Your weekly money saving deals and news from money expert Andy Webb
My top content this week
BLOG: Summer Statement – Stamp Duty & VAT cuts, job funding and more
Yesterday the Chancellor announced some new measures in a mini-budget. Here's my summary of what was said, including how the stamp duty holiday will work, where VAT is going to be cut (it's not everywhere), and the strange move to offer 50% off in restaurants.
You can also find more via my podcast (link a little bit further down).
BLOG: M&S Sparks revamp: How the reward scheme will work
Today, Marks and Spencers have relaunched their loyalty scheme. It wasn't very good before so this can only be a good thing!
Here's what is changing - and how to find out if you've got a reward (I've got a £5 off voucher and a free tote bag).
BLOG: The best cash savings accounts
Here's my monthly update on the best cash savings accounts with the highest interest rates. You're able to get up to 2.75% with limited deposits, while 1.16% is the minimum you should be getting on larger sums.
VIDEO: Travel spending cards: Which are best? credit vs debit vs prepaid
Obviously we aren't able or willing to go abroad as much as we'd like at the moment, but it's worth making sure you have the best possible card in your wallet to give you fee-free spending and cash withdrawals. But which do you go for?
Here's my look at whether you should go for a debit card, credit card, prepaid card or even a smart card, and the best options for each right now.
PODCAST: Cash Chats #131: The Summer Statement
More detail and insight to the policies announced in the mini-budget on the latest episode of Cash Chats so you can listen on the go.
If you can leave a rating and review on the podcast app you use when you listen that would be really appreciated.
Listen on the blog or subscribe (for free) on most podcasting apps including:
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Join my new Facebook community
Please do join get in touch via my new Facebook community for fans of the blog and my Cash Chats podcast.
The idea is that it's a space for us to connect throughout the week, as well as give you all a chance to ask questions and share your own money saving and money making ideas.
So please do head on over, join up and say hello.
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The top deals this week
I only share deals and special offers on the blog which I think are really good value. Click the red titles or blue links for more information.
Plus, it's worth following me on Instagram where I post any extra deals which come too late for the newsletter, including a deals of the week video update on Friday.
1. Two Spotify accounts for £12.99
There's a brand new option for households with multiple Premium accounts. The new Spotify Duo is just £12.99 for two people at the same address, saving you £84ish over a year versus the normal £9.99 a month. It's £2 a month cheaper than the Family account too - though that does allow a total of six accounts. Here's more and other deals to save on music streaming.
2. Free £3 to spend at Costa
Download the Costa app and get enough points for a free drink or snack in July.
3. Possible free Jaffa Cakes
I've got an offer for free Jaffa Cakes on my CheckoutSmart account, I'm not sure if it's for everyone but it's worth a look. Here's more on cashback apps.
4. £10 extra off a year of Disney+
Go via a cashback site and you can claim a £10 bonus when you buy a year pass of Disney +. This annual pass is already discounted by 15% - but it's only worth it if you think you'll watch it most months.
5. Apple Student discount and free AirPods
The annual summer offer for students (and staff) to get a free pair of headphones when you buy a Mac or iPad from Apple has returned for the new term. This year you'll get some AirPods, worth £159, which is less than the £200+ Beats in previous years.
If you are a long time reader and took advantage of the NUS / Totum card workaround, then it's worth seeing if you can renew your account - it worked for me.
6. Cheap Night In: Money Lowdown Live
A slightly different pick for you this week, but on Wednesday night I hosted a series of chats on Facebook looking at our money in the new normal. There are three sessions, each between 30 and 40 minutes. You can watch them all on the UK Money Bloggers website.
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Check out my YouTube channel
If you like to watch more than read, then you might like my YouTube channel.
Please do head on over and subscribe.
Follow me on social media
Want to stay connected throughout the week?
I'm on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter.
Quick deals
Banking offers
- Best interest: 2% at Nationwide for one year
- Top free cash: £50 cashback for opening a TSB account
Cards and bills deals
- Free £25 M&S & £10 Amazon vouchers with credit cards
- Up to £125 bonus from American Express
- Three SIM-only 8GB of data for £5.50 a month
Shopping vouchers and other deals
- Free £15 for new TopCashback users
- 20% off Paperchase
- £5 off Amazon - for some
- Free £5 credit when you trade in old CDs, books, DVDs or game
- 0% finance deals on new Samsung or Apple phones
Entertainment deals
- 12 months of Spotify for the price of 10
- One year free Mubi streaming service hack
- Free movie rental & Kindle book
- Free and cheap Kindle books
- The best TV & film streaming offers and deals
- One month free Lucky Voice at Home
- Free issue of Ethical Consumer magazine
Food and drink offers
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Recent articles you might have missed
I know it can be tricky to read everything I write every week, so here are my main articles from the last few weeks.
- Why you need more than one bank account
- Reward credit cards: Which are best – cashback vs points vs miles?
- Cinema reopenings: How to save money
- Curve card review
- Should you book a holiday this summer?
- The best price comparison and tracker sites for your shopping and spending
- Amex Shop Small is back from June to September
- How to get free Amazon returns
- The best mobile bank: Monzo vs Starling vs Revolut vs Monese
- Spare cash due to lockdown? Here’s what you should do with it
- How much the Premier League return will cost to watch
- Should you extend or take a mortgage holiday?
- Chip savings app to start charging a monthly fee
- Credit scores explained and free ways to check your reports
- The Marriage Allowance tax break explained
- Cash hack: Free magazines tricks
- Santander 123 vs Santander 123 Lite cashback current accounts compared
- Tricks to help your freezer save you money
- LTV & the remortgaging tricks that’ll save you thousands
- Is it worth selling old books, DVDs, games and CDs online?
My £1,000 money makeover
Here's my complete series of tips and tricks to help you make savings of at least £1,000 - if not more!
- Part 1: Your subscriptions
- Part 2: Your mobile phone bill
- Part 3: Your broadband bill
- Part 4: Your energy bills
- Part 5: Your TV & Streaming bills
- Part 6: Your insurance
- Part 7: Your mortgage, rent and council tax
- Part 8: Your food
- Part 9: Your Shopping
- Part 10: Your banking & savings
- Part 11: Clearing you debts
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