The Mouthy Money Podcast launched in 2023 to bring a deeper, thoughtful look at the world of personal finance, money, business and a range of other topics.

Since launch, host Edmund Greaves has looked at wide-ranging topics from running a small business to climbing Kilimanjaro; Why private equity is ruining vets to 200% inflation in Argentina; How bitcoin could solve inflation to why financial education matters.

No financial topic is too big or too small for the Mouthy Money podcast.

You can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Youtube.

See below for a full list of past and recent episodes.

Would you like to be involved in the podcast? Have you got an interesting money story to tell? Get in touch at editors@mouthymoney.co.uk

Is it time to get health insurance?

The UK depends on the NHS for its healthcare. But is an alternative rising? Hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite speak with Dr Katie Tryon, chief commercial officer at health insurance firm Vitality about the ins and outs of health insurance as an alternative to the NHS for healthcare needs and the potential financial costs and benefits of a policy.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

What does a comfortable retirement really cost?

Host Edmund Greaves and guest Chris Tuite are joined by Cali Sullivan from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) for a conversation about retirement living standards. They chat about the PLSA’s latest updates to the minimum, moderate, and comfortable retirement benchmarks and what these really mean for your future. They explores how housing, lifestyle, and personal circumstances can drastically shift retirement planning needs, and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it anymore.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

The most common pensions questions answered

Host Edmund Greaves chats with pensions and tax expert Clare Moffat from Royal London to tackle some of the most commonly asked pension questions. From tax relief and contributions to transfers, tax-free cash, retirement income and the state pension system – Claire stresses why getting to grips with your pension and financial planning is key to enjoying a comfortable retirement.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Trapped by inflation? The return of financial repression

 In this episode, hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite explain the concept of financial repression, a policy that affects savers by forcing them to earn returns below inflation. They explore newly-announced government reforms aimed at creating pension mega funds, illustrate the historical context of financial repression and examine its impact on retirees and savers.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Higher learning, higher earning?

Is a postgraduate degree still worth it? Hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite discuss the real value of higher education with Rishi Zaveri, co-founder of Lendwise. They unpack the pros and cons of pursuing further education, the financial hurdles students often face, and how Lendwise is changing the game through peer-to-peer education loans. From the power of alumni networks to the role of qualifications in career growth, this episode explores how education – and how we fund it – is evolving.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Could the Bank of England slash the base rate?

The Bank of England is set to cut its base rate, but how low could it go? Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite look at why rates are coming down, how it could affect personal finances, the economy and the Government’s budget. They also look at the  reasons why it could be good for homeowners and bad for savers.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

How to not run out of money in retirement

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite are joined by Kevin Hollister, founder of Guiide, for a chat about the realities of retirement planning.

They explore why planning for the future is more important than ever, especially as younger generations face rising housing costs and uncertain financial projections.

Kevin shares how Guiide’s retirement income planning tool is helping individuals take control of their financial futures, from understanding income in retirement needs to navigating the role of home equity in retirement planning.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Saving the Lifetime ISA

Is the Lifetime ISA in trouble? Brian Byrnes, head of personal finance at Moneybox, explains the two big problems the LISA faces, but why we might be hopeful of some reform come Autumn Budget 2025…

The context: the Parliamentary Treasury Select Committee is meeting again today to discuss the future of the Lifetime ISA or ‘LISA’ to decide what to do with the savings product.

Ahead of that we were very pleased to have Brian on to talk to host Edmund Greaves about the LISA.

Brian himself spoke to the committee in February about the case for the LISA. Moneybox, as the UK’s biggest LISA provider is understandably keen to see the product develop and succeed.

Check out the full podcast to get the inside track on the LISA from Brian and Edmund, its benefits and drawbacks – and what might happen in its future.

Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Money Remixed

Host Edmund Greaves speaks with authors Mark Wilkinson and Paul Grant about their book Money Remixed. They explore the mindset behind wealth, breaking down societal stigmas, and the link between health and financial success. Sharing personal stories, they highlight the power of discipline and self-awareness, and call for a new, empowering narrative around money.

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple podcasts

How modern couples manage their finances 

Join hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite as they sit down with Charlie Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Lumio, for a discussion on the challenges of managing money in modern relationships. From the evolution of joint accounts to balancing financial independence with shared goals, they unpack the complexities of couples’ finances.

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple podcasts

Spring Statement, Stealth Brit ISAs and good news for parents

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite unpack the events of Rachel Reeves’s Spring Statement – looking at the troubling economic headwinds, why the Government Budget is so tight and the stealth return of the Brit ISA. Plus, some good news to be had for parents who don’t like doing self assessment tax returns.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube.

You don’t need to save for a 100 year life

Savers are encouraged by the finance industry to plan for a ‘100 year life’ – but is this just a way for them to charge more fees for longer? Join hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite as they chat with financial adviser and podcaster Dan Haylett, debunking myths about living a ‘100-year life’ and explore why aligning money with personal values is so important.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Spring Statement, ISAs and pensions

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite, joined by guest Craig Rickman, unpack the upcoming budget and what it means for your wallet. From potential changes to the cash ISA allowance to the impact of welfare cuts on state pensions, they break it all down. Plus, they explore why personal pensions matter more than ever and highlight the need for simpler, more accessible financial products.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Mouthy Money’s new focus – it’s time to get angry about our money

Join Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite as they lay out Mouthy Money’s new approach to talking about money. From building wealth to protecting it and enjoying it – Mouthy Money is now dedicated to lifting the lid on why the system works against you and how you can flip it to your advantage to make your money go further – now and into the future

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

The Bargain Hunter

Host Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite welcome financial journalist Kara Gammell to discuss her new book, The Bargain Hunter, exploring the savvy money-saving strategies and the psychology of spending. Kara shares quirky, practical tips to help listeners take control of their finances, proving that small savings add up to big wins. From smart shopping hacks to the surprising benefits of frozen foods, the conversation explores mindful budgeting, reducing waste, and making incremental changes for long-term financial success. They also highlight the importance of pensions and financial security.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

The future of Cash ISAs, inflation and smart investing

In this episode, with speculation around the future of the Cash ISA increasing Chris Tuite sits down with Chris Rudden, Head of Investment Advisory at MoneyFarm, to break down the current ISA landscape. They explore why they are so popular, the hidden risks of inflation, and how government policies shape our savings and investments. Are cash ISAs really the best bet to build wealth, or is there a smarter way to grow your money?

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Are first time buyers back? 

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite sit down with Stuart Cheetham, CEO of MPowered, to break down the prospects for first-time buyers as the mortgage market enters an important period. They discuss the recent shifts in stamp duty, the impact of interest rates, and the outlook for first-time buyers. The trio also explores the role of mortgage stress tests and how MPowered is re-imagining the mortgage process to make it more efficient. With insights on the role of brokers and predictions for the future of the market, this episode offers key takeaways for anyone navigating the changing mortgage landscape.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Is the party over for AI stocks?

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite consider the rise of DeepSeek, the AI technology challenging stock prices of US tech giants such as Nvidia and OpenAI, and what it means for global investment markets.

They also break down UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s economic growth plans and the challenges facing the Labour Government — from infrastructure investment to bank branch closures—and the balance needed to make the economy grow.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

What now for mortgages?

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite are joined by Jeni Browne to discuss the year ahead and the unpredictable rates impacting capital markets. They share personal remortgaging experiences and practical advice for borrowers, including tips on two-year and five-year fixed rates and insights into the future of interest rates.

This podcast is for information purposes only and should not be construed as advice. If in doubt, speak to an authorised advice professional.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Why Gen Z and Millennials are turning to social media when making money decisions

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite unpack the findings of MRM’s ⁠Young Money Report 2025⁠, shedding light on how 18 to 30-year-olds are navigating their financial futures. They discuss the surprising optimism among young people, the growing influence of social media on money decisions, and the risks posed by scams. Insights from the report highlight a clear call for financial institutions to better engage with this audience. From the rise of financial influencers to the critical need for better education, they explore what’s shaping the new generation’s approach to money and why it matters for the future of finance.

Young Money Report

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Divorce Day: the financial implications of ending a marriage

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite tackle the tough realities of divorce with Atomos’s Helen Howcroft, breaking down the emotional and financial hurdles that come with ending a marriage. From the significance of ‘Divorce Day’ to busting myths about financial entitlements, they uncover what really happens behind the scenes. Helen shares her professional experiences on navigating the key stages of divorce, managing the emotional rollercoaster, and why expert support is essential.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Why are we losing confidence in our pensions

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite tackle the challenges of retirement planning with Andrew Tully from Nucleus. They discuss starting early, the power of compounding, and bridging the pension advice gap. Insights from Nucleus’s confidence index highlight rising public concerns about retirement savings. Plus they talk about the role of financial influencers, skepticism about state pensions, and the need for better education and stable policies to rebuild trust.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Should millennials be panicked about pensions?

How worried are you about your pension? Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite explore the tricky world of retirement saving with guest Paul Budgen, co-founder of My Time Pension.

They chat about why pensions can feel so stressful and confusing, and how understanding them doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems. From figuring out what those pension projections really mean to breaking down charges and why they matter, the team covers all the key stuff.

They also talk about how to spread your investments around (because no one likes all their eggs in one basket!) and share tips on navigating tax perks and retirement planning without getting lost in the jargon. Investing and managing your own pension carries risks. If in doubt, seek financial advice.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

How to give your kids the gift of financial freedom this Christmas

Hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite get into the holiday spirit with guest Cem Eyi, co-founder of The Beanstalk App, an app helping UK families save for their kids’ futures.

They unwrap the magic of children’s savings, from the legacy of the Child Trust Fund to the power of Junior ISAs, while also spilling the beans on holiday spending habits across the UK.

But it’s not all mince pies and mistletoe—they dig into sustainable gifting ideas to help Brits cut down on waste and give gifts with real meaning.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Generation X has a pension problem

Host Edmund Greaves chats with Mike Ambery, Retirement Savings Director at Standard Life, about the challenges Generation X faces with pensions and retirement savings. Drawing on findings from Standard Life’s latest report, they discuss the pensions savings gap, the role of state pensions and property, and share practical tips to help Gen X boost their retirement prospects.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

What if you won the lottery?

Hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite venture into the glittering world of lottery wins, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the National Lottery. With the help of financial expert Duncan Horner from Amber River Premier, they tackle the dreams and dilemmas that come with sudden, life-changing wealth. From the emotional whirlwind winners experience to the practical steps needed to turn millions into generational security. The trio unpacks the highs of newfound riches and the potential pitfalls, revealing just how important financial planning, budgeting, and education are to keeping that dream alive

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Afin Bank launch and will Bitcoin go to the moon?

Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite chat about the launch of Afin Bank, a challenger bank designed to support the African diaspora in the UK. Alan Davison, Afin Bank’s Chief Commercial Officer, joins the podcast to explain the bank’s mission to help underserved communities, particularly in getting access to mortgages and other financial services. They explore the unique challenges African immigrants face in the UK, like residency requirements and tricky credit scoring, and how Afin Bank plans to make lending more accessible. They also touch on the bigger picture of challenger banks and the rise of digital currencies like Bitcoin, reflecting on how fast the financial world is changing.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

US Election results, markets and Bitcoin

This week hosts Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite tackle the financial whirlwind stirred up by Donald Trump’s victory. Is it a golden opportunity for investors, or a recipe for runaway inflation? With insights from Saxo Bank’s Althea Spinozzi, they break down what it could mean for your wallet—from the Bank of England’s next moves to the impact on global markets. They also discuss whether Bitcoin and gold might be your best friends in these turbulent times, or just fool’s gold.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Mouthy Money 2024 LIVE Part Two: Hot Takes

Budget 20204 Hot Takes: Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite, are joined by Victor Sacks, owner and IFA at VS Associates and Marlene Outrim, Managing Director and Certified Financial Planner at Uniq Family Wealth immediately after Chancellor Rachel Reeves finished her first Budget to give their live hot takes on what it means for our finances.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Photo credits: Flickr

Mouthy Money 2024 LIVE Part One: Budget Bingo

Mouthy money editor Edmund Greaves is joined live by Chris Tuite, Head of consumer finance at communications consultancy MRM, to comment along and play Budget Bingo while Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her first Budget to Parliament.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Budget, media speculation and pensions

 This week, Edmund Greaves and Chris team up to tackle some of the hottest topics in personal finance. They chat about the upcoming budget, break down how the media shapes our views, and discuss the tricky decisions the government has to make. The duo also takes a close look at state pension reforms, inheritance tax simplification, and share personal finance tips to keep you ahead. Chris opens up about his own experience with workplace pensions and the challenge of picking the right investment options.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Photo credits:  HM Treasury Flickr 

Tax rumours, scammers and Amazon Prime Day

This week, host Edmund Greaves is joined by colleague Francesca Giacomin to dive into the biggest money stories of the week. From Rachel Reeves’s retreat from a controversial pension tax raids to new rules aimed at protecting you from sneaky text and email scammers, Ed and Francesca share their personal stories dealing with scammers and why these changes could make a big difference for consumers. And don’t miss their chat about Amazon Prime Day, where Ed reveals a clever trick to ensure you’re not overspending online.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube

Pension pitfalls, tipping truths and bills breakthroughs

The luxury cruise liner Odyssey remains anchored off Northern Ireland after months of delays, turning a planned three-year adventure for pensioners into a maritime soap opera. In this week’s podcast, Edmund Greaves and Chris Tuite discuss whether it’s a smart investment or if the passengers’ retirement savings are just drifting away. They also tackle the controversial subject of tipping—are Brits really stingy abroad? Plus, Ed shares how switching energy providers helped cut his bills and offers tips to save you money.

Available on Spotify , Apple Podcast and Youtube

Two new Government policies NOT in the Budget that could affect your finances

Edmund Greaves welcomes back co-host Chris Tuite from paternity leave to look at two the big Government reforms being forgotten as attention focuses on the upcoming Budget. While everyone’s talking about taxes, Edmund and Chris focus on coming renters’ and workers’ rights reforms. Plus, Chris and Ed debate Junior ISAs or pensions for your kids?

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Starlink fixed my broadband blues

Edmund Greaves chats with Debbie Greenfield about how Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet, transformed her slow, frustrating Wi-Fi into a fast, reliable connection. Debbie shares her experience and how it turned things around for her life and work.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Childcare juggling, winter fuel allowance and mortgage market joy

Edmund Greaves catches up with Paul Thomas, MRM’s head of news and content, as the two new dads dive into the costs of childcare. They swap stories about the challenges of navigating this ever-growing expense and even compare how things stack up between Wales and England.

Plus they tackle the impact of cuts to the winter fuel allowance on pensioners and discuss the news of a £460 increase in the state pension under the triple lock. Finally, they hit Paul’s home turf: the world of mortgages and the current state of the property market.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Could mutuals be the future of good money?

Mutuals have been around for more than 100 years. Could the unusual structure of such companies be a potential future solution to better financial companies? Edmund Greaves is joined by Stephen McGee, chief executive of Scottish Friendly, to find out more about mutuals and their place in finance in 2024.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Oasis reunion tickets, winning the lottery and childcare chaos

Chris regales Ed with tales of seeing Oasis at their peak, and how much a ticket will cost for the reunion, and whether this and a Labour Government means Cool Britannia is back.

Plus both consider what they’d do with a £100 million lottery win and appeal for a financial advisor to help them make the most of their (currently) fictional cash, while Ed opines the complexity of getting government help with childcare and an important revelation from Pregnant then Screwed on free childcare hours.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Photo by Yvette de Wit on Unsplash

How to manage vulnerability and money

Vulnerability is a major issue in financial services. So how can vulnerable people, and the firms that have to help them, get better organised for the issue? Edmund Greaves is joined by Helen Lord, chief executive of the Vulnerability Registration Service to discuss her work and experiences dealing with vulnerability and finance.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Markets mayhem and expensive hobbies

Chris and Ed look at what’s been happening in markets, and if it matters to normal people. Plus, they both admit to their expensive hobbies, and complain about the railways.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube.

Loud budgeting, cash stuffing and a big rate decision

Ed and Chris talk big social media money trends including loud budgeting, cash stuffing and doom spending.

The guys also look at this week’s big money story, the interest rate decision from the Bank of England. Both give their potential predictions on what could happen.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube

Financial jargon’s worst offenders and how to fix the broken language around retirement

For a special in-studio edition of the Mouthy Money podcast, host Edmund Greaves is joined by James Daley, founder of ratings and consumer group Fairer Finance, and Robert Vaudry, chief customer and investment officer at Wealthtime, to take a deep dive into the world of financial jargon, retirement language and regulatory change coming for financial firms who don’t explain their products in simpler terms.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube

Nationwide or Reddit? Where we get our financial information

There’s a problem in the way in which we get our financial information. From Nationwide savings emails to money forums on Reddit – Chris and Ed look at how we obtain financial information, how blurred the rules are, and why the regulator gets it wrong so often.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube

One ISA to rule them all

Ed and Chris invite AJ Bell’s Tom Selby on to the pod to talk about potential end to the Brit ISA and the investment platform’s ‘One ISA’ proposal it has submitted to the new Labour Government.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

How do you solve the housing affordability puzzle?

Host Edmund Greaves is joined by Polly Gilbert, co-founder of digital mortgage broker Tembo, to discuss what’s happening in the mortgage market, how to solve the housing affordability puzzle, and why the Lifetime ISA is a good thing.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Labour in charge, prime minister investment scores and bank rates

Chris and Ed look at what happens now Labour is in charge, the prime ministers with the best (and worst) investment returns, and what happens next in the mortgage market.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube

Photo credits: HM treasury

Where do mortgage rates go from here? Part one of the mortgage takeover special

What is happening in the mortgage market? Where do rates go now the Bank of England is looking to cut its base rate?

Host Edmund Greaves is joined by mortgage expert Roger Morris and John Davison from Perenna to talk about what happens next in the mortgage market, and whether we’ll ever get low rates again.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or watch on Youtube

Council tax, land value tax and what Labour does on 5 July

Council tax is the most broken of all the taxes. Ed and Chris dig into why, while Ed waxes lyrical about his favourite solution. Then the guys look at what they think Labour will do come the first day in Government.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Savers vs spenders, investing gamification and the mortgage takeover

Ed and Chris get to grips with saving vs spending (the Stoics vs the Epicureans of the 21st Century), why the financial regulator is looking at investing gamification and Mouthy Money’s upcoming mortgage takeover.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

What can the Brits learn from Australians about money?

Everyone talks about the Australian pensions system and how much the UK can learn from how much better it is. But what else can we learn from the Aussies about money?

Hope Coumbe, editor of Professional Adviser, catches up with host Edmund Greaves to talk about her experiences as an Australian living in the UK and what the Brits might be able to learn about money from the other side of the world.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube.

Interest rates, Brit ISAs and beating bill hikes

Mouthy Money editor Edmund Greaves catches up with MRM’s Chris Tuite on weekly money news and personal financial stories including:

Why interest rates are a big deal this week, why the Brit ISA sucks, a tax story that caught our eye, and Ed’s battle of the bills.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube.

Diary of an SME owner: it’s all just luck

Mouthy Money diary of an SME owner columnist Michael Taggart catches up with host Edmund Greaves on how his business, MDTea, is getting on. With economic clouds growing, Michael talks about what he feels offered by political parties at the General Election, and why so much of success in business and personal finances comes down to luck. 

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

Financial repression, perverse tax outcomes and paying for childcare

Mouthy Money bonus episode two: Ed lectures Chris on ‘financial repression’ – the little-known tool that the next Government might use to fix the economy, while Chris bemoans bad taxes and Ed recounts his trouble finding childcare for his son.

The Mouthy Money bonus podcast is cohosted by Edmund Greaves, editor of Mouthy Money and Chris Tuite, head of consumer finance at MRM.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcast

BONUS: F OFF funds, pension quad locks and ignoring your investments

In the first edition of a new weekly bonus show on the Mouthy Money podcast channel, host Edmund Greaves is joined by Chris Tuite, head of consumer finance at MRM to discuss the week’s most important money news, and what’s going on in their personal financial lives.

This week, Chris and Ed discuss General Election announcements, rainy day funds and not looking at your investments.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Tracking down your lost pensions

Have you lost a pension? You might not be the only one. Host Edmund Greaves speaks to head of pensions at Penny, David Henderson, as they discuss a Penny customer who found no less than 11 lost pensions with the app.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Figuring out your financial goals

Host Edmund Greaves catches up with friend of the channel Myron Jobson. This week Myron & Ed are diving into how to figure out your financial goals. Both reveal some of their past and future goals, and Myron has a handy little guide to how to set your own.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcast

Why can’t I hold bitcoin in an ISA?

This week we’re joined by Tom Bailey, head of research at Han ETF. Tom speaks to host Edmund Greaves about the world of ETFs, including gold and other asset classes, now available to investors through the investment vehicle.

He also digs into why normal investors in the UK can’t hold bitcoin ETFs thanks to intransigence from the UK’s financial regulator.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Being chased for energy bill debts by Michael Jackson

This week’s guest is university lecturer and author Dennis Duncan, who recounts a personal story to host Edmund Greaves about how he was hounded for thousands of unpaid energy bills he didn’t owe after his energy provider went bust, and how he beat the debt collectors who were chasing him.

But strangest of all in the tale, is how the debt collectors signed off their threatening letters with a signature that looked suspiciously like that of late pop star Michael Jackson. Dennis explains what happened and how he beat the debt collectors at their own game.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast

Could financial education solve the pensions crisis?

Could financial education solve the pensions crisis? This is the extraordinary possibility which Sarah Marks, chief executive of financial education charity RedSTART suggests this week when she caught up with host Edmund Greaves. Sarah shares the latest findings from RedSTART’s multi-year education study as well as some surprising insights into why we’re in such a collective fix with our retirement savings.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast

Mouthy Money book competitions

Join host Edmund Greaves and Francesca Giacomin for a quick catch-up on recent news and what’s coming up at Mouthy Money. We even let slip the title of our next book giveaway and the name of an exciting upcoming podcast guest! Tune in to catch all the details!

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

How rich is rich?

Our concept of wealth is a constantly moving barrier. As we earn and save more, the idea that we might now be ‘rich’ seems difficult to comprehend. But how much would really be the level at which money makes us rich?

Join host Edmund Greaves as he’s joined by MRM’s head of consumer finance Chris Tuite, who details the findings of the Money Matters Index report – and puts an exact number on exactly how much money makes us rich, according to us.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Robinhood and the tumultuous retail investing boom

The meme stock boom of the pandemic might be over, but are small-time investors is still thriving? The arrival of US-bases Robinhood in the UK is a timely reminder of just how many options there are for Brits looking to invest their savings.

But with so many options are these firms stable enough to survive, let alone thrive, in tumultuous investment markets?

Mouthy Money podcast host Edmund Greaves is joined by chief executive of Fundscape, Bella Caridade-Ferreira and Chris Tuite, head of consumer finance at MRM, to unpick the investment platform market and why we’re nowhere near a potential saturation point.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Where do interest rates go now?

Remortgagers are facing a big question now that rates look set to start falling as inflation eases. In the latest edition of the Mouthy Money podcast, contributing editor Paul Thomas chats to Perry Graves, mortgage broker at Tembo Money to find out what people should do.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Myron & Ed – Spring Budget 2024 and end of the tax year

Host Edmund Greaves and ii financial expert Myron Jobson are back to dissect Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget 2024, highlighting the key announcements and what they mean for our finances. Plus, Myron explains last-minute tax year considerations, including capital gains tax changes and more.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast

The true cost of climbing Kilimanjaro

Mouthy Money podcast host Edmund Greaves recounts his recent experience climbing Kilimanjaro for charity, following on from his article about the costs involved with planning a trek up Africa’s highest mountain.

From vaccines to M-Pesa, acclimatising to the gear for summiting – there’s a multitude of money aspects to think of before you climb.

Joined by Argentine-American bitcoin educator and friend of the podcast Trevor Schrock.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Review: The Everything Token by Steve Kaczynski and Scott Duke Kominers

Crypto and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have been on a wild ride in the past few years.

Edmund Greaves and Francesca Giacomin review a new book, ‘The Everything Token’ by Steve Kaczynski and Scott Duke Kominers which delves into the world of NFT technology. Mouthy Money is giving away one of three copies, find out more how to win one by listening in.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Cash is dying. Should we save it?

Cash is dying out as a form of payment. But is it worth saving? Host Edmund Greaves talks to Martin Quinn from the Payment Choice Alliance on why cash matters, and why it might be making a comeback as a payment option.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Look at the state of the mortgage market

Are you remortgaging this year? The home loan market is a minefield at the moment. Host Edmund Greaves catches up with colleague and mortgage aficionado Paul Thomas on how we got to the current situation and what anyone who is looking to remortgage should consider right now.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Myron & Ed: Budget preview – the tax measures to watch out for

In this month’s Myron & Ed team up, the guys preview the upcoming Budget in March, including what they THINK will be in the Budget, what they WANT and the controversial tax Ed would like to see in his wildest dreams…

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Beware the cowboy will writers

You’ve heard of cowboy builders, but did you know cowboy will writers were a thing? Join host Edmund Greaves as he uncovers the scourge of dodgy will writing with Sarah Manuel of professional body STEP, to find out how a bad will could cost you thousands.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Six key trends in finance

Could AI solve the advice gap? This is one of six key trends highlighted by fintech entrepreneur Anthony Morrow, who joins host Edmund Greaves to discuss major changes coming for financial services and consumers this year.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Could bitcoin solve the world’s inflation problems?

With rampant inflation, should we consider a return to the gold standard? Or is the future of money shaped by innovative financial technologies like bitcoin? Host Edmund Greaves digs into how bitcoin works with bitcoin educator Trevor Schrock, and whether it could change how the world’s financial system works.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Myron & Ed: Mortgage rates, the cost of Kilimanjaro and New Year’s resolutions

In episode two of Myron & Ed’s monthly money podcast Edmund Greaves, editor of Mouthy Money, and Myron Jobson, personal finance expert at interactive investor dig what’s happening to mortgage rates, the real cost of climbing Kilimanjaro, and important New Year’s financial resolutions.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Is Blue Monday real?

Is Blue Monday a real thing, or just a concoction to encourage people to buy holidays? Edmund Greaves chats to MRM’s Chris Tuite to look at ‘Blue Monday’s’ origins and questionable motives – but ponders whether it might actually be worthwhile despite the PR spin.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

How Argentina lives with 200% inflation

Mouthy Money editor Edmund Greaves is joined by Argentine-American bitcoin educator Trevor Schrock to get to grips with what living with 200%+ inflation is like in Argentina, and whether bitcoin could one day be the solution to the problem.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Why financial education matters – part two

Join Edmund Greaves for a thought-provoking discussion with Sarah Marks, CEO of RedSTART Educate in the second part of our series on why financial education matters.

In this episode, Ed and Sarah delve into the landscape of financial education, examining the importance of providing individuals with essential financial literacy skills.

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Ed and Myron: our financial lives and the Autumn Statement 2023

We’re very excited this week to launch a brand new collaboration on the Mouthy Money podcast. Editor Edmund Greaves and interactive investor personal finance expert Myron Jobson have teamed up to create a brand new series of longer-form podcasts on the Mouthy Money podcast channel.

In the first edition, Myron and Ed dig into their own backgrounds to consider some of the things that have shaped their money lives, including hardworking mums, becoming dads and the lessons they’ve learned from their own mistakes and experiences with money.

They also round up some of the big news from November’s Autumn Statement and how this could affect your money in 2024. Stay tuned and subscribe to our podcast channels to hear more from them in the coming months!

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Why financial education matters – part one

Editor Edmund Greaves chats with financial journalist and children’s book author Sonia Rach to explore the importance of starting early with kids, who learn financial habits as early as age seven.

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

The Young Money report

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Mini Money Podcast! Join our host, editor Edmund Greaves, alongside our guest, Chris Tuite, MRM Director and Head of Consumer Finance.

In this episode, we explore the recently released ‘The Young Money Report,’ an MRM report in collaboration with Mouthy Money.

Gain valuable insights as Ed and Chris discuss key findings and explore how industry experts reacted to the findings.

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Diary of an SME owner

Episode 9 of Mini Money Podcast, featuring the small business owner and Mouthy Money columnist Michael Taggart.

We dive into Michael’s personal finance background and his journey to running his own small business MDTea.

Plus we find out what he’d do if he won the lottery, and what he’d do as Chancellor for the day.

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The problem with vets

‘The Problem with Vets’ delves into the soaring expenses of veterinary care.

Join us as we dissect the CMA’s investigation and unravel the complex connection between pet owners, private equity, and your furry friend’s well-being.

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Emergency funds

Francesca and Edmund tackle the essentials of personal finance amid some unexpected background drilling noise.

It’s not your typical podcast interference; we’re just “drilling down” on the money matters!

They’ll guide you through building an emergency fund, spill the beans on surprising inflation trends, and share the top Money Blogs of the Week from Mouthy Money.

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Financial goals

Join Francesca and Ed in the latest episode of the Mini Money Podcast for an engaging discussion: Francesca and Ed define the financial term of the week, “portfolio,” and delve into its significance in personal finance.

Ed answers essential questions about financial goal setting, risk assessment, tax considerations, asset allocation, and the role of financial advisors in portfolio management. Discover two thought-provoking blogs from Mouthy Money: “How to make money from retail deal arbitrage” by Nick Daws and “Project Mbappe: what are the true costs of making your child a sport star?” by Barnaby Sargent Megicks.

Stay updated with the latest financial news highlights courtesy of Ed. Don’t miss out on this informative episode! Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing your finances effectively. Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the Mini Money Podcast.

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Rising interest rates

Join Francesca, your host, and our Mouthy Money Editor, Edmund Greaves, as they dive into the fascinating world of finance and money management.

In this episode, we start with our “Word of the Week,” where we demystify the term “interest rates.” Ed shares his insights and answers some burning questions, including how interest rates vary among UK savings accounts.

Get ready for some valuable tips on leveraging rising interest rates for your investments and understanding the impact of inflation on your savings and investments.

But that’s not all! We also discuss the latest Mouthy Money blog articles, including an exciting opportunity to get your will written for free in October. Trust us; you won’t want to miss this important financial advice.

And in our “Must Know Money News” segment, Ed delves into the hot topic of Inheritance tax abolition, asking whether it will truly save the richest £1 million. As always, Ed provides his expert insights to help you navigate the complex world of finance. Be sure to check out the full articles on the Mouthy Money website for even more in-depth information.

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The Money Mole

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Mini Money Podcast!

Join your host, Francesca, and Mouthy Money Editor Ed Greaves as they dive into the world of personal finance and introduce the enigmatic Money Mole!

In this lively episode, they kick things off with the Word of the Week: “liability.” Ever wondered how personal liabilities impact your financial journey? They’ve got the answers!

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Pension Awareness Week

In this episode, we celebrate Pension Awareness Week by delving into the world of pensions with our financial expert, Ed, and host Francesca.

Discover the ins and outs of pensions, types of pension plans, government’s role, and much more. Ed answers key questions, offering valuable insights and tips for better financial planning.

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Intro to Mini Money

Welcome to the Mini Money Podcast, your weekly financial knowledge boost! Are you tired of feeling lost in the financial jargon jungle?

Look no further! Join us every week as we dive into the world of money and make it simple for you. In each episode, we’ll take a deep dive into a different financial word or concept, breaking it down into plain and understandable terms that anyone can grasp.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting on your financial journey, we’ve got you covered. But that’s not all!

We’ll also keep you in the loop with the latest financial blogs of the week, offering insights and tips to help you make informed decisions about your money.

Plus, we’ll bring you up-to-date with any other relevant financial news that you need to know. Stay informed, stay empowered, and stay financially savvy with the Mini Money Podcast. Subscribe now, and let’s make finance easy and fun together!

Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast

The post The Mouthy Money Podcast appeared first on Mouthy Money.

The thrill of a new purchase might offer a momentary high, but that quick fix often leaves us with unresolved emotions and mounting debt.

Many of us make everyday choices without realising that delay or derail our debt repayment progress. These small, seemingly innocent habits can build up over time, creating financial strain and making it harder to reach your goals.

The good news is that once you identify these patterns, you can take steps to change them. In today’s article, we’ll explore some everyday habits that sabotage debt repayment plus offer practical ways to fix them.

1) Impulse spending

Impulse buys such as an extra coffee, a cute gadget, or shoes can seem harmless. But over time, these small expenses add up, eating away at the money you could’ve used to pay off debt faster.

How to fix it:

Try the 72-hour rule. If you want to buy something impulsively, wait three days. This pause helps you determine if the purchase is indeed worth it. Additionally, setting aside a small monthly budget for non-essential spending allows you to indulge occasionally without guilt or debt.

2) Doom-scrolling on Instagram and binge-watching brand videos

Endlessly scrolling through Instagram or YouTube can expose you to ads and content designed to trigger your spending urges. Influencers showcasing the latest fashion, tech, or luxury items make buying things you didn’t even know you wanted tempting.

How to fix It:

Limit your exposure by setting screen time limits for social media apps or taking a break from following brands or influencers who promote heavy consumerism.

3) Only making minimum repayments on debt

Paying only the minimum on your credit cards or loans may seem a great way to manage cash flow. However, it significantly extends the repayment period and increases the total interest paid. This habit keeps you stuck in debt longer than necessary.

How to fix It:

Adopt the debt snowball or avalanche method to accelerate your repayments. If you’re tight on money, find small areas to cut back. For example, skip a few of the takeaways and apply the savings toward your debt.

More from Tolu Frimpong

4) Ordering takeaway too often instead of cooking at home

After a busy day, ordering food rather than cooking is tempting. While the occasional takeout is OK, frequent orders can drain your budget quickly and leave little room to make meaningful debt repayments.

How to fix It:

Meal prep on weekends to reduce the temptation of takeout during the week. Even prepping a few ingredients, like chopping vegetables or cooking grains, can make it easier to whip up a quick meal when you’re tired.

5) Relying on buy now, pay later (BNPL) services

BNPL services like Afterpay or Klarna make it easy to buy things without feeling the financial impact right away. However, splitting payments can encourage overspending and add new financial obligations, making it harder to stay on track with your debt repayment.

How to fix It:

Avoid using BNPL services unless absolutely necessary. If you do, treat these payments as part of your debt and prioritise paying them off quickly, ideally before the instalment deadlines.

6) Using emotional spending to cope

Retail therapy, buying things to relieve stress or lift your mood, can offer a quick dopamine hit. However, these unplanned purchases can lead to unexpected expenses that push you further into debt.

How to fix It:

When you notice the urge to spend emotionally, pause and explore other ways to process your feelings. Journaling, meditating, or talking to a friend are healthier alternatives.

Debt repayment can feel overwhelming, but tackling it one habit at a time is key. By recognising the small behaviours undermining your progress, you can make intentional changes aligning with your debt-free goal.

Photo credits: Pexels

The post How small habits secretly sabotage your debt repayment goals (and how to fix them) appeared first on Mouthy Money.

Shopping can feel like the perfect solution after a long, stressful day. Whether it’s treating yourself to a new outfit or indulging in takeout, these purchases can seem like a way to lift your spirits.

This behaviour, known as emotional spending, can temporarily relieve life’s challenges. However, if it becomes a regular habit, it can lead to significant financial problems, particularly debt. 

Emotional spending occurs when we make purchases not because we need something but to alter our mood. Instead of buying essentials or sticking to a budget, we shop to escape feelings like stress, sadness, or boredom.

The thrill of a new purchase might offer a momentary high, but this quick fix often leaves us with unresolved emotional issues and a growing financial burden. 

How to identify if you’re an emotional spender 

Recognising emotional spending can be tricky. It often feels like harmless fun, but certain patterns may indicate a deeper problem.

If you find yourself shopping to improve your mood after a tough day, or if your first response to a stressful situation is to make a purchase, you may be engaging in emotional spending.

Another sign is making impulsive purchases. If you frequently buy things on a whim without thinking it through, it’s likely driven by emotions rather than necessity. 

You might also notice feelings of guilt or regret after shopping. This remorse can signal that the purchase wasn’t genuinely needed.

Furthermore, if your spending habits are leading to financial strain—such as accumulating credit card debt or feeling pressured to make ends meet—it’s a clear indication that emotional spending has become a problem. 

Identifying your triggers 

Understanding what triggers your emotional spending is crucial. Emotional spending usually stems from specific feelings or situations, and stress is a major trigger for many people.

Shopping can seem like a comforting escape when life feels overwhelming due to work, relationships, or finances. Unfortunately, this temporary relief doesn’t address the root cause of the stress, and in fact, it often leads to even greater anxiety when bills come due. 

Boredom is another common trigger. If you find yourself shopping simply to fill time, it becomes a form of entertainment rather than a thoughtful purchase.

Similarly, feelings of loneliness can lead to emotional spending. Buying something might offer a brief distraction, but it doesn’t solve the underlying issue of feeling disconnected. 

Even positive emotions can trigger spending. Celebrating a promotion or milestone can lead to overspending as we justify treating ourselves. While there’s nothing wrong with occasional splurges, frequent celebratory spending can easily become problematic if it’s not planned for in your budget. 

How emotional spending can lead to debt 

While occasional impulse buys might not seem harmful, emotional spending can lead to debt when it becomes habitual. The core issue is that these purchases are typically unplanned.

Emotional spenders often don’t account for these expenses, leading to budget overruns. Over time, small, impulsive purchases can accumulate, resulting in financial strain and even debt. 

Credit cards complicate matters further. Many emotional spenders rely on credit to finance their purchases, especially when they lack the cash.

This reliance on credit can lead to high-interest debt, especially if the balance grows and only minimum payments are being made. As the debt increases, so does the financial stress, often triggering more emotional spending in a cycle that can feel impossible to break. 

Living paycheque to paycheque is another consequence of emotional spending. When money is consistently directed toward unnecessary purchases, saving for emergencies or long-term goals becomes difficult.

This leaves emotional spenders vulnerable to financial hardship, making it challenging to cope with unexpected expenses. 

How to combat emotional spending 

Breaking the cycle of emotional spending is possible with awareness and intention. The first step is recognising your patterns and triggers. You can develop healthier coping strategies once you understand what leads to emotional spending.

Creating a budget is a practical way to start. A budget allows you to see where your money goes and helps set limits on discretionary spending. 

Finding alternative ways to cope with emotions is equally important. Instead of shopping when stressed or bored, consider other activities that provide fulfilment—like exercising, reading, or engaging in a hobby.

If you feel the urge to buy something, try waiting 72 hours before making a decision. This cooling-off period can help determine if the purchase is truly necessary or just an impulsive splurge. 

Reducing temptation can also help curb emotional spending. Consider deleting shopping apps or unsubscribing from promotional emails to make sticking to your financial goals easier.

By removing easy access to shopping, you can focus more on your emotional well-being and financial stability. 

Photo credits: Pexels

The post How emotional spending leads to debt and how to overcome it  appeared first on Mouthy Money.

The internet is a treasure trove of freebies if you know where to look. 

From samples and giveaways to promotional offers and rewards programmes, there are numerous ways you can get your hands on free stuff online. 

Here’s a guide to the best strategies and websites for scoring some great deals without having to spend a single penny.

1. Sign up for free samples

Many companies offer free samples of their products to attract new customers. This is especially common in the beauty, food and health sectors. Here are some popular websites to get started.

Magic Freebies UK – A comprehensive site that lists daily freebie offers, including beauty samples, food and drink, and household items.

Star Freebies – This is another excellent resource for finding free samples, competitions and other giveaways.

Latest Free Stuff – This popular site displays a wide range of free sample offers from brands across the UK.

2. Enter competitions and giveaways

Competitions and giveaways are a great way to get your hands on valuable items for free. Many companies and social media influencers run these to promote products and services. Keep an eye on:

Twitter/X and Instagram – Search for hashtags such as #giveaway, #competition and #win. Many brands and influencers host regular giveaways.

Facebook – Join giveaway groups such as UK Deals and Giveaways or follow pages dedicated to sharing competition links.

The Prize Finder – This is a dedicated website that lists hundreds of UK competitions across various categories.

3. Cashback and rewards apps

Several apps offer cashback or points that can be redeemed for free products. While these might require a small purchase initially, the rewards can be substantial.

Quidco – This cashback site allows you to earn money back on your online purchases, which can then be withdrawn as cash or used to buy gift cards.

TopCashback – Similar to Quidco, this site offers cashback on purchases from numerous retailers.

Swagbucks – Earn reward points (called SB) by shopping online, watching videos, taking surveys, and more. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards or cash.

4. Free trials

Many subscription services offer free trials, allowing you to use the service at no cost for a limited period. Some popular options include:

Amazon Prime – They offer a 30-day free trial, giving you access to free delivery, Prime Video, and various other perks. You can sign up here [affiliate link].

Netflix – While Netflix doesn’t offer a free trial any more in the UK, new users can still access promotional offers from time to time.

Audible – This leading audiobook site offers a 30-day free trial, which includes a free audiobook.

Don’t forget to make a note of when the free trial ends, and cancel in good time if you don’t want to start paying.

5. Giveaway groups

If you’re looking for larger items or household goods, local giveaway groups can connect you with people who have such items they are happy to pass on for free. Options include:

Freecycle – A network of local groups where people give away items they no longer need.

Gumtree – Check the ‘Freebies’ section for items being offered free of charge in your area.

Facebook Marketplace – Search for items listed for free within your local community.

6. Review products

Some companies offer free products in exchange for honest reviews. If you enjoy writing reviews, this can be a great way to access free stuff. Options worth trying include.

BzzAgent – Sign up to receive free products from leading brands to test and review.

Toluna – Participate in market research surveys and product testing opportunities.

Pinecone Research – This survey site often sends out products for review. You are also awarded points that can be exchanged for cash or prizes.

In addition, Amazon’s review programme, Amazon Vine, offers valuable items for free in exchange for reviewing them. Membership is by invitation only, but there are steps you can take to boost your chances of receiving one. See my article about Amazon Vine on Mouthy Money for further info.

7. Student freebies

Students can take advantage of various free offers and discounts. 

If you have a valid student ID, you can access a range of freebies and deals via websites such as the following…

UNiDAYS – This site promotes a wide range of discounts and offers to students.

StudentBeans – Similar to UNiDAYS, this site lists deals, discounts and freebies for UK students.

Save the Student -: This popular website covering most aspects of student life has a large section devoted to deals, discounts and freebies.

8. Digital freebies

Finally, don’t forget the vast array of digital freebies available online, including:

E-books – Websites such as Project Gutenberg have thousands of free, out-of-copyright e-books you can download.

Courses – Platforms such as Coursera, edX and FutureLearn offer free online courses on a wide range of subjects.

Software – Many open-source software options are available for free download.  SourceForge is a good place to start.

Tips for success

Stay organised – Use a dedicated email address for sign-ups to avoid cluttering up your main inbox.

Be persistent – Check freebie sites and apps regularly to catch the latest offers. The most popular ones may vanish quickly!

Read the terms and conditions – Ensure you understand the terms of any offer to avoid unexpected charges or commitments.

Closing thoughts

With a bit of effort and persistence, you really can access a wide range of free products and services online. By this means you can potentially save yourself hundreds of pounds on things you might otherwise have had to pay for. In these challenging times, that really can help your hard-earned income stretch a little further.

Good luck, and enjoy your online freebie hunting!

As always, if you have any comments to share about this article, please do leave them below.

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

Photo credits: Pexels

The post How to get free stuff online appeared first on Mouthy Money.

It has been five years since Oxfam launched its first Secondhand September campaign.

Secondhand September is the month when thousands of people commit to buying only preloved clothes or choose to upcycle clothes from their existing wardrobes.

Since 2019, with increased awareness of the environmental damage that excessive consumption of fast fashion causes, the idea of preloved fashion has taken off.

Oxfam said last year on its Instagram page that sales of secondhand clothing had increased by 32%, as people embrace the slow fashion movement.

Why take part in Secondhand September?

There are so many good reasons to buy preloved clothing, and here are a few:

1# Fast fashion causes environmental destruction

Fast fashion is just that: it is produced quickly and cheaply to follow fast-changing trends, is usually not made to last, we make speedy and barely considered purchases as it is so inexpensive and we often discard the items just as quickly as we buy them.

Much of the clothing from fast fashion manufacturers is produced using plastic fabrics derived from climate-warming fossil fuels.

Added to the fossil fuels used in packaging and transportation this means that the clothing industry, “…has a heavy carbon footprint, which is responsible for up to 10% of total global carbon emissions, more than the total from flying and shipping, and is estimated to increase by 50% by 2030.” (Ethical Consumer website)

When you buy secondhand instead of new, you can help reduce the impact of fast fashion on our planet.

2# The waste issue

Despite what fast fashion manufacturers would have you believe, only 1% of discarded clothing is recycled into new garments. Globally we produce 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year. 87% will end up in landfill or incinerators.

Each time a garment containing plastic fibres is washed, minute plastic microfibres are released into our water systems, our oceans and our natural world. They make their way into our drinking water, our food and our bodies. They have even been found in the placentas of unborn babies! You can find more of the grisly statistics here.

Oxfam says that in the UK alone 6462 tonnes of clothing is sent to landfill every week. Extend the life of clothing by buying secondhand, and don’t fall for the greenwash of companies such as Shein.

According to Ethical Consumer, ‘Our analysis of Shein’s website found its recycled content was … only 0.5%, despite the brand claiming, “When selecting materials, we do our best to source recycled fabric, such as recycled polyester.”

More from Shoestring Jane on Mouthy Money

3# You can support good causes

Buying secondhand clothing from charities such as Oxfam or from smaller independent charity shops local to you provides a crucial stream of income for the work that they do. Donating your unwanted goods is another way to support your favourite charities without denting your bank balance.

If you can’t get to a charity shop, you can now donate online with Oxfam. In addition, many charities often sell on platforms such as eBay.

4# You can save money

Secondhand clothing can be found at a fraction of the price of new goods. When you are on a tight budget, it makes financial sense to buy used items.

Personally, I buy 95% of my clothing preloved every month of the year, not just September! It has saved me a tonne of money over the years.

5# It’s fun and addictive

I often say that once you realise the amazing secondhand clothing bargains there are to be had, you will resent paying the full price for new items. You can pick up wardrobe staples like jackets and jeans, alongside designer gear, sports wear and rare vintage finds.

If you are handy with a needle and thread, you can purchase things cheaply and restyle or upcycle them, as well as finding fabric, wool and crafting materials. Check out the #upcycledclothing hashtag on Instagram for amazing creative ideas and inspiration. I particularly love Marcia Lois Riddington, who creates amazing dresses from the vintage fabrics she finds.

Final thoughts

Secondhand September is the perfect opportunity for you to have a wardrobe clearout, and pass on items you no longer need. You can donate or sell on – the main thing is that you are embracing the ethos of secondhand and doing your bit to help the environment.

Decide to have a rummage in the charity shops, car boot sales and also check out online platforms such as Vinted for secondhand garments. Once you get the bug, you may want to make every month a secondhand month.

And why stop at clothing? Furniture and homewares, tools and toys, art and collectibles, books and media are all available to purchase preloved, saving you money and preventing further landfill waste and unnecessary use of scarce resources.

Make Secondhand September the impetus you need to shop more ethically whilst saving money too.

Photo credits: Pexels

The post Secondhand September: good for your purse and the planet appeared first on Mouthy Money.

At this time of year, supermarkets offer saving cards, for you to put money away to help with the Christmas supermarket shopping – although your money is locked into spending with that brand.

To incentivise, they also offer free money bonuses for depositing into the Christmas saving scheme. Some of them have passed, but a few are still running:

Here are the top picks, and how much free cash you can get right now:

Iceland £15 Bonus

Iceland have a scheme called Bonus Card, which is free to sign up to and have as a physical or digital card.

If you sign up and deposit £100 into the Iceland bonus card by Fri 3rd November, you get a £15 bonus! This is on top of the £1 you earn for every £20 saved in there too. So in total, you’ll get £20 bonus cash for depositing £100.

The £15 Christmas bonus will be available to use from 24th November, and you can use the rest of the £100 (+£5 bonus) whenever you like.

For full information, and to get it, head over to the Iceland website.

Asda £5 Bonus

If you’re an Asda shopper and use the Asda Rewards app, you can get some bonus cash this Christmas.

If you add £40 into your Christmas Saver bonus pot, you’ll get a £5 bonus added to your account that you can use between November 24th – December 31st.

For full information and to get the deal, head over to the Asda rewards app.

The post Supermarket Savings Bonuses – How To Get Free Cash This Christmas appeared first on Mouthy Money.

It’s safe to say that everyone loves a bargain. Finding a really good deal or getting a freebie is a feeling that can’t be replaced.

Luckily for you, we at Mouthy Money love a deal too! So now we’re doing the work, so you don’t have to.

Live deals

Beanstalk is an award-winning app based Junior ISA and ISA that is breaking down the barriers parents usually face when wanting to save for themselves and their kids by making saving simple and affordable for all. It’s packed with tools to help families save, has low fees, it’s simple for friends and family to contribute and flexible to finances. 

To find more about Beanstalk, click here.

Past deals

(Note some deals may no longer be valid)

Send money abroad with your first transfer free from Atlantic Money

If you need to send money abroad, Atlantic Money offers £3 flat fee transactions. Mouthy Money has a deal for readers to get their first transaction for free.

Teach your kids about managing money with one month free on GoHenry

Parents looking to help their children learn the ins and outs of banking and money can use GoHenry, a debit card for kids. Mouthy Money has an exclusive deal with GoHenry to offer one month free on the debit card for kids.

Get a tenner when you spend £10 with Curve

Combine all your bank cards into one handy card with the Curve app and get £10 back when you spend your first tenner.

Curve brings together all your debit and credit cards into one sleek Curve Card (contactless and compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay).

You can make seamless transactions and unlock a world of benefits: effortlessly track your spending, access the best currency exchange rates, and indulge in cashback rewards.

55% off a subscription to Finimize

Get investing tips, insight and information with financial insights from Finimize

You can get an annual subscription to Finimize for just £27, down from £59 – a whopping 55% discount.

Finimize has a website chock full of insights around investment markets, and a great app for you to check on the go.

Full deal here

Free Morrisons crumpets

Until Sunday 5th November, you can head to a Morrisons Café any day of the week and pick up 2 free crumpets with butter and jam.

This deal is available for your whole family, and you need to mention a specific phrase to the cashier to get it.

When you head into the restaurant, if you ask for ‘Ellen’, you’ll get your free crumpets.

Usually the crumpets at a Morrions Café costs 99p, so while it’s not a huge freebie, it’s a nice one to know about. Find out more here.

Free National Trust family day pass

Right now, you can get a free family day pass to a National Trust attraction in the UK, which could be worth up to £50 .

The pass gets 2 adults and 3 children, or 1 adult and 4 children entry to an attraction of your choice.

You can get the deal by purchasing either a Daily Star or Daily Mirror before the end of this week. Both papers should cost you less than £1.50. Full details here.

Free skincare bundle worth up to £41 (just pay postage)

Grüum have launched a brand new deal that gets you a washbag, and two skincare products for free – you just pay £3.95 postage.

You can choose between five different colours of washbag (which usually costs £20), and a number of different skincare products. Find out more here.

Adults go free at theme park fright nights and dungeon attractions this Halloween

Selected Kellogg’s products in the supermarket has promotional packaging on, that gets you an adult ticket for free.

Now, it’s not as simple as just rocking up with a box of cereal (I wish it was). These promotional boxes get you a free ticket when you buy another one at full price.

You can either purchase an adult or a childs ticket, and get the second adult ticket for free, to Merlin attractions around the country. Full details here.

Two FREE cinema tickets a month for Sky customers

If you love a good movie – you can take advantage of this new perk just been released by Sky.

If you’re a Sky Cinema subscriber, you can now claim 2 free tickets to a Vue cinema showing every month. Full deal here.

Free Lego Magazine For Kids Delivered 4 Times A Year

If one of your kids is obsessed with Lego, you can have Lego magazines sent to your house for free every few months.

The magazines have a mix of stories, games and pictures to fill in, and are sent quarterly.

You’ll need to have a Lego account, and sign up to receive magazines by post.

The next issue to be sent will go out in November.

To find out more, and to sign up, head to the Lego website.

£20 Off £40 Spend At Village Inn Pubs

If you’re a new member to the Village inn pubs app, when you first download it, you can enjoy £20 off a £40 spend.

You’ll find the offer in the wallet tab of your app, but you need to wait at least 24 hours after you download the app before you can use it.

To find out more, download the Village Inns app.

20% Off Nando’s For Students

If you’re a student, and have a student email address, you can take advantage of this deal that gets you 20% off your meal.

You can use the offer from Monday-Wednesday every week until the 15th October

Your student email will need to be linked to your Nando’s account, and you’ll get the discount when scanning the QR code and ordering – maximum of £10 discount.

To find out more, head over to the Nando’s website.

Travelodge Rooms From £24.99 A Night

Getting away on a break at a hotel can be like taking out another mortgage.

But there’s a deal on right now at Travelodge, where you can find 1,000,000+ rooms under £35 a night (some even as low as £24.99.

The deal is available nationwide (except for London), and rooms can be found all the way till February next year.

To find the cheapest rooms, it’s worth using Travelodge Price Finder in the place you’d like to stay.

For more information, head over to the Travelodge website.

Iceland 7 Items For £10

This is a great deal on freezer food from Iceland. You can choose 7 mix and match items and pay £10 for them all (works out at £1.43 each).

There are lots of well known brands and high cost items in there including:

• Goodfellas Pizza (norm £3)
• Birds Eye Potato Waffles (norm £2.50)
• Birds Eye Fish Fingers (norm £2)
• Aunt Bessies Large Yorkshire Puddings (norm £2.50)

This is available both online and in store. You can chose 7 of the same item if there’s something you wanted to stock up on, or get a selection.

For more information, and to order, head over to the Iceland website.

FREE Italicus Spritz Cocktail At All Bar One

If you wanted a cheeky cocktail at a bar, and didn’t want to pay £10+ for one – here’s just the deal for you.

If you download the All Bar One app onto your phone, you’ll be given a voucher for a free Italicus Spritz at your local pub.

These are usually worth £10.50, and you have 30 days after signing up to claim it.

For more information, and to claim it, head over to the All Bar One app.

£5 Of Free Asda Rewards Credit If You’re A New Member

If you’re an Asda shopper and don’t have the Asda rewards app installed, you can grab yourself £5 for free.

In the month of September, each new member that signs up and scans their card at checkout for the first time will get £5 added to your cashpot for free.

You can spend as little as you like to scan the card (so you could get a banana for 10p and still get the £5).

For more information, head over to the Asda rewards app.

Up To £65 Off Merlin Annual Passes

Theme parks and days out can be super expensive – but this deal might get you a great deal if you visit them regularly.

If you, or someone you know is on O2, you can get up to £65 an annual pass for Merlin attractions nationwide.

The cheapest pass is now £79 each with the deal (usually £99). If you go to theme parks more than 2 times in a year, it’s worth getting the pass.

To find out more, and see what attractions are included, head over to the O2 website.

Free Whiskas Cat Food Sample Via Post

If you’ve got a moggy at home, or know someone who does, you can get yourself a free cat food sample.

When heading over to the Whiskas website, you can request a sample of either standards Whiskas or Tasty Mix.

Only one sample is available per household, and it may take up to 30 days to get your sample through the post.

To find out more, and to claim your freebie, head over to the Whiskas website.

London’s Highest Free Viewing Gallery

As an alternative to the Shard, from September, you’ll now be able to view London from the skies in a new viewing gallery called Horizon 22.

Based in Bishopsgate, you can travel up the second tallest building in London for free, 7 days a week for no cost.

Keep this in mind if you wanted to go to London in the future and take in some sights.

For more information, and to book tickets, head over to the Horizon 22 website.

£2 Bus Fare Cap On Journeys Nationwide

To help people with the rising cost of living, if you wanted to get around on public transport, you can now do it for a fixed price.

A bus fare cap of £2 for one way fares has been implemented on bus routes nationwide, and includes most well known bus companies.

It now might be cheaper to buy two single fare tickets than it would be buying a return if you’re taking the bus.

The cap is on until October 31st, so there’s plenty of time for you to take advantage.

For more information, and to see if your local busses are involved, head over to the Government website.

Costa Treat Drop – £1 Drinks & 50% Off Food

Costa have just started a new promotion called Treat Drop, where they’ll drop treats and money off offers into your Costa App.

If you have the app installed, head over to your rewards section, as you may have been given one of the following offers, that you can claim this week:

• £1 hot drink
• 2 for £5 drinks
• 50% off food

If you don’t have the app, and haven’t signed up to Costa Club, you can still sign up and start getting offers sent to you.

To get the deals, head over to the Costa app.

Free Pets At Home Workshops For Kids

While the kids are off school, it’s going to be tricky to keep them occupied. Luckily there are some free events like this one to keep them busy.

Pets At Home stores around the country are offering free workshops called ‘My Pet Pals’, where kids can learn how to look after your pets in the warm weather and the best way to travel with them.

All kids that participate in the workshop get a certificate, activity sheets and get to meet some furry friends.

You’ll need to book in advance, but there’s availability near enough every week throughout summer.

To book a place, and find out more, head over to the Pets At Home website.

Free Football Coaching For Kids

Heading outside in the sun to play some football is free, and you can grab some kids coaching sessions for free.

There are plenty of dates available throughout the year, most of which fall on weekends.

You don’t have to pay anything, just enter your details online to reserve a slot.

For full details, and to get the deal, head over to the McDonald’s website.

Free McDonald’s Fries For Signing Up To The App

If you’ve never downloaded and signed up to the McDonald’s app, you can get yourself a free medium box of fries.

The deal will appear under the ‘rewards’ tab, and you’ll need to purchase at least one other item to get your free fries included in the order.

Medium fries cost £1.49, so it’s a nice little freebie.

For full details, and to get the deal, head over to the McDonald’s app.

Free Open Water Swimming Lessons For Kids

Children between the ages of 7-14 can head down to an open water swimming lesson this summer.

This is a collaboration between Swim England and the RNLI offering these sessions for free, but you’ll need to book in advance.

There are lots of locations for this around the country (as you’l probably guessed – most are near the coast).

Places are booking up quickly, so do check your nearest one and book as soon as possible if it’s something you’re interested in.

For full details, head over to the Swim Safe Website.

Free Days Out Over Summer With Heinz

Buying that tin of beans can be your ticket to cheap school holiday activities this year.

If you buy a Heinz product (Ketchup, Beans, Spaghetti Hoops etc), you can get a free day out. This includes thousands of venues nationwide including bowling, trampoline parks, go karting, swimming and much more. 

For each product you buy, you can get a free ticket (either kids ticket or adult depending on venue. You can claim up to 2 codes a day.

For full details about the promotion and the deals you can claim, head over to the Heinz Days Out website.

Free Dry Cleaning At Timpson If You Have An Interview

This is a really nice deal if you’re struggling to find work and need something dry cleaned.

If you are currently unemployed and have an interview coming up, you can take your suit or dress down to Timpsons to get it dry cleaned for free.

This is available at all 500 stores nationwide. There’s no evidence you need to show, and is purely done on trust, but it’s a lovely offer for those that need it.

For more information, head over to the Timpsons website.

Game Of Bowling & Junior Burger For £5

If you wanted to go bowling over the school summer holidays, this is a very good deal that wont break the bank.

At Tenpin, you can get a game of bowling and a junior burger meal for £5.

This offer is available for both adults and kids… so a family of 4 can all play a game and eat for just £20.

You’ll need to book online in advance, which you’re able to do when you select your local venue from the drop down.

For more information, and to book, head over to the Tenpin website.

Free Tennis Lessons For Kids This Summer

If you’re wondering what to do with your kids, or you’re inspired by Wimbledon, this is a great deal.

There are 42 locations nationwide that are offering free Tennis coaching sessions to kids under 12.

Each session are 90 minutes long – which would otherwise cost £20+ for a session.

You do need to book in advance, and spaces are filling up quickly, so don’t hang around if it’s something your child might be interested in.

For more information, and to book, head over to the Tennis For Free website.

Free Scavenger Hunt Nationwide With Geocaching

If you’ve never heard of Geocaching, it’s a website/app where little treasures have been hidden all around the country (and the world).

These have all been marked on a map, and it’s your job to go and find them.

Most of these treasures (or caches) are placed by other people, usually hidden away in secret spots.

Caches usually have logbooks, so bring a pen and write your names in the book when you’ve found the hidden cache.

Sometimes there are treats inside that you can take, but often they like you to put something else back in the cache to replace what you take.

For full information, head to the Geocaching website.

Free Visits To Lifeboat Stations Nationwide

Everybody knows about the RNLI, but not many people know that you can go for visits to the stations year round.

You can see all around the stations, see the lifeboats and meet with some real lifeguards who work there.

Some stations have gift shops, where you can buy some RNLI merchandise or make donations to the charity.

There are over 200 stations around the country’s coastline, each with different opening hours.

For full information, head to the RNLI website.

Adults Go Free At Merlin Attractions With Kellogg’s Cereal

If you buy selected Kellogg’s products, and you can get one ticket free at theme parks, aquariums and major attractions nationwide.

Your full price ticket can be for either an adult or a child. If you have multiple people in your family, you can get this deal multiple times if you have more than one voucher.

You can use the voucher at big attractions such as Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers, Sealife Centres, Dungeons, the London Eye and many more.

To get the deal, once you’ve bought a Kellogg’s product with the voucher on, head over to the Merlin offer website and book your tickets.

For full information, and to see what’s included, head to the Merlin website.

10% Off Groceries For Over 60s, Iceland

If you’re aged 60+, you can get 10% off your in-store shopping at all Iceland or The Food Warehouse stores nationwide when you show valid ID and your Iceland Bonus card.

This offer’s valid every Tuesday and there’s no minimum spend – so you can get yourself 10% off every single week on your shopping.

The valid ID you must show can be either a driving license, senior bus pass or senior railcard.

For more details, head to the Iceland website.

Free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

If you’re travelling to the EU or Switzerland, you can get access to healthcare with a GHIC.

This replaces the ‘EHIC’, which may be expired for most people.

You can apply online for a GHIC card for free, which will be posted out to you within 15 working days.

If you’re heading out to the continent, and you do need healthcare, you can show the card to get access to healthcare for the same price as locals in that country.

It’s not a substitute for travel insurance, so make sure you get that too – but this should make life easier if things were to go wrong.

For full details, head to the GHIC website.

Tickets To London Zoo From £3

Heading on a day out doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re struggling – and this deal from London Zoo will really help.

If you are claiming Universal Credit, you can pick up tickets this summer for £3 per child and £5 per adult. Usually tickets cost £21+ to get in.

You’ll be able to claim the tickets if you are claiming Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance.

You’ll need to book the tickets online in advance, and show proof of benefit. This deal also works at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.

For full details, head to the London Zoo website.

Eurostar Trips From £39 Each Way (August To October)

If you wanted a getaway to the continent, now is a very good time to book.

Eurostar have launched 1,000s of cheap fares from £39 each way to Paris, Lille or Brussels from London St Pancras.

This means you could travel for £78 return on selected trains and dates.

This includes some dates over the summer holidays. For example a trip to Paris from the 21st-23rd August would be £78 each.

For full details, and to book, head to the Eurostar website.

10 Books For £10 At The Works

Right now at The Works, you can pick up a bundle of 10 kids books for £10, working out at £1 each.

You can pick up bundles such as Mr Men, Elmer and classic bedtime stories.

Usually these bundles cost up to £69.90, so it’s quite a significant saving.

For full details, see the blog post.

Free Airport Lounges If Your Flight Is Delayed This Summer

If you’re heading away on holiday this summer, the last thing you want is a delay.

But if you do have one, you can chill in an airport lounge with this deal.

One person in your group will need to be on the mobile provider O2, and register your flights.

If you’re delayed, you’ll be sent up to 4 airport lounge passes automatically.

For full details, head to the blog post.

Two For One Attractions When You Buy A Train Ticket

If you’re heading someone on the train, you can use your ticket to get yourself 2 for 1s at attractions.

There are plenty of places in London, such as the London Eye and Tower of London participating, as well as theme parks and stately homes nationwide.

For full details, see the blog post.

See Your Favourite TV Shows Recorded Live For Free

If you’ve ever seen a TV audience and thought ‘how on earth do they get on there?’ – it’s actually pretty easy.

TV shows give free tickets away to the public to give noise and reactions when recording, all you need to do is apply for them.

For full details, read the blog post.

Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels.

The post Mouthy Money Deals appeared first on Mouthy Money.

In recent years, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes have surged in popularity across the UK.

They offer a seemingly irresistible mix of convenience, interest-free periods, and no credit checks, so it’s no wonder why consumers are flocking to these services.

However, many are unaware of a financial minefield beneath the glossy exterior. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the hidden dangers of BNPL, shedding light on the potential pitfalls that could lead individuals into a debt spiral.

The appealing facade

BNPL operates on a deceptively simple premise. You select your desired items, proceed to checkout, and choose the BNPL option. This allows you to take possession of the items immediately without paying the total amount upfront.

The allure lies in the fact that there are often no interest charges during an initial promotional period, and credit checks are typically bypassed. It’s easy to see why this system has gained so much traction.

The hidden costs

However, the cost of such convenience is not always immediately apparent. Late payment fees, which can be surprisingly hefty, are one of the traps that catch many users off guard.

Moreover, once the interest-free period ends, interest rates can skyrocket, making your purchases far more expensive than they initially seemed. For those who engage in international transactions, exchange rate fees can add an additional layer of expense.

The debt trap

One of the dangers of BNPL lies in its psychological impact on spending habits. The absence of immediate payment can lead individuals to perceive their purchases as less significant, potentially resulting in reckless spending, which can quickly spiral into a debt cycle as individuals commit themselves to multiple payments on various purchases.

Regulatory measures

While some regulatory measures are in place for BNPL providers, critics will argue that they do not go far enough to protect consumers.

There is a growing call for stricter controls and enhanced consumer protection to ensure that individuals are not unintentionally led into financial jeopardy.

Importance of responsible usage

If you do choose to use BNPL, it’s important to do so cautiously. Here are a few ways to mitigate some of the risks associated with these schemes and make it work for you.

1. Establish the maximum amount you’re comfortable with and set your spending limit. Setting these spending limits will help prevent overspending and keep your finances in check.

2. Integrate BNPL commitments into your budget like any other expense. You will maintain financial control and avoid accumulating excessive debt by doing this.

3. It’s important to consider alternative payment methods before choosing BNPL; this could involve leveraging a credit card with lower interest rates or, better yet, saving up for the purchase over an extended period.

4. Always review and comprehend the terms and conditions of any BNPL agreement before committing to this payment method. Knowing potential fees, interest rates, and payment deadlines will help you make informed purchase decisions.

While Buy Now Pay Later offers undeniable convenience, it’s essential to recognise the hidden dangers that accompany this financial tool.

By understanding the potential risks and cautiously approaching BNPL, you can make informed choices that safeguard your finances and financial well-being.

Photo Credits: Pexels

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It used to be so easy for us money savers.

If we needed to shave some pennies and pounds from our grocery budgets, we headed straight for the bottom shelves in the supermarkets, where the cheapest baked beans, spaghetti hoops and pasta were to be found with easily identifiable budget branding.

But what has happened to supermarket value brands, most of which seem to have disappeared? The picture seems somewhat unclear at a time when many families are struggling the most.

First, we had the distinctive blue and white stripes of Tesco’s Value range, the orange Sainsbury’s Basics brand and Asda’s plain Smart Price offerings.

The supermarket price wars being waged when these were introduced in the 1990s meant that you could at one time pick up a can of beans for 3p and a loaf of bread for just 7p.

These brands may have been no frills, but they were excellent value for money. Although occasionally renamed and redesigned over the years, the ranges were still recognisably the best value. However, the picture is not so simple for the bargain hunters amongst us now.

Brand snobbery

Back in 2012 that Tesco revamped its Value range to spare the embarrassment of its customers. Renamed Everyday Value, the updated range boasted of being better quality and having fewer additives, as well as looking less obviously the cheapest of products on offer. However, it was still easily recognisable as a budget brand.

There was always a certain amount of shame among less well-off shoppers about resorting to the budget ranges. Lower prices tend to be associated with poorer quality, even when it isn’t necessarily true.

Personally, I had a family to feed on a limited budget, so had no compunction about buying such products. I would try them once, and if I didn’t like them move up to the next level own brands.

However, as Aldi and Lidl arrived and began to offer real competition to the larger supermarkets, the no-frills ranges became less popular. Customers could purchase items just as cheaply but with none of the stigma that might have come with buying a Value, Basics or Smart Price offering.

The budget brands weren’t offering the solution the big three supermarkets had hoped for in their battle against newcomers Aldi and Lidl, and they began to change their approach.

The arrival of phantom brands

So-called ‘phantom brands’ have now started to take the place of the original value ranges. These are own brands (also known as private labels) in a different format.

They have no reference to the supermarket and don’t carry their logos, so it isn’t obvious that they are private labels. They are given wholesome names such as Mary’s Dairy and Willow Farms and have eschewed the stark and basic packaging of the value brands for a softer, more general look.

As a result, customers perceive them as superior to the very basic ranges, although still very good value. 

In this respect, the big supermarket chains are simply playing catchup with Aldi and Lidl, who have carried dupes of everything from cornflakes to candles since their arrival.

Aldi’s popular private labels include Choceur, Cucina, Specially Selected and Bramwells, whilst at Lidl you can find Batts, Gellatelli and Deluxe.

How to identify the budget labels

So, how to identify the private labels? Phantom brands seem to muddy the water somewhat for the frugal shopper, although a simple price comparison will quickly identify the best-value products. 

At Tesco’s, private labels include Creamfields, Butcher’s Choice, Rosedene Farms and Eastman’s.

In Sainsbury’s you will find Hubbard’s Food Store, The Greengrocer and Stamford Street Food Company.

Asda’s approach

Asda has taken a different route from the other supermarkets, retaining an easily identifiable no-frills private label in the form of its Just Essentials range, launched in Just Essentials has been a big success for Asda: 

“Excluding fuel, like-for-like sales jumped 9.6% in the three months ended June 30, while revenue reached £5.4 billion (€6.2 billion).”

With the cost-of-living crisis ongoing and many families struggling, choosing budget private label ranges over their much more expensive branded rivals is a no-brainer.

Although it is more confusing, once you become aware of their existence, the cheaper brands will jump out at you, and you will know what to look for.

Do you regret the passing of many of the no-frills budget grocery brands, or have you embraced the new private labels? If you find it confusing, let me know in the comments below!

Photo Credits: Pexels

The post The rise of phantom brands: What has happened to supermarket value products? appeared first on Mouthy Money.

I recently mentioned on social media that I did my first bit of Christmas gift shopping in July. Not surprisingly this was met with incredulity and a few groans that I had dared utter the C word in the middle of summer!

But, if you celebrate this festival, I think you should start your Christmas shopping early, and here are five reasons why.

1# You can take advantage of sales and reductions

July is actually quite late for me to think about the festive season. In past years, I purchased a lot of items like cards, wrapping paper, decorations, gift sets and toys in the post-Christmas sales.

These days, I have scaled back on cards and prefer reusable fabric gift wrap. My children are all grown up, so I don’t need to buy toys, although I still grab a nice gift box or two for my present box and am always on the lookout for bargains.

If you have Christmas in the back of your mind, you can take advantage of sales and reductions throughout the year. And this doesn’t just apply to gifts. I know someone who purchased her Christmas meat just after the Easter bank holiday at a greatly reduced price and it is already in her freezer.

You are also likely to find cut-price party clothing for your Christmas socials in January and after the school prom season in May and June.

2# You can spread the cost

Buying for Christmas as you go along has clear benefits to your finances. As well, as finding bargains to reduce how much you spend, it helps you spread the cost.

This way you won’t have a last-minute panic about the impact on your bank balance or, worse still, spend on your credit card and take the financial hangover into the new year.

These days, I put money aside each month for birthdays and Christmas, which has the same effect.

However, when my children were small and money was really tight, there was always the temptation to dip into the pot. Buying as you go along means the money is already invested.

3# It is less stressful

Christmas can be a stressful and busy time. There is so much to do, particularly if you have children in the family. There are school, social and work events to attend, the food and drink to plan and prepare, the house to decorate, plus you may be hosting friends and family on top.

Having most of your gift shopping done and wrapped can really help to take some of the weight off your shoulders. You can also avoid crowded shopping centres and shipping delays, not to mention the last minute rush to find that toy of the moment.

4# You have time to find second-hand bargains

As someone who loves to buy second-hand, I have always found car boot sales brilliant places to buy gifts.

This is particularly the case for books, toys and games, but you can also source vintage items and collectibles which can make nice presents. Boot sales generally only happen in the summer, so you need to get to a few now in order to start your Christmas shopping early.

Charity shops and garage sales are also treasure troves for the bargain hunter. I have often seen untouched cosmetic sets, as well as Christmas decorations and trees on my travels.

In fact, I found some beautiful vintage baubles in a charity shop several years ago for £1 a pack and they are still going strong.

You will also find far more Christmas jumpers than one person could ever wear – you need never buy a new one!

5# Starting early gives you time to plan and prepare 

If you start your Christmas shopping early it gives you time to plan and prepare. Instead of a stressful last-minute rush, you can research and find the perfect gifts for all of your loved ones and buy them at your leisure. 

I have a Christmas spreadsheet that lists everyone I plan to buy for and my budget for each person. As I make my purchases I tick them off and put the exact amount I spent in another column. 

I also plan and budget for food shopping, social events and any other expected expenses, such as travel costs or clothing.

Having a spreadsheet like this makes you realise the exact cost of Christmas and whether you have a tendency to spend too much. After all, it is only a few days each year and not worth getting into financial difficulties for.

Starting early gives you the opportunity to scale back if you need to and set realistic expectations from your family and friends.

Conclusion

Starting your Christmas shopping early has a lot of benefits. However, do keep a list of what you have. I once completely forgot about some of my January purchases, and found them in the attic a few years later!

Have you started buying for Christmas yet or have you thrown something at the screen at the very mention of the word?

Photo credits: Pexels

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