Savoo.co.uk Blog - Latest Posts

Celebrate the Sun with a Garden Party

CashCatcher — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Last summer was the season for garden parties. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee was a huge national event that everyone got involved in. I don't think Britain has ever seen so many garden parties. It may be 12 months on but who's to say we can't experience that joy all over again?

Well, luckily for you, the guys and gals over at Littlewoods have put their heads together and come up with a whole host of fantastic offers. Now you can throw a lavish garden party without having to splash the cash.

Garden

It's not really a garden party without the garden. To make sure that your summer celebration gets off to a good start, you'll need to keep the place looking smart. So, roll your sleeves up and start pulling those weeds and mowing that lawn.

If you're looking for an awesome deal, stop right there. Littlewoods are offering you a completely free mini trimmer (worth £29) when you buy this Flymo 330VX Easi Glide. It's a very reasonable £124 or if you don't have the funds, spread the cost by paying just £1.60 a week.

Furniture

If you're planning on throwing the party of the year, you'll need somewhere for your guests to sit. After all, we can only dance for so long before needing to put our feet up.

You might think this swinging hammock is a little out of your price range but Littlewoods are offering a whopping £90 off so you can get your hands on the ultimate in relaxation for just £129.

That's not all; your garden party guests will also be able to indulge in a little al fresco dining at this Ibiza 6-piece garden set, which is now a cool £249 – that's a saving of £125.

Food & Drink

A garden party isn't complete without plenty of tasty grub and a few drinks. Instead of planning a fancy menu, why not go for a traditional British BBQ? The food will go down a treat with your guests and it saves you having to miss the party.

Get this two-burner Gas BBQ for half price. It was £174 but could be yours for just £87 or as little as £1.12 per week. If you're looking to create a really good impression and make sure that your gathering is the place to be, what about sizzling those sausages in style?

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Top Wedding Jewellery Trends This Season

Clodagh Foelster — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Spring has officially sprung into wedding season. It's that time of year when loved up couples across the country seal their commitment and become newlyweds.

If you're planning a wedding this summer, there's so much to think about, from the table plan to the evening entertainment – no pressure!

Jewellery is often one of the most forgotten about aspects of your wedding day. It's so easy to become preoccupied with the thought of your hair, make-up and the dress that jewellery just sinks to the bottom of a very long list. To help you get back on track, I'm here to give you a rundown of the top wedding jewellery trends this year.
If you're looking for something to make you look extra special on the big day, I've got inside information on what's hot and what's not.

Rings

If he hasn't popped the question yet but you're just 'planning ahead', here are some top tips for when he finally does get down on one knee. Engagement rings have long featured the single diamond but why not go for a little twist on tradition by indulging in a snazzy cut. The emerald and cushion cut are both traditionally popular but this year's most popular is thought to be the halo ring, so called because it's typically a stone surrounded by a halo of smaller stones.

You can also add some colour to an otherwise all-white wedding dress and accessories with a coloured ring. Rings with coloured gemstones look notably modern and can even help you achieve that 'something blue' angle you've been worrying about so much.

Earrings

Trends often change rather quickly in the wedding industry but one that appears to be sticking around is chandelier earrings like the ones worn by Keira Knightley. They are a popular trend and one that will finish off your wedding attire in style.

If you're going for a more vintage look (also popular this year), opt for a pair of subtle studs or beautiful drop earrings.

Necklaces

Neckwear is the perfect way to really make a statement so go for something that will stand out – after all you should be the centre of attention on your big day.

It's important to keep in mind the style of your dress when choosing a necklace; sweetheart necklines will work with any necklace but drop styles look amazing, while higher necklines might do well to forego the necklace altogether.

For a more traditional look, you could opt for pearls and modernise them by mixing with other jewels. Or, if your dress is relatively simple you can get away with a more extravagant necklace.

As you can see, there are a number of trends that are set to be particularly hot this season. The most important thing to watch out for is coordination. You want your jewellery to flow from top to bottom, complimenting your dress without taking anything away from it.Add a Comment

Hosting a BBQ on a Budget this Summer

CashCatcher — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:54:00 GMT

Nothing reminds me more of summer than the smell of a barbecue. They have long been a popular way for families and friends to gather together but these days hosting a casual get-together can put a major dent in your bank balance.

It seems a real shame to miss out on this great summer tradition just because you're worried about saving the pennies. Thankfully, I've got some great tips that can keep the cost of your BBQ to a minimum. Whatever your budget, you can enjoy an old-fashioned backyard grill.

Invest in a good BBQ

I'm not talking about thousands of pounds but by purchasing a decent barbecue, instead of using disposables, you'll save cash in the long run. B&Q has a great range, from as little as £25 to £799.99. There are some great options around the £50-£100 mark that will allow you to host BBQ parties for many more years.

_{Blooma Laguna 2 Burner Gas Barbecue with Side Burner, £59 / Blooma Selwynd Half Barrel Charcoal Barbecue £69/Blooma Halleck Kettle Charcoal Barbecue £89}

Plan your grub

You don't necessarily have to create an elaborate menu but by brightening up the basics you'll make a great impression. Instead of just throwing a burger in a bun, prepare a salad with a variety of condiments to make the traditional BBQ food extra-special.

Write a shopping list

Once you've got a clear idea of what you want to serve, it's time to draw up a shopping list. The supermarkets go into overdrive in the summer with BBQ goodies so it's easy to get carried away. If you stick to your list, you won't spend as much money. It might be tough to resist that deal on 500 sausages for the price of 100 but how many bangers do you really need?

Look after your equipment

If you have spent a bit of cash on a new barbecue and all the utensils that go along with it, make sure you look after them so that you can use them again next year. B&Q have numerous covers that fit a wide range of BBQs so there's no excuse not to look after your gear.

_{Large Premium Barbecue Cover, £20 / Weber Standard Charcoal Barbecue Cover 47cm £13 / Weber Q100 Series Barbecue Cover £15}

With a bit of creativity and a little extra thought, you could be entertaining guests in the garden without breaking the bank.

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Give your Home a Makeover for the Summer

MissMoney — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:14:00 GMT

Ahhh....the great British summer! It's a time to head for the beach, update our wardrobe with bold, colourful shorts and pack our freezers with ice cream. This is all necessary of course, how else would we be able to enjoy the summer? Well, how about putting a little more effort into the house? We change just about every aspect of our lives when it hits the summer time, from our daily routines to the contents of our fridge. So, why does this not apply to the décor?

Changing things up inside the house can breathe fresh new life into your home. Take a look at these top ideas and see what you could achieve with a few bits and bobs from House of Fraser.

Change the cushion covers

You might be surprised at what a difference this can make to your living room. Instead of changing the colour of the walls, just buy some snazzy new cushion covers. Try to either go for a neutral/pastel or a bright and bold colour for a summer look.

_{Linea lime cotton cushion with contrast piping NOW £10 / Living By Christiane Lemieux NOW £ 28/ Pied a Terre Hand Stitched Cushion NOW £21}

Take down the curtains

Ideally, it's great to leave your windows open during the summer but that's not always possible. If you don't want to take down the curtains, swap them for a lighter material and colour.

_{Bedeck Capri curtains, from £100 / Sanderson Richmond curtains, from £175 / Montgomery Imperial curtains (Natural) from £14.40}

Mix up the artwork

Are your walls adorned with family photos and random artwork? How often do you change it? Just mixing up what you display on the walls and buying some new seasonal pieces can really lift a room.

_{Linea Set of 3 Wall Butterflies NOW £17.50 / Linea Love Circus Print Framed Wall Art NOW £35 / Linea Metal Lotus Flower Wall Art NOW £35}

With the British weather being so consistently disappointing, we need to be prepared for summer or we'll be too busy rushing out to the shops and completely miss it. Take the time now to get your home ready for the sunshine so that you can kick back and relax.

Keeping your home cool during the hot months isn't just about opening the window so head to House of Fraser and give your home a serious makeover.

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Treat Yourself to a Budget City Break

CashCatcher — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

If you want to get away from the daily grind but don't have the cash or annual leave for a full-blown holiday, a city break is the next best thing. Short breaks to Europe have become increasingly popular, with Paris knocking New York off the top spot for the most visited destination in 2012.

Wouldn't it be lovely to jet off for a few days and leave your work and stress behind? Well, even if you're on a shoestring budget, you should still be able to bag yourself a bargain city break with some clever deal-hunting.

Whether you fancy exploring the local culture and history by visiting museums and galleries, doing a spot of shopping in quaint boutiques and gift shops or simply sitting back and relaxing on golden sands, you'll be able to find a city break to suit you on Hotels.com.

Soak up the culture

City breaks and culture are like two peas in a pod. You don't have to spend hours and hours traipsing around stuffy museums to get a little culture, although that is an option. Many of the great European cities have incredible theatres and fascinating art galleries. The best way to discover a new city is to simply dive straight into the local life. Visit the markets and wander the streets for a really unique and cultural experience.

Let's get it on...

Whisk your lover away on a romantic break for two by jetting off to a gorgeous European city for a few days. Paris is the most obvious choice, being the City of Love but there are other options as well. What about Venice, Verona or even Cologne? You can make it a weekend to remember wherever you decide to go.

Family-friendly

Although city breaks are often marketed at adults, they can be a great way for the whole family to get away together. Don't forget that these cities are homes to millions of children, so you'll never be too far away from a fun activity or attraction. Amsterdam and Belgium are two great destinations for families with young children, whereas Barcelona and Istanbul will impress the teenagers.

Hen & stag dos

If you've been given the responsibility of organising your best mate's hen or stag party, why not show them a really amazing time with a short city break? Whether it's just a couple of close friends or an entire clan, you can all let your hair down and enjoy your freedom while it lasts. Check out Prague or Marrakech for a hen or stag party to remember.Add a Comment

How to Prepare for a Summer Holiday Flight without Blowing the Budget

MissMoney — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

I love going on holiday. I love going to exotic places and travelling the globe. The one thing I don't love is the flight; I just get so bored. You know what being bored leads to, don't you? Spending money!

Whenever I'm going away, I manage to blow most of my budget on the flight! Whether it's paying for headphones, buying drinks/food and shopping at the airport; somehow I'm always a few quid shorter upon landing.

So this time I thought I'd plan ahead. I've got two weeks in Fuerteventura this summer and I really don't want to waste my spending money just getting there. However, with four or five hours to kill, I know I'm going to have to try hard.

Stock up on books

One of the best ways to pass the time and indulge in a little 'me' time is by reading my favourite books on the journey. As soon as my head is in a good book, hours can fly by without me even noticing.

There will be shops at the airport selling books at extortionate prices so try to buy beforehand. If you have an Amazon Kindle, you could even download a few free titles to keep you busy without spending a penny.

Avoid duty free

Unless you are going to duty free for something specific (usually cigarettes and alcohol!) try and avoid it. Once you step foot inside the duty free store it's hard to resist the savings you can make.

However, the cut in duty may not make the item cheaper than if you'd bought it at a supermarket. Also, do you really need whatever you're buying anyway? The answer is probably not.

Eating & drinking

Don't forget that with the new security controls at airports, you won't get that packed lunch through into the departure lounge. Once you are through security, food and drink will become more expensive.

If you can, eat before you leave for the airport or wait for your in-flight meal. If neither of these options suit, try and find somewhere to enjoy a meal so you don't end up spending more on snacks.

Secure an early flight

Ok, so this is technically done way before you step foot on the plane but it's still important if you're looking to save some cash on your Thomson summer holiday.

Booking flights as early as possible is the best way to get a cheap price. You can wait until the last minute but then you run the risk of prices going up so it's really down to you.Add a Comment

Boden's Best Buys: How To Get A Good Deal

Clodagh Foelster — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Times are tough. Just about everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment so finding some spare cash to splash on clothing can be tough. However, with a bit of smart shopping, you can update your wardrobe for less than you might initially think.

So, with that in mind, here are my top tips for getting a good deal on great clothing:

Raid the sales: nearly all of the big retailers have end-of-season sales where they try to get rid of last season's clothes at rock bottom prices. You will have to get in there early though as if you're too late you will end up with rows and rows of empty racks instead. Camping out overnight is a little extreme though...

Use voucher codes: there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of voucher codes on the internet so why pay full price when you can cut the cost just by entering a string of letters and numbers at the checkout?

Save on shipping: this follows on from my last point in a way, as shopping online often incurs a postage and packaging charge. However, internet shopping is also the best way to find the most attractive deals. It's a tricky one but if you're able to find free shipping codes online, you can have the best of both worlds.

To give you a head-start, I've raided the Boden website to find their very best buys so you can look fantastic this summer without breaking the bank.

Women's clothing

Kitting out your wardrobe for summer is an expensive that many women could probably do without. Last year's clothes are probably moth-eaten, too big or too small by now, so get a new and fresh summer look for a fraction of the price at Boden.

_{Summer Sun Shift WAS: £79.00 NOW: £19.75 / Lavish T-shirt WAS: £79.00 NOW: £39.50 / Cropped Jeans WAS: £55.00 NOW: £19.80}

Maternity clothing

Getting great clothes at a reasonable price when you're pregnant can be an absolute nightmare. Fortunately, Boden have quite a few bargains on their clearance pages at the moment so check them out while they still have stock.

_{Ruffle Tee WAS: £35.00 NOW: £26.30 / Embellished Detail Tunic WAS: £89.00 NOW: £75.70 / Maternity Crops WAS: £55.00 NOW: £41.30}

Kidswear

No matter how much you love your children, it is practically impossible to escape the expense which is associated with raising them. For 18 years (and often many more) you'll be feeding them, housing them and clothing them. If you want your kids to look good but without the huge cost, check out my top Boden buys below.

_{Colourpop Skirt WAS: £34.00 NOW: £23.80 / Funky Print Tankini Top WAS: £12.00 NOW: £4.20 / Slim Fit Jeans WAS: £20.00 NOW: £17.00}

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Not-Quite City Breaks With Travelodge

CashCatcher — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:33:00 GMT

Have you ever wanted to visit somewhere but not actually spend the night there? Sometimes it's cost, other times it's just a craving for fresh air!

Staying in any big city is expensive for obvious reasons. Just like the thousands of B&Bs and hotels, Travelodge has to pay for premium land and therefore charges you for it. However, there are a number of sites within a close distance to the city meaning that you can enjoy your city break without worrying about the price.

After much deliberation, I have picked the top 5 cities in the UK where staying at a Travelodge makes perfect sense.

5. Cardiff

The Welsh capital is a fantastic place to get away from it all for one weekend. It's a city filled with passion and pride but, as well as the sporting attractions, there is also a fantastic shopping experience, plenty of entertainment and a tangible sense of history.

Atlantic Wharf:
• Distance from city centre: 1 mile
• Close to: Wales Millennium Centre

Whitchurch:
• Distance from city centre: 3.1 miles
• Close to: Castell Coch

Llanedeyrn:
• Distance from city centre: 2.8 miles
• Close to: University of Wales

4. Manchester

This sporting city is famous for its footballing history but, if you'd rather stay away from the pitch, why not explore the diverse shopping experience or take a look into the city's past at one of the many museums.

Sport city
• Distance from city centre: 3 miles
• Close to: City of Manchester Stadium

Trafford Park
• Distance from city centre: 6.5 miles
• Close to: Trafford Centre

Upper Brook Street
• Distance from city centre: 1.4 miles
• Close to: The Manchester Museum

3. Birmingham

As one of the biggest cities in the UK, it's no surprise that there is plenty to see and do. Travel into the city from your hotel to do a spot of shopping at the Bull Ring, soak up the culture, take part in one of the many festivals or discover its heritage.

Yardley
• Distance from city centre: 4.2 miles
• Close to: Aston Villa FC

Castle Bromwich
• Distance from city centre: 5.5 miles
• Close to: Castle Bromwich Gardens

Perry Barr
• Distance from city centre: 3.3 miles
• Close to: Birmingham City University

2. Newcastle

Although perhaps better known as the home of Geordie Shore these days, Newcastle has a wonderful and rich heritage. There are plenty of theatres and galleries to visit, as well as hosting a great range of shopping facilities.

Gateshead
• Distance from city centre: 2.6 miles
• Close to: Metro Centre

Whitemare Pool
• Distance from city centre: 4.4 miles
• Close to: Gateshead International Stadium

Silverlink
• Distance from city centre: 5.3 miles
• Close to: Millenium Bridge & Quayside

1. Edinburgh

Get a real feel for the Scottish culture in the capital. Iconic landmarks and attractions are scattered throughout the city, including Edinburgh Castle. If you'd rather kick back with a drink and a delicious meal, you also won't be disappointed. Step outside the city centre for a peaceful day in the Lothians.

Cameron Toll
• Distance from city centre: 1.9 miles
• Close to: Mary King's Close

Dreghorn
• Distance from city centre: 4.1 miles
•Close to: Herriott Watt University

Musselburgh
• Distance from city centre: 5.2 miles
• Close to: Musselburgh RacecourseAdd a Comment

Look Good For Less This Summer with Dorothy Perkins

MissMoney — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:29:00 GMT

Can you believe it's already the middle of April? We've had weeks of freezing temperatures, snow and rain! Where is this early summer sunshine we've been promised? It's definitely not here yet.

The miserable weather may mean that very few of us have even given summer a second thought but knowing what the British weather is like, it's always best to be prepared.

I know, I know. It's hard to even get into the summer spirit but, after designing your ideal wardrobe without breaking the bank, I'm confident you'll be excited about the sunshine.

Dresses

Every woman's wardrobe should have a few dresses for special occasions, especially through the warmer months. Luckily, Dorothy Perkins has 20% off selected dress at the moment so I've taken it upon myself to handpick a few of my favourites.

This blue and white striped dress, left (was £30, now £24) will make a great addition to any wardrobe. It's a great item to have for casual days out, either by itself or over leggings.

How gorgeous is this dress (right)? It's a little lacy cream number that's perfect for summer evenings. The original selling price is a reasonable £24 but with the discount you'll bag it for just over £19.

Jeans

Although it's the summer, don't forget that this is the UK so there are bound to be a few cold or rainy days that we'll need to endure. So, it's vital that you have a couple of pairs of jeans, one for everyday and one for smarter occasions.

Straight jeans go so well with a pair of huge heels and, teamed with the right top, can produce a smart but casual outfit for either day or night.

Black skinny jeans are another women's 'must-have'. They have the same super comfy feel as regular jeans so can be thrown together with a sweater for a relaxing day at home or matched with a funky t-shirt and heels for a night out.

It's two pairs of jeans for £25 at the moment so it's probably a good idea to act quickly.

Tops

During the summer it's nice to have a wide range of tops to choose from, depending on the weather and how you feel. With another fantastic deal from Dorothy Perkins you can kit out your wardrobe with 2 tops for £8 – bargain!

Add a bit of colour to your summer clothes with this scoop neck tee for just £5. If green isn't your thing, there are other colours available, including rose, red, mocha and coral.

I don't think I could make it through the summer without a cami top so I'll definitely be taking advantage of the £8 offer. Usually £5, these camis come in black, white, nude, coral and navy.Add a Comment

Lands' End... Did You Know?

MissMoney — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:16:00 GMT

Have you heard of Lands' End? I don't mean the place, I mean the clothing company. They consider themselves to be one of the UK's hidden gems but they are definitely gaining more admirers across the British Isles due to their affordable prices and unrivalled customer service.

There is a great deal I don't know about Lands' End so I assume you don't either. I thought I'd take
it upon myself to find out some interesting trivia:

Not named after Land's End in Cornwall

I, along with thousands of other people, always assumed that the name was derived from Land's End in Cornwall but it's not. The Cornish association wasn't even taken into consideration for over 30 years as Lands' End has been operating in the US since 1963 but didn't arrive on British soil until 1993.

So, where does the name come from? Well, the founder of the clothing retailer wanted a name that would reflect the adventure he was embarking on by starting his own business. He thought that Lands' End did just that.

The apostrophe was misplaced by accident

If you have a keen eye for detail, much like myself, you've probably noticed that the apostrophe is in the wrong place. In fact, lots of people notice and lots of people ask about it. It seems that it was simply a mistake.

Instead of correcting the grammatical error and reprinting documents, Lands' End became the official spelling. Why? The truth is that the new company couldn't afford to change it. The apostrophe has remained in the wrong place ever since and helps them stand out from the crowd - although maybe they don't have too many happy English teachers as customers.

Has been in the UK since 1993

As I've already briefly mentioned, Lands' End has only been operating in the UK for 20 years. While that might sound like a long time, the company was actually up and running in the United States as early as 1963. Nowadays the Land's End European head office is located in Rutland in the UK where you'll find the distribution centre, call centre and outlet store.

They are renowned for their flexible returns policy

How often do you want to return an item that you've bought but end up not being able to because of strict rules and policies? I know I've got a few things hanging in the wardrobe where the label is still attached.

Well, did you know that an excellent commitment to customer service is something that Lands' End is renowned for? They actually believe that you should be able to return an item at absolutely any time for repair, replacement or refund without any questions.Add a Comment

How To Make The Most Of Your Nectar Points

MissMoney — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:30:00 GMT

I've got a few supermarket loyalty cards sitting in my purse but I didn't realise that they could be costing me money! By not maximising the benefits offered by loyalty cards, we could collectively be wasting £5.2 billion by not reaping the rewards.

It's thought that around 20% of British adults sign up to loyalty cards without even realising what benefits they offer. Another surprising figure is that a third of us forget to take them with us when we're out shopping and so are missing out on hundreds or thousands of points.

Nectar scheme

Sainsbury's shoppers will probably have heard of Nectar, the UK's biggest loyalty scheme but did you know that Nectar points could also be earned at BP, Debenhams, Amazon, Argos and eBay as well?

Nectar has hundreds of partners around the UK so you could be earning points left, right and centre. You don't even have to be shopping as you can also get points when booking a flight with Expedia or paying your household bills with EDF Energy.

Earning & redeeming points

To make the most of your Nectar card, you will need to do your weekly grocery shopping at Sainsbury's as you will earn 2 points for every £1 spent. The other Nectar partners will still earn points but only 1 point per £1.

Once you have collected enough points, you can start spending them in-store and online or trade them for other things such as cinema tickets and days out. All you have to do is hand over your card in-store and the points will be taken straight from your balance.

If you're not sure about how many points you've collected, you can log in to your account online. Each point is worth £0.005p, so 500 points is typically worth £2.50. This might not sound like much, but believe me, every penny - or should I say point - adds up.

Promotions

I realised that by keeping an eye out for deals and promotions in Sainsbury's and other Nectar scheme retailers, I can actually earn more points. Sometimes you will see promotions offering double or triple Nectar points on certain items ultimately making you more money.

I have been very eagle-eyed over the past couple of years and noticed that Nectar has been holding a summer sale. The sale usually offers a product, often from the entertainment or electrical sections, for half the usual points, effectively meaning that you are getting it half price.

Loyalty cards are a great way to get loads of things for free but if we don't take advantage of the rewards available then we could be losing out on billions of pounds.Add a Comment

Why Wonga tops the market

CashCatcher — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:24:00 GMT

Unless you have been living under a cave for the last couple of years, I'm pretty sure you will have heard of Wonga. They are probably the most well-known payday lender in the UK, but does that make them the best?

Well, personally I think that Wonga is awesome. Although I understand the viewpoint of people that are desperate for cash and end up in vicious debt cycles, Wonga isn't designed to support serious debt problems.

If you need cash in a flash, I would only think of going to one place...Wonga. But why exactly do they stand out from the crowd?

Full credit check

Many payday loan companies claim that they vet all their clients. However, in many cases it is entirely possible that the process is subject to numerous loopholes and flaws. In contrast, Wonga makes sure that a full credit check is carried out on all applicants – even those that have borrowed before.

Wonga also uses its own secret 'behavioural algorithm' to ensure that they aren't lending cash to people that are rarely able to pay back on time. In fact, Wonga is so strict that it says it only accepts 15% of first-time applicants.

You might be wondering why this is a good thing… well, it shows that Wonga take their responsibility as a responsible lender very seriously.

Flexibility

Many payday lenders are very rigid with borrowing amounts and the length of the loan. This is another area where Wonga is slightly ahead of the game; they use special 'sliders' to allow consumers to choose the amount they want to borrow and for how long.

New customers can borrow up to £400 for between five and 41 days – whereas most lenders will have a fixed repayment period, often in line with the customer's pay day. Existing customers can borrow more, up to £1000, depending on their 'trust rating'.

No early repayment charges

This is a really important point for me. When I borrow cash I am wary of selecting an early repayment date, just in case I don't have the cash. In the end, I usually do have the money for the repayment, so choose to pay off my loan earlier. By paying back in full earlier I get to save on interest charges.

Widely recognised

Even though Wonga's advert might start to get on your nerves after a while, it establishes a brand that gives the company an edge over their competitors. Until recently, payday lending has been a very dark and secretive industry, making borrowing seem like a somewhat questionable practice. However, Wonga has broken out of the back alleys and onto our television screens, meaning that customers can be confident that they are dealing with a registered company that has to abide by all the rules and regulations.

Quick

Wonga can deliver cash in to your bank account in 15 minutes. Now, that's lightning fast. In most cases, lenders will deliver funds on the same day, even within the hour, but some can actually take up to a month.

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What is the Rakuten Marketplace?

efleming — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:45:00 GMT

After hearing the news that Play.com closed its successful retail arm last month, I wanted to find out more about the Rakuten Marketplace. Although I've seen bits and bobs about it when doing my usual shopping, I have never really delved deeper – until now.

If you are – or were - a keen Play.com shopper, you might be interested in how it works.

The Marketplace is somewhat eBay-esque, as merchants are able to create their own branded shop fronts within the site. However, they will supported by a specialist team that helps with design, marketing and analytics.

How does it work?

Eager Play.com customers may be slightly deterred by shopping on the Rakuten Marketplace, but

all of the merchants have been carefully selected to offer a wide variety of products and excellent service.

Shopping on the website won't actually be any different in reality, as you can browse in the same way. The only difference is that there will be a list of merchants on the product page, where you will choose who you wish to purchase from.

You can see basic information, including the price, the merchant's name, a link to their store, their feedback score and details about the item.

SuperPoints scheme

The Rakuten Marketplace brings with it a brand new loyalty programme, where you will earn points as you spend (one SuperPoint for every £1).

These points can then be used to pay for anything on the website – excluding gift vouchers and delivery charges. Every point you earn is worth 1p, so if you spend £100, you will have earned £1 to put towards your next purchase.

When you reach the checkout, you'll see your total number of SuperPoints and can select them as a payment option. If you don't have enough to cover your costs, you can part-pay with your SuperPoints and pay the remainder with your usual payment method.

The only downside is that SuperPoints don't become active until 14 days after you have paid. Instead, they will sit 'pending' in your account, which is a bit of a pain.

I can't grumble though, as not only will we get free stuff when shopping on the Marketplace – something I like very much, but we will also get the same great service that we know and love. It seems like a win-win situation to me.

So, while we thank Play.com for providing us with super-cheap DVDs and CDs over the past 25 years, I think it's safe to say that we are happily moving on to the Rakuten Marketplace.

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Amazon Prime Review - How It Can Save You Money

efleming — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:24:00 GMT

Are you addicted to Amazon? Do you like the sound of free, one-day delivery? Amazon Prime might be right up your street.

If, like me, you can't go a week without finding a great deal on Amazon, you might be able to benefit from their exclusive subscription delivery service. Amazon Prime gives free, one day delivery on millions of products, but it will set you back £49 a year – or just over £4 a month.

At first you might be put off by the annual cost of Amazon Prime, but it can actually save the right person some serious cash in the long run.

Aside from not actually having to pay out for delivery charges, what other benefits exist?

Quick delivery

Well, the most obvious advantage to having an Amazon Prime subscription is the free One-Day Delivery. However, if you're desperate for the item, there are other delivery options available. Amazon Prime members will get Express Delivery for £4.49 instead of £8.99 and Evening Delivery for £7.48 compared to £14.99.

No minimum order

Well, as you probably know, Amazon sells millions of things at great prices, from more extravagant purchases like computers or furniture to much smaller items, such as pens and paper.

Instead of heading into town to visit a local store and spending two or three times the amount on the same product, buy from Amazon and get free one-day delivery as there are no minimum orders.

Last minute gifts

How often do you forget someone's birthday? If you're anything like me… it might be quite often! Since having my Amazon Prime subscription, I've been able to order items at the very last minute and still give my gift on time.

In the past I've had to give up my Amazon addiction and actually shop elsewhere as the standard three to five day delivery format just wouldn't suit. First Class delivery is, of course, available in most cases, but it costs more (often more than a month's subscription!) and still isn't as quick as one-day delivery.

Free Kindle borrowing

If you own a Kindle and you're a real book worm, you can borrow one book per month from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library for free and with no return date. There are hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, including top sellers.

Share the cost

If you live in a house of Amazon lovers - perhaps your partner, mum or flatmate are always buying online too – you could even share the annual membership cost. If there's two of you, your monthly cost has already been slashed to just £2.05.

When one-day delivery rates start at £3.95 and go up to £7.99, you can immediately see the benefits for regular customers.

Free trial

If you think that Amazon Prime sounds right up your street, you don't have to commit right away. You could always take the free trial for one month and see how you get on – what have you got to lose?

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Top 10 best value products for Spring/Summer

MissMoney — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:42:00 GMT

The advent of spring and the countdown to summer could hardly give us two better excuses to head out on a shopping spree and snap up those 'must-have' items that have been sitting on our wish list since the start of 2013.

But while we may be keen to fill every corner of our home with an assorted array of goodies, that doesn't mean we are prepared to blow the budget in the process.

Here are just a few items from Argos that can help us to stock up for the sunny season, without burning a hole in our wallets.

Regatta 2-Man Pop-up Tent Set - £39.99

The festival season is almost upon us and for those who are planning to sample some musical stylings at Glastonbury or listen to the cream of the literary crop at the Hay Festival, this pop-up tent set is ideal and comes complete with a two-man tent, two sleeping mats, two single sleeping bags, two chairs and a sewn-in groundsheet.

Round Charcoal BBQ - £9.99

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned BBQ on a summer day, and where better to put that perfect chargrilled touch to your BBQ meat and veg than this 35cm charcoal BBQ?

Chad Valley Three Ring Paddling Pool - £3.99

Delight the younger members of your family with this bargain three-ringed paddling pool – a great place to cool down after a day in the sun.

Zoggs Clam Dive and Hunt Game - Yellow - 3+ Years - £10.16

To make their time in the water extra-special, why not try this great dive and hunt game?

Audrey Roman Holiday Women's White T-Shirt - £11.99

Dress to impress with this iconic t-shirt from Audrey Hepburn's 1953 classic Roman Holiday, and you'll soon find yourself bringing out the movie star within.

Argos Value Range 4-Seater Patio Furniture Set (Silver) - £50.99

Relax, unwind and escape the heat of the midday sun with this 4-seater patio furniture set featuring a glass garden table, four garden chairs and a parasol.

Argos Value Range 22 Litre and 8 Litre Cool Bag Set - £9.99

Whether you are heading out on a picnic, or just wish to ensure that your drinks stay chilled as you laze around on the beach, this set is guaranteed to keep things cool.

Pro Action Rounders Set - £14.99

Whether you are on holiday or plan to stay at home this spring/summer, a game of rounders is guaranteed to get the whole family involved. This set includes and 18-inch bat, ball and 4 marker cones.

Grow it Chilli Plants - £11.99

Spring is the perfect time to get green-fingered and this chilli set, including Tabasco chilli seeds, Demon Red chilli seeds, Hungarian hot wax chilli seeds, Japaleno chilli seeds and Anaheim chilli seeds, gives you everything you need to get your party started.

Exspect Leather Kindle Hard Back Shell Case - £9.99

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading list and why not add a touch of glamour to your Kindle with this stylish leather case.

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Do we Really Have a Frugal Royal Family?

Clodagh Foelster — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:01:00 GMT

The Royal family has changed a lot over the years, probably most noticeably with the newest member, Kate, who has been seen wearing not only clothes from High Street favourites but also wearing said clothes more than once.

However, a recently joined member of Savoo has us wondering if the Royals are embracing 'austerity Britain' on a whole new level.

The new user has created the Savoo profile of 'HRHDoC' and has personalised the deals they want to receive information on, with the 'mother and baby' category being the most popular for this individual who has given SW1 as their postcode.

Of course, we can only speculate who this may be but we think the signs (along with some other details that are obviously kept private for all our members) are that the latest generation of Royals seem to be as 'deal sensitive' as they have ever been. If it is who we think it might be, we applaud them for setting the tone for the rest of the nation.

Using voucher codes and deals on the internet to get the best price has risen dramatically over the last few recession-hit years with the term 'voucher code' searched for at least 61 million times in Google every month.

And, whoever our new member might be, enjoy your savings!Add a Comment

Minnie Mouse Gets Makeover to Celebrate 20 Years of Disneyland Paris

Clodagh Foelster — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:10:00 GMT

There are a lot of rules surrounding fashion, none more so as when you hit first middle age (watch out for those skirt lengths) and then head into the more mature years of life (plunging necklines a definite no-no.) So it seems that, at the ripe old age of 85, it's about time Minnie Mouse herself let go of the hair bows and bright polka dot frocks and embraced a style more befitting her age.

Step forward designer Alber Elbaz for Lanvin and Minnie's first ever designer outfit.

The oversized polka dot bow in her hair has been replaced with a glittering red tiara while her equally famous red and white dotty dress has disappeared leaving way for a royal blue creation with shoulder pads, long sleeves and ornate jewels.

The designer outfit was unveiled at a fashion show held at Disneyland Paris at the weekend as part of its 20th birthday celebrations.

After the show, designer Elbaz said, "It was a great challenge and responsibility to do. I just wanted her to shine... I wanted to give her a crown in red and the dress in blue, (a signature) for Lanvin."

While the dress is certainly fitting for Disney's matriarch, I think most of us still think of red and white polka dots when we think of Minnie Mouse. Perhaps as it should be considering Walt Disney himself designed that now iconic look.Add a Comment

Infographic: Pizza Price By The Slice Review

Clodagh Foelster — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The British love pizza - it's actually officially one of the country's top ten favourite foods - and we eat more than 250 million slices a year. But there's a lot of history, facts and figures surrounding everyone's favourite Italian dish so take a look to get the lowdown per slice starting with where to find the cheapest Pepperoni and Margherita pizzas in the land.

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Wedding Planning: Tips to Keep Bridezilla at Bay

MissMoney — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

We are fast approaching wedding season in the UK; invites will be dropping on door mats across the country in the next few months heralding a load of stresses and strains, both monetary and emotionally, for women up and down the country. True, some men may worry about how they are going to afford attending a lot of weddings but very few will worry too much about what they are going to wear to each and every one.

If you are one of the thousands of couples getting married in 2013, then obviously you have a lot more to worry about. The guest list, catering, the venue, THE dress; all very important aspects to consider.

But as anyone who has ever got married can tell you, there is a lot of extra detail around weddings that can turn you into an emotional blob of indecision if you are not too careful. Wedding magazines with all their claptrap around 'themes' are a killer for your senses and can set many a brides' mind racing with thoughts. Expensive thoughts, where the infamous 'Bridezilla' attitude lurks.

But the truth is, a lot of it doesn't matter. It is your big day and you are supposed to have fun. So don't spend the entire time worrying about what everyone else is thinking and doing; enjoy your day, your way.

Areas that it doesn't really matter about:

Invites – Some couples spend thousands of pounds on wedding invites. Yes, they are important to look good and set the tone for your big day but do you really need extra, extra thick card and hand-pressed paper to get that look? Shop around and you can save a lot of money while maintaining a great look.
Wedding Cake – Do you need a 15 tier cake complete with delicately shaped roses made from icing adorning the sides? Yep, it will look great but who is going to eat it all? Most of your guests will be stuffed after feeding them all day so a once-great cake will sit at the back of your freezer for a generation. Save the money for something else instead: like your honeymoon!
Table decorations – Many will disagree on this and, yes, you do want your table decorations to look good but anything above that isn't really necessary if you are looking to save money. You can decorate with simple flowers really cheaply. Think about it; when do you remember what the table looked liked at all the weddings you have been to before? It's the company that you remember more.
Favours – One of the most obscure areas of a wedding reception. They are hardly ever remembered,largely ignored (apart from by future brides-to-be); you have far more important things to think about than this. If you are looking to save money keep it simple and fun with a little bag of confectionery.

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What does the 2013 budget mean for you?

AThriftyMrs — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:05:00 GMT

If you missed the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing The Budget 2013, Deloitte have put together this handy infographic which shows in simple terms what the 2013 Budget means for various sections of society. I'm sure there is far more detail regarding those who will be better and worse off, this infographic is great but basic. I'm interested personally in those with disabilities and on welfare, how the NHS will fair and many other things, so I'll be settling down to digest it all later this week...

If you missed the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing The Budget 2013, Deloitte have put together this handy infographic which shows in simple terms what the 2013 Budget means for various sections of society. I'm sure there is far more detail regarding those who will be better and worse off, this infographic is great but basic. I'm interested personally in those with disabilities and on welfare, how the NHS will fair and many other things, so I'll be settling down to digest it all later this week...Add a Comment

FREE Disney Film Screening This Sunday Cineworld

SavvyAnnie — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:06:00 GMT

There's nothing like a good freebie to brighten up your morning! This one comes in the shape of a good ol' Disney film.

If you live near one of the Cineworld Cinemas listed below, you are in luck. Sadly I don't (sniff, sniff) but I am hoping a few of you can make good use of this one.

Disney Screenings offer preview screenings to Disney film fans. All you have to do is go on to their website here, enter the relevant promo code, this latest one is 'Spring' and then print off your free tickets...

There's nothing like a good freebie to brighten up your morning! This one comes in the shape of a good ol' Disney film.

If you live near one of the Cineworld Cinemas listed below, you are in luck. Sadly I don't (sniff, sniff) but I am hoping a few of you can make good use of this one.

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Holiday Ideas for Families With Teenagers

CashCatcher — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:09:00 GMT

As children get older it can be difficult to keep them entertained whilst on holiday. Finding family holidays appropriate for teenagers is therefore an easy way to ensure that your holidays are always enjoyable.

1. Skiing: Skiing could be the perfect holiday idea for teenagers because it offers relaxation as well as activity. With the chance to learn and develop a new skill in a stunning location, ski holidays are always popular. Alongside traditional activities snowmobile excursions are also available, acting as a further attraction.

2. Safari: There is nothing more exhilarating than experiencing an animal safari and South Africa is the perfect place to do this. Not only will teenagers enjoy the physical exertion but the luxury of the surrounding resorts will also captivate the attention of the moodiest of teenagers. The South African landscape is known for its diverse wildlife, offering a great attraction for all age groups.

3. New York: New York is a perfect location for holidays with teens, boasting great attractions and fantastic shopping. With Liberty Island within easy reach, a trip to see the famous Statue of Liberty makes this a great cultural destination, too.

4. Paris: The Arc de Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre are all brilliant places to visit with teens and can be accessed easily using French public transport. Moulin Rouge is another great place to visit for a risqué show, making it a great way to enjoy an evening.

5. Pompeii: Witness to an incredible volcanic eruption in the year 79AD, this Italian town is a great place for teens to come face to face with history. With the Bay of Naples close by and Mount Vesuvius in sight, the physical landscape offers families with teens a stunning holiday retreat. The Italian culture also boats indulgent cuisine, including pizza, perfect for teens.

6. The Isle of Man: With the infamous TT races taking place each summer, teenagers are sure to enjoy the exhilaration and excitement on offer. The landscape is spectacular, with a number of attractions like Laxey Mines making it great for teens. The welcoming and calm environment makes it a great place to relax with older children, too.

7. Australia: A great summer location, Australia is a home-from-home that boasts spectacular beaches and glorious weather. The Australian Bush and Great Barrier Reef are popular places teens may enjoy exploring, too. Great shopping and cuisine also makes this area perfect.

8. Cyprus: This area offers families with teens a great and relaxing location. Beaches and mountain passes provide breathtaking views and experiences. The region also boasts a number of great events such as dance festivals and other cultural attractions to keep teens entertained.

9. The Lake District: Stunning landscapes can be explored by fell walking, making this region the perfect location for holidays with teens that like to get out and about. Devil's Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale is a great attraction. A number of outdoor activities such as quad-biking and horse riding are also available to try at the Lakes, too, exceptional fun for all the family.

10. Luxor: Perhaps the centre of Egyptian culture, Luxor offers great experiences for teenagers. With felucca rides available on the Nile, camel rides and hot air balloon excursions there is plenty to do in this thriving region. Main sites to visit include the Valley of the Kings, Karnack Temple, Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum.Add a Comment

TRAVELLING TO CYPRUS

TaraEvans — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:27:00 GMT

You might have seen on the news that plans for an international bailout package in Cyprus comes with one outrageous caveat, there is to be a one-off tax on bank savings which will be applied to accounts in exchange for bank shares. Whilst there are no travel restrictions, if you're planning on travelling to Cyprus over Easter or the next few weeks, Tara Evans tells you what you need to know.

This proposed tax on savers is unprecedented and has sparked a dash to get cash out of banks. That means those travelling to Cyprus may be affected by a shortage of cash from ATMs.

At present, banks in Cyprus are closed due to a public holiday but there is a possibility that if the deal is secured that they will remain closed tomorrow to prevent mass withdrawals.

The Foreign Office has advised tourists travelling to Cyprus to take a variety of payment methods, such as pounds, euros, debit and credit cards, to ensure that they have adequate access to funds.

However, tourists should be wary of carrying large quantities of cash and check their travel insurance policy to make sure it covers them for individual items in case of theft or loss.

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Holiday Photo Albums and Why They're so 2012

MissMoney — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:56:00 GMT

The last holiday photo album that graced my shelves was of an inter-railing trip around Europe with my band of friends in the summer of 1998.

With a few disposable cameras in tow I got seriously snap happy as we traversed our way through European capitals including Prague and Budapest and lesser-known stretches of the continent such as San Remo in Italy – God knows how that one slipped onto our holiday itinerary.

The less than A-grade photo collection chronicled dodgy summer fashion choices, nights out that we'd rather forget and our numerous dalliances with cultural attractions including trudging our way through one basilica too many.

At times when I am harking back to the glory days of my youth I can simply dust off my photo album and look at the one-month escapade through rose-tinted glasses.

But since that rite of passage trip, I'm embarrassed to say that all my subsequent spots of globetrotting have yet to make the transition from images on my digital camera to concrete photo albums.

The reasons behind this are varied but basically boil down to the fact that I'm too lazy to upload my photos to a site that could print them off and have trouble deciding which photos to put in the yes, no and maybe piles.

Recent research has shown that I am one of a growing number of British travellers who consign their collection of holiday photos to the digital world, with an average of 300 travel photos taken on a one-week holiday abroad staying on our cameras, mobile phones and other devices long after our getaways are over.

A staggering 97 per cent of holidaymakers admitted that they never print off images to put on display in photo albums or frames, opting to showcase them on social media sites to inspire envy in family and friends although just 10 per cent are deemed good enough to show the world.

For 82 per cent of the 2,162 people travellers surveyed by sunshine.co.uk the social media site of
choice for posting holiday snaps is Facebook.

April Madden, editor of Digital Photographer magazine said: "Most holiday snaps seem to stay on people's phones or cameras – they get emailed to friends and family and occasionally make it onto social media but rarely into the kind of family photo album that most of us remember growing up with.

"It's not all bad though; many households now have games consoles or tablet computers connected to their home network, which means it's easier to show off photos in the living room via the TV...just like the holiday-snaps slideshows of yesteryear."Add a Comment

Shopping Savvy Brits: Why We're Turning to Loyalty Cards, Cashback and More

MissMoney — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:59:00 GMT

Hunting out bargains has become something of a national pastime and nothing says savvy shopper more than our bank balances being in the black rather than the red.

And while some may still be frantically gathering up discount coupons or trading journeys on four wheels for those on two feet in an effort to boost their budgets, others are wising up to the idea that being a successful full-time spendthrift is less about perspiration and more about inspiration.

Research by Santander 123 has revealed that UK consumers' wallets are getting a healthy lift thanks to low-effort, high impact money saving methods, with 82 per cent of Brits turning to discount websites and cashback on a regular basis to save an average of £452 on an annual basis... kerching!

Almost half of Brits also regularly use price comparison websites, no doubt in order to get the best deal on anything from their mobile phones to car insurance, while 14 per cent regularly put their spending on a cashback credit card.

The top three most popular methods used by UK consumers in a bid to remain quids-in were as follows: loyalty cards (57 per cent), price comparison websites (47 per cent) and discount websites (31 per cent).

Skilled savers have also used their knack of securing discounts to cash-in on their purchases over the last three months, with 64 per cent of those questioned saving an average of £27.17.

This was followed by clothes and personal grooming (43 per cent saving £22.69), dining out (37 per cent saving £21.59), electricals (27 per cent saving £30.73), travel and holidays (25 per cent saving £49.60) and TV, phone and broadband (24 per cent saving £16.90).

Hetal Parmar, Head of Banking at Santander, said: "It looks like the days of buying things at face value are passing. Our research shows that we're a savvy nation of shoppers, with millions of people across the UK regularly securing valuable discounts."

Further findings from the research revealed the women were more likely than men to use discounting methods to help their money go further, 83 per cent against 80 per cent.

Women were also more likely to turn to loyalty cards, discount codes and group discount sites to boost their budgets, while men are more likely to use price comparison sites.

I'm no stranger to the joys of a discount website myself and would be lying if I said I have paid full price at Strada in the last couple of years or would have contemplated a four-week course of salsa course if the sight of a discount voucher hadn't tempted me out of my comfort zone.Add a Comment