December has barely begun and already I could fill an article with ideas on how to haemorrhage money whilst attempting to have a ‘holly, jolly Christmas’. From polystyrene cups of mulled wine at £4 to fairground rides for a fiver, you name it – I’ve been fleeced. But kids need entertaining over the festive period…
Leisure
How to get your money back
I recently had an issue with my gym. I signed up with a special offer – giving me a free month – and it has failed to materialise. They also subsequently said they’d give me another free month – this time, because the pool was closed for a whole month – and this, too, has…
Rainy holidays? Rubbish – it’s just the Green Season!
Rainy seasons, rather unfairly, in my view, get a bad press. The phrase invokes images of storm-whipped palm trees, evacuations and TV news reporters being swept away in freak winds, live on air. The reality (often nothing more hazardous than a warm afternoon downpour) is that you’ll find fewer crowds and you’ll see a big…
Travelling with your pet? Here’s how to save a fortune
Planning an overseas trip with your furry friend can be a headache, but it is possible to minimise the cost with a little planning ahead. Here’s my guide to getting your pet from A to B with your sanity, and contents of your wallet, intact. Vaccinations Each destination country has its own requirements. You can…
How to explore the UK for less
The UK is full of diversity, with four countries of different cultures, landscapes and people, all offering their own unique experience. It’s not surprising that so many people are desperate to explore it. It’s also not surprising that many people hesitate due to the expensive costs of travel. However, it is entirely possible; you just…
Getting fit for less
We may be in the middle of summer, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the new year to start those resolutions! Looking to get fit? Start now. In order to keep it up you need to find something you want to do – do you want to work out on your own, with…
Too smart to fall for a holiday scam?
Holiday scams are on the rise. Action Fraud reported a 20% increase in cases of online holiday fraud in 2016, up from 2015. Booking online can be a great way to find a bargain but it does expose us to less-than-savoury characters keen to diddle you out of your hard earned cash. These convincing fraudsters…
Why didn’t The Red Turtle make it big at the box office?
Last month, I went to the cinema with my husband. It was the first time we’d gone out to see a movie in almost a year, due to financial constraints, and we always consider what we’re going to see very carefully. We chose The Red Turtle; it was my husband, actually, who suggested it. ‘Let’s…
How I save money on greetings cards
Did you know that Brits buy an average of 33 greetings cards a year? With prices ranging from £1.50 to a whopping £3.99 (using WHSmith as an example), it’s easy to see that you could be saving a lot of money by opting out. Here are some of the increasingly creative ways you can do just…
Fabulously budget travel tips: Vietnam
Your money goes a long way in Vietnam – making it a great choice for anyone wanting to experience its buzzing cities, tropical beaches, compelling history, and natural beauty without maxing out the credit card. Brits are among a handful of nationalities entitled to a free tourist visa on arrival for visits of up to…