Lifestyle

When you’re moving home, removal costs can take up a fair slice of your budget. Here are some top tips on how to save money on home removals, whether you’re buying, selling or renting.   Start planning early   Last-minute arrangements are generally more expensive.   Starting your planning early gives you more options on when and how you move your...

To avoid a last-ditch panic, it’s worth making back-to-school preparations sooner rather than later. All good things must come to an end, even the summer holidays. While this may not be something you want to contemplate just yet, it pays to think ahead and avoid leaving everything to the last minute. The return to drop-offs, pick-ups and homework can be a shock to the system, for the whole...

It’s still not too late to book a summer holiday. And if you try these three tips, it needn’t break the bank either.   Swerve the school holidays   Everybody knows prices plummet if you can travel outside peak school holiday times.   But here’s a clever idea: Compare the school holiday dates both in the place you’re travelling to as well as the place you’re travelling...

Survive the summer holidays and the challenge of keeping children entertained with these fun activities that don’t cost the earth. I’m bored! Two words you’re bound to hear over the next few weeks if you have school-aged children. So how can cash-conscious parents keep boredom and mischief at bay for the duration of the summer break? It’s not easy, as popular activities like going to...

This month is Plastic Free July all around the world. The aim is to encourage ordinary people to cut their use of plastic to help the environment.   Here are some easy ways you can join in Plastic Free July.   Avoid single-use plastics   Avoiding single-use plastics is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic use.   Single-use coffee cups, plastic bags, food wrap and,...

Protect your home and possessions by stepping up security before you go on holiday. Whether you plan to spend your summer holiday lying on a beach or strolling around a sophisticated city, there’s one thing you don’t want to be thinking about. And that’s home security. Because while you may be taking a break this summer, burglars certainly won’t be (burglary rates in the UK spike in July...

July is National Picnic Month, so why not get out there for a picnic or three? Here are some ideas to make your picnics extra special this summer.   Think outside the (lunch) box   While there’s nothing wrong with a park or a beach, an unusual location will make your picnic extra special and more memorable.   How about walking to the top of the highest hill you can manage for...

Ensure your beloved cat or dog stays as cool as a cucumber in hot weather by following these simple tips. When you’re having fun in the sun this summer, don’t forget to spare a thought for your pets. While cats and dogs love to doze off in a sunny corner of a room or garden, they can get too much of a good thing. Animals are less able to regulate their body temperature than humans. This...

Barbecue season is now well and truly upon us. Here are three trending ideas that are sure to brighten up your barbecues this summer.   Smashburgers   A smashburger is an ultra-thin burger that is cooked super quickly.   You can make smashburgers with any kind of meat, or with veggie and vegan ingredients too.   Take a burger – shop bought or homemade – and place...

Cycling is healthy, environmentally friendly and can save you money too. With Bike Week 2025 starting on Monday (June 9), now is the perfect time to get started or get back in the saddle.   Think about why you want to cycle   This is a vital first step to help you choose the most suitable bike for your needs.   If you’re a would-be racer or plan to do longer rides or...