Your weekly money saving deals and news from money expert Andy Webb

My top articles this week

1. The best birthday freebies and how to get them

Whether your birthday is around the corner or not until next year, it's well worth signing up to a few select brand's loyalty schemes to get yourself some freebies when the day does come around. I've just picked up freebies from the likes of Hotel Chocolat, Body Shop, Meat Liquor and Ikea. Here's my pick of the best ones and what you'll get.

2. Cut the cost of using your mobile phone abroad

I used my phone for maps and restaurant research on a holiday to New York last month - the total cost for this data use over four days was a huge £1,734!! Madness. Of course, I didn't have to pay that. Here's what you can do to avoid bill shock when you travel outside of Europe too.

3. Cashback current accounts compared: which is best for bills?

I've made around £80 in the last year just by paying my bills from a current account that gives cashback on things like Council Tax, water, energy and broadband. There are four different accounts you could choose, so I've taken a look at each of them to see which one is the best.

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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.

1. Two Alton Towers tickets for £18

This is a great offer to save on theme park tickets this summer. Similar to the Legoland offer from June, Times+ subscribers can get two tickets for a tenner - and you can get an eight week trial of this membership for £8. I've also shared some of the other top theme park offers, including 50% off and Adults go free.

2. Amazon Pantry sale

If you made any Amazon purchases during the Prime Day sales this week then you probably got a £4 credit to use on Amazon Pantry - and this could be a good time to use it. There's a 50% off promotion which includes 12 cans of tasty craft beer Lagunitas 12th of Never for £11.61 (so less than a quid per beer), 10 cans of Bud Light for £4.50 and a bottle of Tabasco for £1.05. Worth a look.

3. Free supermarket ice creams

This Sunday is National Ice Cream Day, and to celebrate you can claim back the money for a multi-pack of almond ice creams from Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's or Morrisons via cashback app CheckoutSmart. The offer valid until the end of the month.

4. Free Hotel Chocolat ice cream sundae

And another one! This freebie is only valid on Sunday and only at Hotel Chocolat stores that sell ice cream. You simply need to get a code from their website and you can swap if for a Billionaire Sundae.

5. Free Beats headphones with Apple purchase for students

Though the trick that meant anyone could get an NUS card closed last year, I know many of you will still have a valid card - and a fair few will either be a student, have kids going to uni, or work at an educational establishment. If so you're likely eligible for a discount on Apple iMacs and MacBooks, which in itself is great if you're planning on getting one. But now is the time to do it as you can also get a free set of wireless Beats headphones, worth £250-£300.

6. LAST CHANCE: HSBC £175 bonus ends Monday

This top paying bank switch offer from HSBC ends on Monday so it's your last chance (for now at least) to grab this bonus. More on this and other bank offers here.

Quick deals

Banking offers including

Shopping vouchers and other deals

Cash hack: Save 2% at Amazon every time

Entertainment deals

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.

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Listen to the podcast

My Cash Chats podcast tackles all sorts of money topics and I'm often joined by a guest to share their experiences of money saving and money making. You can download or subscribe at iTunes or in all good podcasting apps.

Two Alton Towers tix for £18 | £5 Birthday rewards from Ikea, Body Shop & more | Cashback on bills | Ice cream day treats | Apple student Beats offer | More