6 Steps You Can Take Today to Go from Couch Potato to Crushing it in the Gym. Other household bills to focus on include your broadband bill, particularly if you are currently with Virgin, which has just hiked its prices by up to £54 a year. The couch … Quite good. Karoo Classic Full Corner Unit From R 35,000.00. Customers with other providers should check whether they are out of contract before switching. Students ditch pricey Edinburgh rents to move to a home on the beach for £350 a month, How I Save: The 27-year-old in London who says lockdown has been great for her savings, There's an 83% pension gap between men and women, report says. Series 1 | Episode 1 'Life in Lockdown' An interactive hillarious, fun 'Life in Lockdown' couch banter which does require your participation. Your own banking app can give you a wealth of information, but third-party apps with tight security allow you to see all of your spending and saving on separate cards and accounts at a glance, and can even remind you of when it is time to switch providers again. But unlike me, the world had changed: to contain the virus, people were urged to stay at home, doing nothing suddenly became a public service, laziness could save lives and I was a champion in that. ", "Laziness could save lives... and I was the master of that"The third installment of the German government COVID public health adverts now with English subtitles#besondereHelden#SpecialHeroes#stayathome pic.twitter.com/V0TZwKNNhD, — Axel Antoni (@antoni_UK) November 16, 2020. From classic arts and crafts and fun games to movie nights, and tasty recipes, we’ve got loads of simple indoor activity ideas for all ages that are perfect for this time of year. Always check your contract before you cancel a subscription. Diet, General Health, Motivation, Sleep, Training. You may even have payments that are entirely unnecessary, such as mobile phone insurance for a phone you do not own any more. Arrange a special collection for large waste items - most councils will collect things like old sofas, fridges or washing machines for a fee Don't miss out Read the latest Money Tips Email. Bilyana says using Yolt helped her see how much her household bills were adding up (Picture: Bliyana Georgieneva). It helps me to see how spending on things adds up, whether it is coffee, food or travel, and then I can make changes.’. Virgin Money currently offers two per cent interest on balances up to £2,000, and if you switch through Moneysupermarket you’ll receive a case of wine, while Nationwide offers two per cent interest on credit balances up to £1,500. Sale. 100s of destinations on offer across the National Express Coach network. Lowest Price Guarantee - if you find it cheaper elsewhere, we'll pay you double the difference. Holly Niblett, head of digital at switching website Comparethemarket.com, says that a quarter of people who contact their existing provider and who haven’t switched managed to haggle a better deal at the end of their contract. With coronavirus lockdown restrictions still in place, it will come as no surprise that Valentine’s Day is going to be a little different in 2021. To spot these, ensure you look at regular monthly payments on your credit card as well as your bank statement, as they can be tricky to find. Now is a good time to check whether there are better deals available, since you could save hundreds of pounds or pay off your mortgage early. 23 … Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of these banks, as they hold banking licences so your money is protected by the UK financial regulator. Lockdown fuels rise in Britons selling 'soft core' selfies: OnlyFans.com sees 95,000 new UK accounts created from March to July as hard-up youngsters post for pictures for easy cash Lower rates are available for those with the biggest deposits. Download the Metro newspaper app for free on App Store and Google Play. "When the virus spread, I remained the same lazy sack of potatoes that I was before. For more serious problem debt, a chat with a credit counsellor might be a good start, and may lead to a solution where you pay debts off gradually. By James McKendry, McMaster University. The best home updates you can do in lockdown three. But lockdown and its impact on our lifestyles and jobs is putting pressure on finances like never before. Quick View Select options. Updated 5:17 AM ET, Wed December 2, 2020 . In most cases the subscription payment will be what is known as a continuous payment authority, which you should be able to cancel by contacting the merchant or the bank. For those with weaker credit ratings, a low-interest balance transfer card might give you breathing space. According to Moneyfacts, the top savings deals are with ICICI bank for instant access, paying 0.6%, while if you can tie money up for a year you can receive 0.8% from QIB UK. According to Moneyfacts, the top savings deals are with ICICI bank for instant access, paying 0.6%, while if you can tie money up for a year you can receive 0.8% from QIB UK. Depending on your credit rating, you might qualify for one of the remaining interest-free credit cards, which would allow you breathing space to repay your debt. Try Emma, Money Dashboard or Yolt, all of which are free apps aimed at helping you to budget and reduce financial waste, or Plum to ensure you are building up an automatic nest egg of savings and investments. Try billmonitor to match your phone usage with a contract that will suit you, especially since working from home may have reduced your data needs considerably. Asking your existing supplier to put you onto their cheapest deal is also likely to improve your costs if you haven’t switched recently. An adorable potato-shaped light in the darkness, a cute and dumpy companion that celebrates the simple joy of staying indoors and doing nothing much at all. She joined him in the fight against Covid-19 by also staying in and eating a bucket of fried chicken alongside him in bed. ‘As it’s mid-winter, it’s the worst time to be overpaying,’ he says. According to figures from Barclaycard Payments, services such as meal subscription kits surged 62% during lockdown, while we also spent more on digital streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. You can use comparison websites including the specialist broadbandchoices.co.uk to find new deals, but it’s also wise to talk to your existing supplier if you can, especially if you are in a rural area with a lack of choice. Get it Now Add to cart; Was R 13,999 Now R 8,999 Sally sleeper couch R 13,999 R 8,999 Save R 5,000 . Week 8 . Our Blog. Browse More On Our Store . MyHome.ie; How lockdown has changed the way men dress Men … Sadly, parkrun and other running events are currently suspended in the UK due to lockdown, but you can still go running for your daily exercise, as long as you follow the current Covid-19 rules. A protester caused uproar by parking their car across the entrance to a car park in an attempt to stop 'lockdown breakers' from using the beach. by Ultimate Performance, 11 March 2021. The Karangahape Road stalwart is not only offering its full menu, but special lockdown deals to get you through the weekend. These apps will help you keep an eye on your money to ensure it continues to be used in the most efficient way possible. If you are out of contract on your mobile phone but happy to keep your handset, a Sim-only contract is likely to be cheaper. As well as subscriptions taken out in lockdown, you may also have monthly payments for activities or services (such as gym subscriptions) that cannot be used at present. Aqua will give you seven months of zero per cent interest on your balance, but you will pay three per cent to transfer it. If you’re at the end of your mortgage deal, just speaking to your current provider could help you to get on to a better deal, while you could compare other mortgages using an online broker such as charcol.co.uk or Trussle. Once you’ve taken all these steps, use technology to ensure you keep on top of spending in future. ‘If you’re trying to cut your interest rate while you pay off your credit card debts, it’s worth taking advantage of these deals now if you can,’ she says. A spokesman from personal finance site Moneysavingexpert, warns that wholesale energy prices have soared recently, meaning that even the cheapest deals are up £50 a year. Germany has seen a sharp rise in cases of Covid-19, which has prompted the government to take drastic measures. According to Moneyfacts, the average standard rate is 4.41 per cent, while you could have a two-year fixed rate deal for 2.49 per cent, saving £205 a month on a £200,000 25-year mortgage. The costs of these can add up substantially, amounting to an average of £552 a year. A second video depicts the elderly man's girlfriend. This debt has taken many forms, from credit cards and loans to mortgage holidays and overdrafts. Using a comparison site, such as Uswitch, ComparetheMarket or GoCompare allows you to input your usage and be given a choice of cheaper deals you can switch to. Meet your new lockdown hero – Tayto the Couch Potato Night Light. Day 1: Couch to 5K – run 7 (30 minutes) Day 2: 10-minute full body toning workout Day 3: Couch to 5K – run 7 (30 minutes) Day 4: 10-minute upper arms workout Day 5: Couch to 5K – run 7 (30 minutes) Day 6: 10-minute firm bums, legs and tums workout Include a rest day. Stepchange offers free help, or you could speak to Citizens Advice. Be sure to keep an eye on subscriptions to see if they’re still worth the money. I’m lockdown fatigued, which is why I’m more concerned about the next round and its impact on my mental well-being than I was the first.. Lockdown 1.0 felt useful, at times. Harry and Meghan's popularity rating hits record low after Oprah interview, Meghan and Harry complain to Ofcom after Piers Morgan's comments on Oprah interview, Ex Liverpool star suffers heart attack at age of just 36. These measures include a series of comical public health videos urging Germans to 'do nothing' and embrace laziness. Life has been tough for everyone over the past 12 months during the coronavirus pandemic. But you could also print off paper statements if you think you will find it easier to track down payments this way. Gamers with PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles have a host of co-op couch play games to enjoy at home with a pal or family member. The current lockdown in England means weddings can't take place, except in 'exceptional circumstances'. Adam Bullock, UK director of cashback website TopCashback, says that music and television subscriptions are the most popular followed by product-delivery services, fitness subscriptions and recipe boxes. If you want to put the money in an ISA, Al Rayan Bank has a 0.6 per cent instant access version, or 0.65% for a year. Burger vans 'can legally sell to rule-breakers' Published 31 December 2020. Grab the latest deals, guides, tips 'n' tricks directly from Martin and the MSE team. ‘I’ve recently been prompted to change my electricity provider and my mobile phone, which both saved me lots of money. Cape Town Couch From R 16,400.00 From R 14,760.00. The best of the BBC, with the latest news and sport headlines, weather, TV & radio highlights and much more from across the whole of BBC Online A third German government advert told the story of Toby, a keen gamer whose laziness stood him in good stead against the coronavirus. Adding an overpayment of £205 a month on to a £200,000 mortgage at 2.49 per cent would allow you to pay off your mortgage nearly six years early, saving £17,607. pic.twitter.com/vQeOhoAkpW, — Axel Antoni (@antoni_UK) November 15, 2020. While many players nowadays want to get online and battle it out on games like Fortnite and Call of Duty from afar, the classic form of physical side-by-side multiplayer gaming is still very much alive in the next-generation consoles. Because the price hike is above Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation, you can switch providers even if you are in contract, provided you do so within 30 days of receiving the notification. Latest news, showbiz, sport, comment, lifestyle, city, video and pictures from the Daily Express and Sunday Express newspapers and Express.co.uk Specials; Podcasts. A lockdown family treasure hunt uncovers a secret that threatens to tear a family apart. Sarah Coles, financial expert at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, says the number of balance transfer cards, which allow you to switch your existing debt to another card with zero or low interest available has been rising. The German government hope these tongue-in-cheek videos strike a chord with the population, helping to remind them of social distancing guidelines and the need to restrict contact with others. UFO stores, United Furniture Outlets, the online furniture store with broad range of uniquely crafted dining, lounge, bedding and outdoor furniture stores. ... Unravelling one man’s mental unrest as he deals with two global pandemics. Get it Now Add to cart; Was R 47,999 Now R 39,999 Queen Sheba loung... R 47,999 R 39,999 Save R 8,000 . Your chosen combination of National Express Coach travel, hotels and attractions - packaged together at one great value price. A sedentary Covid-19 lockdown can impact health in just 2 weeks. The latest government figures, out last week, show inflation running at 0.6%, so money that does not earn at least that in interest will lose value. Don’t worry, we’re back with more indoor activities for kids that are perfect for autumn and winter, so you can keep the whole family entertained from the safety of your own home!. For more money-saving advice as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join Metro.co.uk’s Facebook group, Money Pot. That is even more important now, since research shows that 2020’s lockdown made us a nation of ‘subscribers’, signing up to monthly payments for everything from streaming services to baking kits. Entitled "#specialheroes - Together against corona", the translation recalls how the German population became heroes by being lazy and doing nothing. Thanks to internet banking apps it is easier than ever to see where your money is going. Caledon Couch From R 16,800.00. Was R 18,999 Now R 12,999 Georgio corner R 18,999 R 12,999 Save R 6,000 . As well as switching your savings, changing your provider could improve your financial position as some offer interest on your balance or incentivise you to switch. The brand new football show from Joe Cole and Tom Davis. One of the quickest ways to make a dent in your monthly outgoings is to check for regular payments that go out for services you do not need, or do not use. Switching energy suppliers can be one way to bring down these costs, especially if you are no longer on your supplier’s cheapest rate because the deal you were on has expired. "Our couch was the frontline and our patience was our weapon. You need the right tools for the job, in this case the details of all your bank accounts, savings accounts, credit cards and other debt. A shocking scrambler bike crash which left a woman fighting for her life has 'sickened' local residents who are still reeling in the aftermath of the incident. Although, there’s a chance that you’ll have to wait until May 17th to buy a second-hand car if it’s a non-essential purchase – that’s the provisional date after which up to six people from two households will be allowed to meet indoors. ", The German Govt's latest Corona advert - now subtitled in English. Women's Podcast ; Back to Yours; Ross O'Carroll-Kelly ; Partner Sites. Quick View Select options. 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Let’s be honest, there’s plenty to worry about right now, without picking over our bank accounts. Eleanor Williams, Moneyfacts finance expert, says that the bank has recently increased the length of the zero per cent period. I appreciate sunrises and sunsets, blue skies, clouds, even more now. ‘I can see everything on a dashboard,’ says Bilyana, 32, from north west London. For those who want to switch debt but also spend on a credit card, financial data group Moneyfacts recommends Sainsbury’s Bank’s Dual Offer Credit Card, which has zero per cent interest on both balance transfers and purchases for 20 months, and a balance transfer fee of three per cent. These will enable you to see where you are spending too much and where you can switch to more cost-effective products. This lockdown has made me appreciate the simplest of things. 'Toby' says his laziness was so great, he was rewarded with a military-style medal. But while subscriptions can be fun and useful, it’s important to take stock and cancel them when you don’t need them. ‘This update ensures this card is one of the best for dual offers and attractive for those who wish to make purchases and transfer debt on an interest-free basis.’. Weekly Specials. Gariep Chair From R 5,200.00. ‘We would encourage those taking out new contracts or services to be extra vigilant about when trials end, and consider if they are going to need or use it once self-isolation comes to an end,’ he says. With most of us working from home and children home schooling, energy bills are a particular focus for most this winter, with Adam at TopCashback citing studies that show 80% of us are worried about the cost of the energy we are using. That is, to not venture outdoors or make unnecessary contact with others. Getting started can be daunting, but by following a few simple steps and setting aside a few hours right now, you could put in place systems that keep your money working efficiently for the rest of the year. Looking at how five UK bars reacted with positive ideas to face the threat of lockdown due to cover She uses Yolt, which monitors her weekly spending on cards and through her bank account, and it regularly reminds her to switch providers for household bills or other expenditure to save cash. It's available as: an app on the App Store and Google Play; printable PDFs; The plan, which has been downloaded more than 7 million times, is designed to help you lose weight safely – and keep it off. Even if you can manage the monthly repayments, you may benefit from trying to reduce the interest on your loans or credit cards so you can pay them off faster. Get it Now Add to cart; Was R 10,999 Now R 7,999 Logan recliner R 10,999 R 7,999 Save R 3,000 . Download the NHS weight loss guide – our free 12-week diet and exercise plan. It is also worth checking your phone and mobile phone contracts, ensuring you aren’t paying for landline minutes you don’t use or a handset you’ve already paid for. pic.twitter.com/nbRZIm9RcN, — Axel Antoni (@antoni_UK) November 14, 2020. A German government advert has praised couch potatoes and lazy people as the 'special heroes' of the coronavirus lockdown. Force deals with 240 New Year's Eve lockdown calls. There were plenty of discounts of up to … WWII love letters found under the floorboards of seaside hotel, Woman in a relationship with a rollercoaster says she finally understands what love is, Single-shaming is getting worse because of the pandemic, study says, putting pressure on finances like never before, The money mistakes to avoid making in 2021, Ten money-saving tips everyone needs to know, Paying yourself first really does help you save more money. The first video features an elderly man from the future looking back at the winter of 2020. From Monday 8 March, weddings will be allowed but limited to six people. If you have debt, it’s easy to try to ignore it, but meeting it head-on will yield a better long-term result. A German government advert has praised couch potatoes and lazy people as the 'special heroes' of the coronavirus lockdown.