal deals 2025 – where to grab a bargain lunch without feeling ripped off
Let’s be honest — lunch on the high street can get pricey fast. One minute you’re popping in for a quick sandwich, the next you’ve spent £7 on something that barely fills a corner. That’s why I’m still a big fan of the meal deal. When done right, it’s the perfect combo of convenience, value, and choice.
Here’s my no-fuss guide to the best UK meal deals this year — where to go, what to get, and how to make sure you’re actually getting your money’s worth.
Tesco meal deal – £3.60 with Clubcard / £4 without
Tesco still leads the way with its mix-and-match meal deal. With a Clubcard, it’s £3.60 for a main, snack and drink — and there’s loads of choice.
My son’s go-to is the Southern Fried Chicken Wrap, a Monster …
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I recycled 5 old lipsticks at Boots and got £5 in points – here’s exactly how it works (and what they’ll take)!
Back to MAC is gone, but I still had a drawer full of old lipsticks. So I tried Boots’ Scan2Recycle scheme. Yes, it’s a little fiddly, but for 5 minutes of effort, I got 500 Advantage Card points – that’s £5 when you spend £10 or more.
Here’s how it went:
You start by signing up at the Scan2Recycle page (just search “Boots Scan2Recycle” or use the link below). Then you have to register each item you want to recycle. That means taking a photo, writing a short description (e.g. “used lipstick, brand X”), and submitting it. I did five old lipsticks – you can mix and match different products.
They approved mine instantly, though it can take up to 24 hours.
Once your products are approved, you’ve got 2 days to take them to …
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Christmas gift ideas under £20
Looking for that perfect present this Christmas? Whether you’re shopping for the adventurer, the foodie, or the beauty lover in your life, this guide is packed with thoughtful and budget-friendly ideas that will bring joy to anyone lucky enough to receive them. Let’s dive in!
1. For the Beauty Lover – Charlotte Tilbury dupe?
💧 Astral Intensive Moisturiser®
- Price: Under £5 for a 200ml tub.
This cult-classic moisturiser has stood the test of time, loved by generations of women for its versatility and intensely hydrating formula. Whether used as a day cream, night cream, or even a makeup base, it offers luxury-level skincare without the luxury price tag. Perfect for those who adore Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream but want to save money.👉 Buy here
2. For the Craft Beer Connoisseur
🍻 Double-Barrelled Craft Beer Tasting …
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How to score cheap tickets to Warwick Castle – my personal experience
Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, England, Warwick Castle is a fascinating journey through over a thousand years of history. Whether you’re interested in medieval architecture, historical reenactments, or a nice day out with the family, this iconic castle provides a vibrant and engaging experience…but the tickets can be expensive….so here are some ways to reduce costs.
Buy tickets in advance – Advance ticket purchases not only secure your entry but can also come at a discounted price, ensuring you don’t miss out on your preferred visiting day.
Look for vouchers on eBay – I found Cadbury 2for1 vouchers on eBay that were a steal for entry into Warwick Castle. I managed to get four tickets for just £52, saving significantly off the usual price of £120 for same day tickets. Remember these tips when …
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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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Family favourite films from £4.99 at Showcase Cinemas
Looking for a budget-friendly way to entertain the family as the summer holidays wind down? Showcase Cinemas is throwing open its doors and rolling out the red carpet for families with a fabulous film lineup guaranteed to bring the laughs, thrills, and a bit of nostalgia—all for a steal of a deal with tickets priced at just £4.99 for kids and £6.99 for adults!
Whether you’re a film fanatic or just looking for a way to spend a rainy afternoon, there’s no better place to be than sitting in front of a big screen, popcorn in hand, diving into cinematic worlds. From classic tales to modern adventures, Showcase Cinemas has curated a selection of movies that are sure to charm both the young and the young at heart.
Here’s what’s playing
- Sing 2 (September 15th-22nd)
