Your weekly money saving deals and news from money expert Andy Webb
My top content this week
BLOG: Netflix and Disney+ increase prices
Streaming your favourite TV shows and films is getting more expensive, with up to £24 a year added to each of Netflix and Disney+.
I've written here about how the new charges, when the increases happen and what extras you'll get (if any).
Plus I've looked at how they compare to Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, BritBox and Apple TV+ to help you work out which ones are the best value for money.
BLOG: Should you ever buy a gift card?
With Christmas fast approaching there's a good chance you'll either buy or receive a gift card as a present. But as we've seen with the likes of Topshop, the rules on using them can change when a retailer goes into administration.
And that's not the only risk. I've rounded up the downsides to gift vouchers and cards that you need to be aware of if you have one.
Plus, on the flip side, I've shared how they can sometimes save you cash.
BLOG: Are you paying too much for stamps?
With the last dates for Christmas post coming over the next few days and the price of stamps going up on January 1st, you might be rushing out now to stock up.
And you probably think stamps cost the same wherever you buy them - but sadly that's not the case.
Here's how you can avoid overpaying for your postage. Plus details of how much they'll go up by in the new year.
PODCAST: Cash Chats #154: Lessons from 2020 to help us in 2021
This week on the podcast, I'm looking back at how the year changed our relationships with money, and to do it I'm helped by fellow money podcasters Damian Fahy (Money to the Masses), Martha Lawton (Squanderlust), Lynn Beattie (Mrs Mummypenny Talks) and Peter Komolafe (Conversations of Money).
Plus I share some of the lessons you shared with me over on the Be Clever With Your Cash Facebook group.
You can listen via all the normal podcasting routes or over on the blog.
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COMPETITION: Win a one-hour video chat with me
To celebrate 200,000 all-time downloads of the podcast (thank you!) I'm running a competition to win a one-hour video or phone call with me to go through your money questions!
This literally is a prize money cannot buy! All the details on how to enter can be found here. Ends 31st December 2020.
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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 titles or links for more information.
I've also set up an extra Instagram account dedicated to the deals and offers I spot throughout the week. Do follow me there so you don't miss out on offers that are already finished by the time this email goes out on a Thursday.
1. Possible Disney+ price freeze hack
As I wrote in the article above, Disney+ prices will increase in February next year. This means anyone who has already prepaid for a year will renew at a higher price.
But I think I've found a way to get around this and get another year for £59 (or potentially £49). It won't work for everyone, but it's worth a look.
2. Free month of Lucky Voice at home
This karaoke service can be streamed from your computers and devices for some at home singing - and there's a free month for Christmas. It's a subscription though so make sure you cancel before the month ends if you don't want to pay.
3. Argos & The Entertainer toy offers
A couple of savings if you still need to get toys for the kids. The Argos clearance has some reduced to clear stock, though availability does seem to be dependent on where you live.
Over at The Entertainer, there's £5 off when you spend £25 until Sunday.
4. £18 Fire TV Stick Lite
This is the lowest price I've seen for Amazon's entry-level smart streaming stick. You can use it to watch the likes of Prime Video, Netflix and more (Now TV has just been added) on your TV.
5. 10% off iTunes gift cards
One of the few exceptions where buying a gift card can be worth it is for iTunes or the Apple App store. This 10% discount is from Amazon when you spend more than £25.
6. LAST CHANCE: How to make the most from Amex Shop Small 2020
This promotion ends on Sunday. Any American Express cardholder can get up to £50 back by spending £10 with 10 different small retailers.
Here's my full guide to how it works and how to make sure you get the most of the offer.
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Your Facebook community
If you want to ask me questions, share your money saving or spending experiences and chat to other fans, then do head over to the Be Clever With Your Cash Facebook community
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I'm on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter.
Quick deals
Banking offers
- Top bank switch: £180 worth of wine reward for switching
- The best cash savings accounts - inc up to 3% interest
- Student bank accounts: 0% overdrafts & freebies
- Best business bank accounts: Free accounts
Cards and bills deals
- Curve card free £5
- 20 months 0% balance transfer credit card with no fee
- Free £25 M&S & £20 Amazon vouchers with credit cards
- Up to £125 bonus from American Express
- Three SIM-only 12GB of data for £5.50 a month
Shopping vouchers and other deals
- Free £5 worth of Nectar points
- £20 back at PayPal
- Up to £10 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
- Free year of Calm for Amex users
- 12 months of Spotify for the price of 10
- Chromecast & Netflix bundle
- One year free Mubi streaming service hack
- Two free movie rentals & Kindle books
- Free and cheap Kindle books
- 12 issues of Vogue for less than £6
- Free issue of Ethical Consumer magazine
Food and drink offers
- Tastecard 90-day free trial
- £1 off at M&S with app
- Free Pret coffee for one month
- £10+ off craft beer
- £10 off your first Uber Eats order
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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.
- PODCAST: Cash Chats #153: Your credit report questions answered
- Is PayPal still a good way to pay?
- Don't make these last-minute Christmas mistakes
- Chip +1 review
- PODCAST: Cash Chats #152: Are Premium Bonds worth it?
- Got a TSB Classic Plus account? Time to ditch it
- Debenhams & Arcadia collapse - your rights
- Reasons not to shop at Amazon
- Nationwide FlexDirect review
- How to check your credit score for free
- Free wine? Virgin Money's new switching offer reviewed
- Supermarkets on Deliveroo and Uber Eats - good or bad?
- Cashback credit card hacks
- The best reward current accounts
- Why you need to cancel NOW TV
- How to sell your old phone
- Starling Bank review
- The mobile network hack to save you hundreds of pounds
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