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Cost of living

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Are plug-in solar panels worth it? How much you could save as UK rules change

Are plug-in solar panels worth it? How much you could save as UK rules change

Plug-in solar panels could help cut electricity bills for renters, people living in flats and other households that have previously not been able to access the technology. Here's what you need to know.

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Cost of living
How to tell if a website is legit: Spotting online shopping scams and fraudsters

How to tell if a website is legit: Spotting online shopping scams and fraudsters

You are right to pause before buying online - especially if you haven't heard of the website or seller before. There are several warning signs that can help you spot a fake online shop, from suspiciously cheap prices and strange website addresses to pressure to pay by bank transfer.

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Morrisons promises cheaper prices than Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda  - can you save on your food bill?

Morrisons promises cheaper prices than Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda - can you save on your food bill?

Morrisons' new Unbeatable Prices commitment covers more than 500 products and promises that the prices won't be beaten by Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Asda. The caveat is that the guarantee only applies to products specifically included in the range. We look at how much shoppers could save.

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Inflation hit 2.9% in July - but electricity bills are getting cheaper in October

Inflation hit 2.9% in July - but electricity bills are getting cheaper in October

UK inflation rose to 2.9% in July 2026 driven by the energy cap rise, but VAT on electricity bills falls to zero on 1 October, saving the average household £45 a year. Here's what it all means.

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Cost of livingBills & Payments
Universal Credit and benefit payment dates September 2026: When will DWP cash land in your account?

Universal Credit and benefit payment dates September 2026: When will DWP cash land in your account?

The summer holidays can be expensive, as the kids go back to school, millions of households will want to know when Universal Credit, PIP and other benefits are due to be paid in September 2026.

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BenefitsCost of living
How to get free food: The full guide to UK apps offering the best sign-up freebies

How to get free food: The full guide to UK apps offering the best sign-up freebies

From Greggs to Krispy Kreme, you can get a tasty treat just by signing up to these UK-based apps.

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AI for managing money: 7 things you can ask ChatGPT to do

AI for managing money: 7 things you can ask ChatGPT to do

Millions of Brits are now turning to AI when it comes to their money. Here's how to make the use of the technology to stay on top of your budget, save money and live a richer life.

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Energy bill savings of £2,500 for homes near new pylons: Who can get it and how to claim

Energy bill savings of £2,500 for homes near new pylons: Who can get it and how to claim

Thousands of households living near new or upgraded electricity pylons could get £2,500 off their energy bills over the next 10 years under a new Government scheme.

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Heatwave freebies: Asda gives away cold drinks to customers as temperatures soar

Heatwave freebies: Asda gives away cold drinks to customers as temperatures soar

Britain is experiencing another heatwave. If you're looking for ways to cool down without breaking the bank, head to Asda for a cool and free drink on the house.

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UK heatwave could push up food prices: The fruit and vegetables at risk

UK heatwave could push up food prices: The fruit and vegetables at risk

The UK's heatwaves and hot dry summer is putting pressure on farmers and crops. Find out which fruit and vegetables are at risk and how the weather could affect your food bill.

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Mortgage rates rise as 750,000 households face £170 bill jump: The lenders bucking the trend and cutting deals

Mortgage rates rise as 750,000 households face £170 bill jump: The lenders bucking the trend and cutting deals

Mortgage rates have been rising with the average rate reaching 5.59% and thousands of homes set for £170 a month increase in bills. However, some big lenders including Santander, HSBC, and Nationwide are cutting rates. Find out what to do if your fixed-rate mortgage is ending.

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School uniform rules are changing: 12 ways to save including discounted Clarks shoes

School uniform rules are changing: 12 ways to save including discounted Clarks shoes

New school uniform rules coming into force this September could help families cut the cost of the back-to-school shop. Here are some more ways to cut the costs of dressing children for the new term.

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Warm Home Discount: Act by 23 August to get £150 off energy bills

Warm Home Discount: Act by 23 August to get £150 off energy bills

Millions of households could receive £150 off their energy bills this winter, but you need to check you are correctly registered before a key August deadline.

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Cost of livingBenefits
Cost of living help: Subscription traps to be banned – what it means for your money

Cost of living help: Subscription traps to be banned – what it means for your money

Subscription traps will be easier to cancel from January 2027. Find out how new rules on subscriptions and misleading discounts could help you save money, along with other changes announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

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GCSE Results Day 2026: Best freebies, deals and discounts for students

GCSE Results Day 2026: Best freebies, deals and discounts for students

GCSE results are nearly out, if you're planning your celebration, you don't need a big budget because there are plenty of freebies up for grabs. We explain what's available.

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Heatwave help: Free fans, energy bill support and benefits for vulnerable households

Heatwave help: Free fans, energy bill support and benefits for vulnerable households

Find out what help is available during hot weather, including free fans, energy bill support, benefits, council schemes and advice for vulnerable households.

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BenefitsCost of living
£170 cash payments, food vouchers and energy bill help: Check what support your council offers

£170 cash payments, food vouchers and energy bill help: Check what support your council offers

The Household Support Fund has been replaced but you can still get cash payments, food vouchers and energy bill help from councils if you are struggling. We explain what you need to know about grants through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

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BenefitsCost of living
One in four families with young children in food poverty: How to claim healthy start, free school meals and other help

One in four families with young children in food poverty: How to claim healthy start, free school meals and other help

Nearly one in four households with children under five are struggling to afford food. Find out what help is available, including Healthy Start, free school meals, council support and other benefits.

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Cost of livingBenefits