Your weekly money saving deals and news from money expert Andy Webb
My top content this week
BLOG & ARTICLES
Premium Bonds: Are they better than savings accounts?
With interest rates consistently poor right now, a lot of money is being put in Premium Bonds instead. Though there's no guaranteed return, there's the chance to win prizes between £25 and a huge £1million.
I've taken a look at how they work and how they compare to interest rates available at the moment so you can decide whether to buy the bonds or stick with savings accounts.
Morrisons More to end loyalty points
One of my least favourite supermarket loyalty schemes is getting revamped - which could mean you lose some of the existing points you've earned. Here's what is changing and when for Morrisons More.
Should you be sharing your TV streaming subscription passwords?
This week Netflix trialled a way to clamp down on password sharing. Though it's not being enforced (yet), it's worth thinking about when you currently share your streaming password and with who.
Here's what you need to know about the rules for Netflix, Disney+, NOW TV (which incidentally has rebranded this week as "NOW"), Amazon Prime and more.
Ask Andy #4: Your questions answered
More of my responses to your questions, including
- Why can’t I get my cashback?
- Do I have to pay off the full balance on my credit card?
- Can I avoid credit checks for bank switches?
- Balance Transfer cards – what’s the catch?
YOUTUBE
How to cancel Amazon Prime (and why)
Whether you've had the free trial and don't want to carry on, trying to cut back on subscriptions or just planning to stop using Amazon, it's easy to get rid of Prime.
And even if you think you can't go without Prime, you might be surprised to find out that it doesn't necessarily save you money.
CASH CHATS PODCAST
Once again, there are two episodes for you this week.
#177: ISAs – everything you need to know
With the financial year ending in a few weeks, it's also the deadline to make the most of your ISA allowances. I've taken a look in this week's pod at the different types, the rules you need to follow and whether you actually need one.
#176: Your Money, This Week
This look back at the top money news stories from the week covers John Lewis' struggles, 40-year fixed mortgages, right to repair rules and more. My guest on this episode is money coach Emma Maslin.
You can listen to both via all the normal podcasting routes or over on the blog.
WEEKLY LIVE Q&A: Savings special
THURSDAY 18th MARCH @ 6pm-6.30pm
If you want to ask me questions about savings and the content in today's newsletter I'll be live in the Be Clever With Your Cash Facebook community and on Instagram this evening at 6pm - that's Thursday 18th March.
And this week you'll also be able to watch and ask questions over on my YouTube channel.
COMPETITION
Win a £25 John Lewis voucher
Thanks to everyone who's already completed my short annual reader survey.
If you're yet to tell me what you think of everything I do, there's still time - and I'm giving away either a £25 John Lewis voucher or an hour-long video chat with me (the winner can choose).
-----
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. Savings: Chip+1 increases savings balances to £10k
This account where you can earn 1.25% interest on savings has doubled the eligible amount from £5,000 to £10,000 on Chip+1.
There is a £19.50 annual fee on balances above £2,000 so that cuts down what you'll get but it could make it worthwhile for people with larger balances to save. Here's my updated review with details of what the real return will be.
2. Craft Beer: 48 Goose Island IPAs for £50
This voucher code and free delivery combo works out at £1.04 per can which is pretty decent for a very tasty beer.
3. Waitrose: £5 off two orders
These two vouchers worth £5 off a £40 spend online at Waitrose end on Sunday so grab them while you can. You can use both but on separate orders.
4. McDonalds: Daily deals including 99p burgers
If you need a quick and cheap meal you can pick up discounted burgers at McDonalds (to takeaway) via the app. It's a different offer each day.
5. Digital movies: Online sale
This annual promotion offering cut-price movies and TV shows to own is back. There are discounts on Apple, Google, Chili, Rakuten, Amazon and more. Personally, I'd only buy a digital movie if it's something I knew I really, really wanted to keep as most things are on streaming, but if you like to buy it's worth a look.
6. Nectar: Switch bonus Avios back
If you took advantage of the bonus points for switching Nectar to Avios last month, don't forget you're now eligible to switch them back. I did this on Monday and had to phone up - though it took just 4 minutes.
----
Follow me on social media
Want to stay connected throughout the week?
I'm on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter.
Quick deals
Banking offers
- Top bank switch: £125 cash bonus or free wine & charity donation
- 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
- 20 months 0% balance transfer credit card with no fee
- Up to £186 bonus from American Express
- Free £5 with Curve card
- Three SIM-only 12GB of data for £5.50 a month
- PayPal: Refer friends for £10 credit
Shopping vouchers and other deals
- Amazon: Up to £10 off for some
- Free £5 credit when you trade in old CDs, books, DVDs or game
- 0% finance deals on new Samsung or Apple phones
- Holland & Barrett: Free £3
- Lidl: Coupon Plus promo
- Flowers: £10 off Bloom & Wild
- Emma Bridgewater: Free 1/2 pint mug with £40 spend
Entertainment deals
- Spotify: 12 months for the price of 10
- Six months Tidal & five months Apple music streaming for free
- Save on Disney+
- Netflix savings
- One-year free Mubi streaming service hack
- Free and cheap Kindle books
- Free issue of Ethical Consumer magazine
- Free postcode competition
- Free month of Lucky Voice at home
Food and drink offers
- Tastecard: 90-day free trial
- £1 off at M&S with app
- Free Pret coffee for one month
- Supermarket cashback freebies
- £10+ off craft beer
- £10 off your first Uber Eats order
- 50% off Meatliquor when restaurants reopen
- Up to 30% off posh home meals
- Voucher and cashback stack on Gousto & Hello Fresh kits
------
Recent content you might have missed
I know it can be tricky to read, watch and listen to everything I create each week, so here are some articles, videos and podcasts from the last few weeks you might have missed.
- HyperJar app: NOT a savings account
- Contactless limit now £100: Good or bad?
- M&S Bank to close all current accounts
- YOUTUBE: The best bank accounts (March 2021 update)
- PODCAST #175: Low-spend lockdown update
- How to save money on books
- Budget 2021: What you need to know
- Eating ethically: How easy is it?
- Ask Andy #3: Your questions answered
- YOUTUBE: The best savings accounts (March update )
- PODCAST #173: Pay less for your broadband
- How to claim working from home tax relief
- Can you beat the bill price hikes?
- Saving for children: The best accounts
- Deliveroo Plus – is it worth it?
- Ask Andy #2
- YOUTUBE: How many current accounts should I have?
- PODCAST #171: Ask Andy
Are you following me on YouTube?
If you haven't already I'd really appreciate it if you could head over to YouTube to click "subscribe" and the little notification bell that appears next to it.
Please do tell any friends you think would find it useful too. Thanks!
0 comments