Getting older inevitably brings challenges, but thankfully there are some benefits as well. Among these is the range of discounts and freebies you become eligible for. In this article I’ll set out ten of the best for people aged 60 and over.

1. free prescriptions and eye tests

Everyone in the UK aged 60 or over is entitled to free prescriptions and eye tests. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for help with other NHS costs as well, e.g. dental treatment. The Age UK website has more information about this.

2. Free Bus Pass

Anyone in England is entitled to a bus pass for free off-peak travel once they reach the State Pension age (currently 66). In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland you become eligible for free bus travel at the age of 60. You can find out more on this government website.

• If you’re 60 or over and live in London, you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

3. Reduced Price National Trust Membership

Over-60s can get a quarter off the cost of National Trust membership as long as they’ve been a member for at least the last three consecutive years. You have to phone them on 0344 800 1895 and ask for this – you can’t apply online for it. Once you’ve received the discount once, though, it should be applied automatically every year in future. English Heritage, Historic Scotland and CADW in Wales also offer discounts for the over-60s.

4. Senior Railcard

Senior Railcards are available to anyone aged 60 or over. They cost £30 a year (or £70 for three years) and entitle you to a third off most train journeys in the UK. You can also use them for first-class tickets, making travelling in style more affordable! You can buy a Senior Railcard at any staffed station, by phone, or via this website.

5. National Express Senior Coachcard

Over-60s can get a one-third discount on National Express coaches with the company’s Senior Coachcard. Card holders can also purchase £15 day returns to anywhere in the UK (excluding airports) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as long as they book at least three days in advance. You can also get 15% off the price of an adult ‘Fully Flexible’ fare for coach travel to an event. 

The National Express Senior Coachcard costs just £15 plus £3 post and packing per year. Visit the National Express website for more info and to apply.

6. Cut Price Cinema Tickets

All the main cinema chains – and many independents – have special offers for the over-60s, including discounted screenings on certain days. Free refreshments (e.g. tea and cake) may also be provided. Phone or visit your local cinema to find out what concessions are available.

7. ATS Euromaster Club 60

Club 60 is a discount programme for the over-60s run by vehicle services chain ATS Euromaster. Membership is free and entitles you to a range of discounts, including 15% off batteries, tyres (certain brands only), exhausts, brakes and servicing, and MOTs for £32 or just £25 with a service. There are also freebies including a cup of coffee on every visit and a free vehicle health check. Visit the Club 60 website for more information and to sign up.

8. Boots Over 60s Rewards

If you’re over 60 and have a Boots Advantage Card, you can get a range of extra benefits, including 8 points for every pound you spend on Boots’ own brands and selected others (normally card-holders only get 4 points per pound spent). You can also get 300 Advantage Card points when you take a free Boots Hearing Health Check. 

Each Advantage Card point is worth 1p, so 1000 points would be worth £10. You can spend your points online or in store. For more info and to apply, visit Boots’ Over 60s web page.

9. Dining Out Discounts

Some pubs and restaurants offer special deals and menus for the over-60s. For example, some Greene King pubs offer a ‘Seniors Menu’ with discounts on meals or a ‘Star Seniors Loyalty Scheme’ where you’ll receive larger discounts for frequent visits. Some Hungry Horse pubs offer ‘Golden Years’ menus with big discounts for over-60s. 

Discounts may only be available certain days and/or times. Offers vary, so the best advice is to check out your local pubs and see what offers for older people they have available.

10. Gyms and Swimming Pools

Most local authority swimming pools and leisure centres have discounts for older people. Some privately owned clubs also offer discounts. 

For example, Better Leisure Centres offer reduced-price Better Health Senior membership for people aged 66 and over. Members enjoy access to swimming pools and fitness classes, and can also take part in dedicated activities for senior members, from walking football to aqua aerobics. More info can be found here.

Of course, the above list only scratches the surface of what’s on offer for older people. If in doubt, it’s always worth asking whether a discount is available. There may not be – but if you don’t ask, you’ll never know!

• Bonus! For even more freebies and discounts, check out Over 60s Discounts, a new website recently set up by a near-neighbour of mine!

Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

The post The best discounts and freebies for older people appeared first on Mouthy Money.

If you have a larger family, spending the day at a theme park could mean taking out a second mortgage! 

Ticket prices, theme park food, fast track passes, souvenirs – it can all add up to a mini fortune. 

While we can’t help with the prices of things inside the park, there is a way for you to get in the door much cheaper – and it’s pretty easy to do. 

Here’s everything you need to know about getting a free ticket to top Merlin attractions.

What is in the deal exactly? 

The next time you’re in the supermarket, keep an eye out on Kelloggs products. On selected cereal boxes and snack bars, you’ll find promotional packaging mentioning ‘adults go free’. 

It’s a very similar deal to those that happened in years past. When you buy a promotional pack and enter the code online, you can get a free adult ticket when you purchase a full price ticket. 

There are a few slight differences this year however. This new promotion allows you to purchase any ticket type, and get a free adult entry (before you had to purchase a child ticket to get an adult in free). 

This means if you didn’t have any kids, or just wanted a grown ups day out to the theme parks, you can get one adult in free. 

Also this year, instead of taking the vouchers from the packaging to the park gates, you have to book online and in advance. It’s quite annoying that you can’t be spontaneous with it like before – but it’s worth it for the amount you save. 

Prices for a full paying adult at top attractions can be up to £60 each – so you’re getting in for around £30 each with this offer. 

If you’re travelling in a large family, you can buy multiple packs and use the offer several times for the same trip. 

This is a deal valid on all Merlin attractions across the country, including theme parks, Sealife centres the London Eye, London Dungeons and more. 

Why should I care? 

Now it doesn’t matter if you don’t have any kids to take with you – this is basically a way of getting two for one tickets to top attractions around the country. 

It’s worth getting hold of a promotional pack just in case you wanted to go somewhere in the future that would be included in the deal. 

What’s the catch? 

You do have to book in advance, and if plans change last minute, it’s unlikely you’ll get your money back.  

Some dates may be excluded when booking your tickets – check the T&Cs that you can redeem your voucher on the days you want. 

What other options do I have? 

There are plenty of options other than thrills and spills if you’re not a coaster fanatic. You can get into a number of attractions such as Sealife centres, Madame Tussaud and Warwick castle. 

You may also be able to find cheaper tickets to local attractions by doing a Google search online before you go. 

Where can I find out more? 

Once you’ve bought your promotional pack of Kelloggs, head over to the Merlin Fun website to enter the code and book your tickets. 

Photo Credits: Unsplash

The post Adults go free at Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Chessington and more appeared first on Mouthy Money.

Chocolate lovers should be on the lookout for post-Easter egg deals at their local supermarkets.

Easter may be over, but it doesn’t mean the shelves are stripped bare straight away. Usually, supermarkets put excess stock on clearance or massively knock down the price to clear excess stock.

So now is the time for bargain hunters to proudly emerge and head straight to the supermarket – where you may be able to pick up a large Easter egg for as little as 50p.

From reduced Creme Eggs to Easter eggs and even Percy Pigs – there’s a lot of discounts out there to be had.

What is in the deal exactly?

Supermarkets have now reduced all their Easter ranges of items to clear stock. Obviously, it solely depends on what your local store has left – but there could be some decent deals.

We’ve done some digging and found some deals reported around the country for cheap choc and Easter items.

It’s not a certainty that you’ll find the same things at your local stores like we did, however it’s worth a look if you’re close by – or was going to head to a supermarket anyway.

Here’s what was spotted on Tuesday 19 April:

Lidl

• Cadbury’s Creme Egg 5 pack – 87p (was £1.75)
• Favorina Easter Chocolate Bar 100g – 29p (was 59p)
• Large Galaxy Enchanted Eggs Easter Egg 206g – £1.39 (was £3)

Tesco

• Aero Bubbles Medium Easter Egg 121g – 50p (was £1)
• Cadbury’s Heroes Large Easter Egg 236g – £1.50 (was £3)
• Cadbury’s Creme Egg 10 pack – £1.98 (was £3.95)
• Lindt XL Easter Egg With Truffles 348g – £7.50 (was £15)

Marks & Spencer

• Percy Pig Easter Party Time Sweets 150g – 88p (was £1.75)
• Colin The Caterpillar Medium Eater Egg 227g – £3 (was £5)
• Extremely Chocolatey Biscuity Easter Egg 370g – £4 (was £8)

Sainsbury’s

• Cadbury’s Creme Egg Medium Easter Egg 138g – 63p (was £1.25)
• Lindor Double Chocolate Truffles 200g – £1.25 (was £5)

Asda

• Cadbury Freddo Medium Easter Egg 122g – £1.50 (was £3)
• Cadbury Creme Egg Medium Easter Egg 138g – £1.50 (was £3)

If your local supermarket isn’t listed here – it doesn’t mean there won’t be any stock. It’s still worth a look to see if you find anything.

Why should I care?

You can’t get much better than cheap chocolate! It’s good to treat yourself every once in a while, and although these eggs won’t have the best before date to take you to next Easter – it’s a nice thing to have in the cupboard.

Also, if there’s someone over the Easter weekend who you haven’t been able to see (but will soon), you can buy them an Easter egg for a fraction of the cost.

What’s the catch?

It may be very hit and miss as to whether you find any reduced stock. The sooner you head to the supermarkets, the better – before it’s all snapped up.

What other options do I have?

It’s still worth having a look at Morrisons, Iceland, Aldi, Waitrose and other supermarkets to see if they have any reduced eggs.

This is a constantly moving deal over the next week – and eggs may be reduced even further if there are still some left at the end of this week.

Where can I find out more?

Head out to your local supermarket and head to either the ‘seasonal’ aisle, or the reduced section to see what offers there are.

You may sometimes find promotional end caps and stands also – so keep an eye out.

Photo by George Dolgikh @ Giftpundits.com from Pexels

The post Deal of the week: Easter chocolate discounts spotted at supermarkets appeared first on Mouthy Money.

If you’ve worked for Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, you can get thousands of benefits in the UK or abroad for your service.

The list of benefits is long; from Council Tax Relief to free or reduced travel costs, the amount of deals and discounts can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we compiled a list of the best deals you need to look out for.

Financial help for veterans

Veterans, people serving in the Armed Forces and their dependants have a range of financial help available, such as:

• benefits in the UK, from Universal Credit to tax credits
• benefits abroad (for example, Maternity Allowance, Child Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance in certain European Union countries only)
• Council Tax Relief
• help with school fees
• help with childcare costs
• free and reduced travel costs

Certain ex-armed forces personnel qualify for a free Veterans Oyster photocard in London which gets free and discounted travel.

You can also sign up for the Blue Light Card, available to those in the NHS, emergency services, social care workers and armed forces.

It offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street, and you only need to pay £4.99 for a two-year membership.

Veteran schemes

There are countless different schemes meant to help veterans after their service, including:

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. Thousands more businesses, charities and public organisations have this year pledged to support veterans with employment, with the Pension SuperFund a recent sign up. Under the scheme, any veteran who meets the minimum criteria required for a role at certain companies will be guaranteed to move to the next stage of selection, such as an interview or online test. Other organisations involved include the Civil Service, and other regional government entities.
• Great Place to Work for Veterans. Another employment scheme to make it easier for veterans to secure employment in the Civil Service.
• Armed Forces Pension Schemes (AFPS) – When a member of the armed forces reaches their retirement age, they receive one of the most generous pensions available in the UK. Calculate your pension here.
• War Pension Scheme (WPS) – A compensation scheme for any injury or illness which has been caused by or made worse by their service in the Armed Forces. Find out more here.
• Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) – A compensation scheme for UK serving and former service personnel injured because of their service in the Armed Forces.

For more information, check Citizen’s Advice.

Photo by Diego González on Unsplash

The post Veteran money: the best deals, discounts, and benefits for former armed service members appeared first on Mouthy Money.

Customers can save on over 50 products at Morrisons, as part its new ‘The Best Event’ running until October 17.

What is the deal exactly?

The grocer, with 497 stores in the UK announced a discount offer on a selection of foods for customers to enjoy cosy autumn dinners for less.

With prices rising at the moment it pays to have an eye for a good deal, especially at the supermarket.

The products include:

– The Best Free Range Golden Yolk Eggs, £1.50 (was £1.95): these free-range eggs are a great way to start your day. Shoppers can save 45p on them during The Best Event.

– The Best Pizzas, £4.75 each/ two for £7: Pizza lovers can enjoy a cosy dinner for two by saving £2.50

– The Best Baking Kits, £1.50 (was £2): When’s a better time to start baking than during the grim, dark nights of autumn? From a whole selection of goods, you can choose from chocolate orange or lemon & blueberry shortbread.

– The Best Sirloin Steak with Peppercorn Butter, £7: matured for 21 days, hand trimmed by butchers, this steak will make your salivary glands water… need I say more? It’s available from October 11-17.

– The Best Topside, £10/kg (was £13/kg): A joint matured for 21 days for a rich flavour and tender texture. Available from October 11-17.

– The Best Scottish Salmon Smoked Slices, £4 (was £4.50): Featuring a rich flavour and buttery texture, this triple cooked dry cured salmon is finished with sea salt and demerara sugar.

Why should I care?

After an increase in shopping prices, dining, taxes, petrol and more – the question is, why don’t you care? Such food deals can make a huge difference to the size of your wallet, so shop wisely.

What’s the catch?

If you look in the reduced section of Morrisons, you can sometimes find the same Sirloin steak at a cheaper price – so be wary of all the discount possibilities.

What other options do I have?

If you’re on the hunt for a pizza (completely understandable), Sainsbury’s offers a half-price pizza here at £2 (was £4).

With inflation on the rise, Mouthy Money also recommends looking in the ‘yellow sticker’ sections of supermarkets if you’re on the hunt for cheap food deals.

Where can I find out more?

Find out your nearest Morrisons branch by entering your postcode into the store locator tool.

Photo courtesy of Morrisons

The post Deal of the week: huge Morrisons sale ahead of Christmas for over 50 products appeared first on Mouthy Money.