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Top tips for saving money on cleaning

Elliot
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Top tips for saving money on cleaning

Making double use of products, looking out for coupons and offers and even trying your hand at making your own are all expert ways to save money on your cleaning products.

Money saving blogger Kayleigh Hughes, who writes for coupon site PromotionalCodes.org.uk, has put together her expert advice on how to stop splurging the cash on unnecessary cleaning items.

The mum-of-two says that housework supplies can come at hefty prices but by only buying the core essentials, you can slash the total of your weekly supermarket shop.

Kayleigh, who lives in Grantham, in Lincolnshire, also urges fellow shoppers to look out for useful discount codes as well as taking the natural approach by making products using items already in the kitchen cupboards.

The 29-year-old said: “One of the most expensive items on your shopping list can be cleaning supplies. From kitchen and bathroom cleaner to multi-purpose cleaner and floor cleaner, is it really necessary to buy a different product for each area?

“In my opinion, you don’t need all of these products. That is, however, just my preference but I know everyone has their own ways and favourite items. I stick to three products at most, which are washing up liquid, multi-purpose cleaner and anti-bacterial wipes.”

Here are Kayleigh’s top tips for saving money on cleaning products:

Look for double uses

As well as washing dishes, washing up liquid can be used for floor cleaning and it works great on draining boards and the sink.

Anti-bacterial wipes are great when you have kids and pets, as they are fast, simple and very effective.

Multi-purpose cleaner is exactly what it says on the tin. I use it for the kitchen, the bedrooms and the bathroom. This combined with the anti-bacterial wipes works great for me and is the perfect cleaning combination.

Get couponing

I really don’t think there is a need for all the different products available that make you part with your hard-earned cash. However, if you do want to use them then find as many coupons as you can. Coupons are always readily available for cleaning items and if you combine them with a store offer you can get all the cleaning products you want for a very little price.

Create a stockpile

When you can get a cleaning item for a low price, buy a few items and start to create a stockpile. Before you know it you will have a little treasure trove and you can cross these expensive items off your weekly shopping bill.

Make your own natural products

If you don’t like chemicals, then the natural approach can be very effective just by making use out of items in your cupboards. It’s also fun to use a homemade product.

You can make your own multi-purpose cleaner using vinegar, baking powder and water. This is quick, simple and chemical free, just make sure to not use anything with vinegar or lemon in it on granite or marble surfaces as it will eat into the stone. You can also use baking powder as a great carpet deodoriser and freshener. Just sprinkle across the carpet, leave for a few minutes and then vacuum.

One of the great old favourites is homemade glass cleaner. This can be made by using water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. The last part is optional but will give you a lovely scent.

I haven’t yet gone down the route of making my own cleaning products as I’ve used various coupons and offers to get the items I use at rock bottom prices. I’ve managed to build up a great stockpile but I may give homemade items a go.

It’s all been tried and tested through generations – it’s something my grandma did and her mum before her.

It really is down to your stand on chemicals though – if you want something natural then give DIY a go.

To view Kayleigh’s blog post, click here.

UK Teachers Spending Millions on Equipment for Pupils

Jack Peat
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UK Teachers Spending Millions on Equipment for Pupils

Following news that teacher pay in England and Scotland has decreased between 2010 and 2014, a damning new study has revealed teachers are being forced to pay hundreds of pounds out of their own pay packet for classroom supplies.

The study, called Equipped to Learn and commissioned by office supplier Staples, showed that almost two thirds of the teachers questioned felt under pressure to part with money from their own pocket to buy equipment for students.

Of these teachers, 60 per cent anticipate spending at least £120 during the current academic year, while 30 per cent expect to spend upwards of £240. Those who taught younger children were more likely to feel pressured to use their own money for supplies, most prominently teachers of nine to ten year-olds.

The Staples Equipped to Learn report details how 73 per cent of children in both primary and secondary school are coming to school unprepared for lessons.

Asked how the situation could be changed, the majority of teachers  (63 per cent) believe that children should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own equipment if they are old enough to do so, and parents should be encouraged to take more of an interest in their child’s day-to-day schooling.

Sharon Tan, Director, Head of Category Management for Staples Europe commented on the new report: “Our report shines a light on the pressure that some teachers feel to pay for their students’ supplies out of their own pockets.

“Teachers, along with parents should help encourage their children to remember their school supplies. Get them into the routine of packing their bags the night before to ensure that they have everything they need for the next day. It’s about helping kids be 100 per cent ready, and enjoying doing so.”

The full Equipped to Learn report can be downloaded from the Staples website:http://www.staples.co.uk/Content/Static/index/images/staples-equipped-to-learn-results.pdf

The cost of becoming a fashion icon

Elliot
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The cost of becoming a fashion icon

Forget fast fashion – a new study has looked at the cost of becoming an icon by acquiring some of the most famous pieces of all time – but the iconic look doesn’t come cheap.

Female fashion fans will have to fork out over £20,000 to get their hands on the five most iconic style items in history – including a Birkin bag, Louboutin heels and a Burberry trench coat.

The money saving team at PromotionalCodes.org.uk have dug deep into the style archives and worked out how much it would cost to buy five of the most well-known fashion items for both men and women.

With the success of this month’s London Fashion Week as well as New York, Paris and Milan, all eyes are on the fashion world to discover what will soon be next season’s hottest trends.

But while some styles come and go, all of these items have stood the test of time and are still paraded down the catwalks to this day.

The research looked at the prices of each historic item and how much would have to be forked out to complete both five-piece collections – all in all totalling a whopping £34,870.

In comparison, women would have to shell out £22,500 for the full set compared to just £12,370 for men.

WOMEN

  Item Price
1. Hermes Birkin Bag in 35 Bleu Hydra Togo £14,990
2. Chanel 2.55 Handbag £3,250
3. Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking Suit £1,940
4. Burberry The Westminster Trench Coat £1,895
5. Christian Louboutin Pigalle Patent Shoes £425
Total Cost: £22,500

For label loving ladies, the research took into account products such as the classic quilted Chanel 2.55 handbag, the iconic Burberry trench coat and the bright-soled Christian Louboutin shoe.

All of the items are coveted by fashionistas across the globe but come at enormous prices – with the most expensive item being the hugely desired Birkin bag.

Made famous by A-List celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Elizabeth Hurley, it comes with an eye-watering price tag of £14,990.

Miss VB is such a fan of the designer item in fact that she has over 100 in total – which altogether are worth nearly £1,500,000.

Second in expense for women style collectors is the quilted Chanel 2.55 handbag, which comes with the whopping price tag of £3,250. A firm favourite in the world of accessories, it makes a regular appearance on the front row and is worn by stars such as Blake Lively, Alexa Chung and Lauren Conrad.

Also making an appearance in the list is the iconic red sole of Christian Louboutin heels. Famous across the world, the shoes are coveted by women of every generation and were first worn by the Princess of Monaco. Just a glimpse of the trademark red sole can send shivers down clued-up fashion followers.

For the men, the most expensive item to collect is an Omega Speedmaster Professional watch. A top of the range design will set you back a hefty £7,100 – as seen worn by George Clooney, Barack Obama and Leonardo DiCaprio.

MEN

Item Price
1. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph Watch £7,100
2. Ralph Lauren Dark Peak Lapel Tuxedo Suit £3,830
3. Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere 55 Bag £1,090
4. Dr Martens Arthur Boanil Brush Boots £200
5. Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans £150
Total Cost: £12,370

 

Joining the ranks as one of the most luxurious fashion items for men is a Ralph Lauren Dark Peak Lapel Tuxedo, priced at £3,830. Inspired by The Great Gatsby, the Italian tailored tuxedo features a fully lined peaked-lapel jacket and a pair of satin-striped trousers – the epitome of style.

At the other end of the scale, male shoppers who don’t want to splash the cash but still want to be on-trend can purchase a pair of Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans for £150.

This classic design can now be spotted in high streets across the UK but is still regarded as a historic piece of fashion, and have been labelled the oldest and best-selling jeans of all time.

A spokesperson for PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “Fashion fans always want to get their hands on the latest must-have item, but what’s even better is owning a fashion product that has been made iconic by celebrities, designers and brands.

“However, as the research shows, this doesn’t come cheap. It is startling to see that famous fashion items can range from just £37 to a mind-staggering £15,000.

“The world is going style crazy at the moment with this year’s September fashion weeks in full flow. Many of these items have been photographed front row at high profile catwalk shows – showing just how popular they still are.”

How to Keep Safe When Shopping Online

Elliot
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When shopping online and on the go with smartphones, personal and bank details need to be secure.

Electronic payment can be safe, fast and convenient, but also a dangerous place for your personal details.

Here are some tips to help you keep safe…

Always look for the lock symbol

The lock tells you the page has Secure Sockets Layer encryption installed. An icon of a locked padlock will appear, typically in the status bar at the bottom of your web browser, or right next to the URL in the address bar – depending on your browser. If the page does not possess this, stay well clear.The lock symbol appears on only the most secure sites, such as FootieLive, an online gambling affiliate destination where it is safe and easy to bet.

Contactless Payments

Another ever increasing method of payment is contactless, such as Apple pay. To keep safe, make sure you authorise every purchase and your card details are safe, protected by numerous anti-hack walls – this stops drive by hacks accessing your data, through the Near Field Communication system in your device. If you lose your iPhone or Watch, immediately put it in Lost Mode, this locks your Secure Element so nobody can make purchases on your account.

Use a safe payment method

This is crucial if you hope to keep your details safe. Things like PayPal support nearly all e-commerce sites. Websites like PayPal that encrypt your personal information, should be considered for safe electronic transactions, and keeps on top of all advancements in technology, allowing you to stay ahead of scammers.

Keep your computer virus free

It is paramount you update your anti-virus and malware software regularly, to block out intruders. Without it, your details are at risk and are likely to subject to phishing, which is individuals attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

Make your Wi-Fi private

If you head out and shop on the go, only use the wireless network if you can access it through a virtual private network (VPN) connection. This helps ward off scammers and people trying to access your information through a shared connection.

Why is Professional Indemnity Insurance Crucial in a Culture of Blame?

ABC Staff
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Why is Professional Indemnity Insurance Crucial in a Culture of Blame?

As a general rule, the phrase ‘it’s my fault’ is being eroded from modern discourse, as concepts such as accountability become increasingly old-fashioned. This is particularly true in nations such as the UK and the US, where a culture of blame and compensation has gripped society and influenced the way in which we treat one another as individuals.

Arguably, the prevalence of compensation culture has grown in a climate of economic uncertainty, in which people are increasingly likely to sue and seek financial remuneration for professional lapses in judgement. While this may be understandable to some, it creates an extremely corrosive and dangerous environment for professional service providers such as solicitors, while it also erodes basic human principles such as trust and integrity.

blame-culture

Image: – Business World Computing

The Threat Facing Solicitors and the Need for Indemnity Insurance

For those who work as professional solicitors, it is simply no longer viable to serve private clients without first taking out additional protection. This is available in the form of professional indemnity insurance, which is a critical overhead that can simply not be ignored in a poisonous and odious culture of blame.

So what exactly is this financial product, and how does it work? Consider the following: –

Understanding professional indemnity insurance

Essentially, professional indemnity insurance protects those working within a sector offering important advice and services. It basically covers you if something goes wrong with the work you supply or because of any advice you provide. Even the most competent professionals can make mistakes and unfortunately when that happens, you leave yourself wide open to negligence claims regardless of whether they are balanced or just.

Solicitors are particularly vulnerable to negligence claims, hence why this type of insurance becomes so important. In fact, it’s a legal requirement for solicitors to have professional indemnity insurance cover, which at least protects practitioners from the most frivolous claims in the modern age.

Why it matters, now more than ever

So why is it so important for solicitors to have professional indemnity insurance? Well, without it you could literally find yourself out of business. If you do make a mistake or are believed to have breached protocol and have a negligence claim is brought against you, the legal fees would be significantly high. If you don’t have a lot of spare cash lying around, you could end up being forced out to enter administration. So financially, it’s important to have the right level of cover.

It also matters to your reputation. When clients choose to use your advice, they want to know they are covered in case something goes wrong. Say you were to provide the client with incorrect advice which ends up having a seriously negative impact on their life – they would expect a lot of compensation! If you weren’t covered, you’d be unable to provide this and your reputation would seriously plummet. A client is also much less likely to choose you if you aren’t insured.

Remember, blame culture changes the way in which we perceive others and the service providers that we choose to partner with, so it is important to safeguard your professional advice in the face of hostility.

Also, as mentioned earlier, professional indemnity cover is a legal requirement for actively working solicitors. So, if you don’t have it you’re essentially breaking the law and the repercussions of that are severe!

One thing you need to know is that where you get your professional indemnity cover from is equally as important as having it in the first place. No two insurers are equal.

Overall, professional indemnity insurance is something all solicitors need, regardless of what area of the law you specialise in. Be sure to take out the correct amount of cover too and read through the policy terms and conditions before signing, as this is a crucial requirement often overlooked by professionals.

Ideally, of course, we would live in a world where trust and integrity were Omni-potent and professional indemnity insurance was an unnecessary evil. This is not the case, however, and this type of financial product will remain in high-demand for as long as blame culture continues to dominate our society.

Three former directors of Tesco accused of artificially inflating estimated profits as part of a £263 million scam appeared in court today (THURS).

Sam Allcock
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Three former directors of Tesco accused of artificially inflating estimated profits as part of a £263 million scam appeared in court today (THURS).

Ex-managing director of the supermarket giant Chris Bush, 50, former finance director Carl Rogberg, 49, and ex-food commercial director John Scouler, 48, are accused of overstating estimated profits given to the City.

The Tesco trio appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court each charged with one count of fraud by abuse of position and one count of false accounting.

The fraud is said to have taken place between February and September 2014.

Scouler, wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt and navy tie, Rogberg, dressed in an open collared light blue shirt and a fleece, and Bush, wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt and red stripy tie, spoke only to confirm their names, ages and addresses.

The first charge of abuse by position was read to them by the court clerk.

The charge alleges: “Mr Christopher Bush, Mr Carl Rogberg, and Mr John Scouler.

“Between first day of February and September 23rd, 2014, you abused your position as senior employees of Tesco PLC and Tesco Stores Ltd, in which you were expected to safeguard but not act against the financial interests.

“You did so dishonestly and intending to make a gain for yourself, or expose another to a loss.”

They are also said to have concealed “the true financial position from auditors” and from “other persons employed by Tesco PLC”.

Lawyers for the three men indicated not guilty pleas for both counts.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser told the trio: “Your cases are not suitable to be heard in this court, and I am therefore going to send you to the Crown Court for your trial – in any case, that is the Southwark Crown Court, the next date being October 20th.

“I am going to remand each of you on unconditional bail. There are no restrictions on your liberty.”

Bush, of High Wycombe, Buckis, Rogberg, of Chiselhampton, Oxford, and Scouler, of St Albans, Herts, were granted unconditional bail.

The Serious Fraud Office launched a probe into accounting practices at Tesco in October 2014, after the firm admitted it had overstated profits by £263 million.

An investigation by the Serious Fraud Office into Tesco PLC remains ongoing.

They are due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on October 20.

Are brick and mortar a more reliable option for retirement?

Sam Allcock
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Are brick and mortar a more reliable option for retirement?

Over the years we’ve seen brick and mortar provide huge return for lots of people, thus persuading them to look at their property or home as their personal pension. There are crystal-clear reasons for wishing to depend on property, either buy-to-let or main residence, and thus make sure your lifestyle is well-funded before you retire. One of the main benefits of property is the tangible characteristic, which makes it completely different from stocks, shares or bonds. It is an appealing form of investment because it is physically owned, as opposite to the general notion of ownership in alternative assets.

Be aware of hidden costs

Every property owners must know that selling or buying property comes at a cost – survey fees, legal costs, real estate agency fees, realtor fees, etc. Furthermore, there are specific annual costs for maintenance and legal safety certificates. Make sure you know about these otherwise you might end up seeing lower returns.

In spite of the costs involved, the average individual still sees property as a worthy form of investing or saving for retirement. As opposite to pensions, you cash is not locked until you reach your retirement age. Healthy income and stable returns from residential or commercial property is an appealing alternative for those concerned about the stock market’s volatility. Nonetheless, property is a form of investment, and one must be aware that hidden costs and potential pitfalls may arise.

The benefits of owning property

When investing in property for retirement, owners must look at the bigger picture first. At the end of 2012 it has rendered an annual return of 11.2% compared to additional forms of investment such as bonds (7.6%) and equities (5.1%). Nevertheless, the price increase of real estate has had a great influence on the real estate market, both in Europe and in the US. Experts claim that residential property in particular is booming.

Smart retirees know that there’s more to property investing than meets the eye. Apart from owning a home and paying off a mortgage until you can become an owner, there are additional forms of investment only savvy investors might be willing to consider. House flipping is one of them, as well as renting. But then again either of the two options are easy. House flipping involves additional costs – which many can’t afford, whereas becoming a lender involves taking responsibility.

Retirement portfolio

As soon as you’ve decided on a form of investment after retirement, the next step is to focus your attention on building up a portfolio. Making decisions is challenging, and if you don’t have a global view of the economy you won’t be able to do alone and make sensible choices. Should you consult with a financial institutions to help you get started? The decision is yours. Truth be told, very few retirees are financial gurus, and many rely on their property to live comfortably in their 70s. Of course, there are other options you might want to consider.

Retirement income funds, for example, are a form of specialized mutual fund. This form of investment automatically allots your cash across a multi-dimensional portfolio made up of stocks and bond. Your investment is managed by a financial institution, and the goal is to produce a monthly income. An all-in-one package is designed to cater to your needs, as well as keep you safe. Having a retirement income puts you in control. You are at liberty to access your cash whenever you want. But then again, making advanced withdrawals leads to a low income down the road.

Last but not least, we have REITs, also known as real estate investment trusts. Similar to conventional real estate, in this case you’re not in charge of your property. A skilled team will manage it; they are in charge of collecting rent, paying expenses and managing fees. All you have to do is collect the profit.

It’s always good to remember one thing when investing in retirement – choose an investment plan and keep your portfolio diversified. In case something happens with one of your investments (because all feature some degree or risk) you’ll have the others to keep you living comfortably by the time you retire.

By Fredrick Cameron and PropertyTurkey.com!

Why Buying a new car is Financially Viable, even in a Strained Economic Climate

ABC Staff
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Why Buying a new car is Financially Viable, even in a Strained Economic Climate

At first glance, buying a used car seems a much cheaper option than buying a new one. This is particularly true in the current economic climate, with the level of consumer confidence in the UK having only recently begun to recover from its lowest rate in 26 years in the wake of Brexit.

This, along with wider economic and geopolitical uncertainty, is encouraging consumers to review their expenses and make more cautious purchasing decisions. While this is perfectly sound in theory, however, the cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective one and this mistaken belief represents one of the most damaging false economies in the existing climate.

new-car-572308

Image: – The Express

The Cost Benefits of Investing in a New Car

This means that, depending on your budget and your preferred model, buying a new car could be more cost-effective than buying an old one. The key is to approach the market with an open mind, while considering the following factors: –

Lower, Long-term Maintenance Costs

While Britain is now considered to be a seller of services rather than a manufacturer, this is far from the case. R H Nuttall recently hosted the annual UK Manufacturing Awards, which is a seminal event that celebrates the very finest in national innovation and productivity. Make no mistake, Britain also remains a key innovator in the new car sales market, where technological advancement and modern techniques continue to refine the range of models available.

The enhanced design, performance and economy of new cars tend to drive lower maintenance costs too, making these models far cheaper to operate over time. As cars grow old and clock up the miles, things will not only inevitably start to go wrong, but wear and tear problems can also arise over time.

These, despite being straightforward to fix, can also be costly. Take the cam belt, for example. Usually, the part needs replacing around every four years, as the rubber erodes. This is a simple job for a mechanic but, not only is the part expensive (around £250-£300 depending on the vehicle), but the labour is expensive too, as the engine needs taking out and partially taking apart. Overall, this means a simple wear and tear repair can cost up to £600!

By buying a new car, you won’t have to face these issues, and could save large sums of money while also reinvesting in the nation’s deceptively prosperous manufacturing sector.

An Extended Warranty for Greater Peace of Mind

Additionally, if anything goes wrong with your brand new car, you should be covered by an extended warranty in the modern age. This means that you won’t have to pay to fix it, as the manufacturer must take ownership of such costs during the length of the agreement.

Sometimes, this even extends beyond the three years before a car needs an MOT (which we’ll get onto later). If you buy a Toyota from an approved dealer like RRG, for example, you’ll get a five year warranty, which will give you peace of mind.

No matter what goes wrong in those five years, Toyota will fix your car for you. You could save thousands, while those with used vehicles must accept reduced warranties that may not provide adequate protection in line with the condition of the vehicle.

There is No Need for an MOT with a New Car

When you buy a new car, you won’t have to MOT it for the first three years. This is because a car does not have to have a valid MOT certificate until it is three years old. At around £40 per test, this is a considerable saving.

However, in addition to the savings on the test itself, you will also save yourself money on any of the work that would need doing. Instead, any work should be picked up in a routine service and, as we’ve already stated, would be covered by the warranty anyway.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that a new car is always more cost-effective, but it’s worth keeping in mind depending on what your budget is. So always appraise the market with an open mind when shopping for a car, and do not automatically discard used vehicles in the mistaken belief that this will save you money. In fact, while such an investment may require you to pay more up-front, it can also offer you access to high quality engineering, favourable warranty terms and considerable, long-term savings.

Head off on a capital city break without splashing the cash

Sam Allcock
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Head off on a capital city break without splashing the cash

Jet setters can celebrate the start of autumn with a visit to a European capital city without digging deep in their pockets.

The money saving gurus at online site PromotionalCodes.org.uk have researched the best deals for short holidays this October – and Rome is the place to explore if you’re on a budget.

It was discovered that a traveller could enjoy three nights in the Italian capital city, with flights and hotel stay included, for just £142.

At the other end of the scale, Copenhagen in Denmark was revealed as the most costly trip, with a total price of £305 for flights and accommodation for one person.

Figures for cheap capital city breaks this October:

City Flights Hotel Total cost
1. Rome, Italy £83 £59 £142
2. Berlin, Germany £95 £49 £144
3. Prague, Czech Republic £118 £31 £149
4. Amsterdam, Holland £76 £93 £169
5. Madrid, Spain £107 £73 £180
6. Paris, France £77 £126 £203
7. Stockholm, Sweden £104 £100 £204
8. Vienna, Austria £134 £106 £240
9. Brussels, Belgium £98 £144 £242
10. Budapest, Hungary £207 £42 £249
11. Lisbon, Portugal £154 £135 £289
12. Copenhagen, Denmark £101 £204 £305

Summer is now officially over and the kids are back at school but if you’re flexible with your holidays, autumn is the perfect time to head off on a short break.

And if beach resorts aren’t your thing, then exploring a European capital city is both exciting and cost-efficient.

The team looked at the cost of a three-night stay from Saturday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 4, in 12 of the most popular European capitals – including flights from London Heathrow Airport and accommodation at a three-star hotel.

Surprisingly, Rome is the best place to head to if you’re looking for a bargain break, with flights available from £83 and a room with a view for only £59.

Coming in as the second cheapest holiday was a break to Berlin, the capital of Germany. A short break this October would cost around £144, with flights from £95 and three nights in a city centre hotel just £49.

This was then followed by a visit to the stag-do city of Prague in Czech Republic, costing £149 for a wild weekend away.

Also among the list of cheap capital city breaks were Madrid, Paris, Vienna, Brussels, Budapest and Amsterdam.

If you’re wanting a spot of luxury and don’t mind paying a bit extra, Copenhagen is the city for you with a total cost of £305 for a three-night stay. While it’s still not breaking the bank too much, the capital was discovered as the priciest for an October jaunt.

Also up there as the biggest spends were Lisbon and Budapest. A three-night vacation in the Portuguese capital will set you back around £289, while a holiday in Hungary will cost just under at £249.

A spokesperson for PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “The autumn season is a great time to tick somewhere off the bucket list – the weather is normally just right and it’s less costly than a summer vacation.

“Visiting a capital city is always fun as there’s always lots to explore and see, and we’re only a few hours plane ride away from some amazing cities.

“We thought it would be both interesting and useful to find out which city options are out there and where would come out as cheapest. Surprisingly, Rome was revealed as the most bargain option for a weekend away, but you may need to start saving now for a jaunt to Copenhagen.”

Save money by growing and foraging your own food

Sam Allcock
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Save money by growing and foraging your own food

Enjoying a spot of foraging, nurturing your own vegetable patch and even having your own flock of chickens are all worthy ways of saving money on your food bill.

Bargain loving blogger and mum-of-two Kayleigh Hughes, who writes for PromotionalCodes.org.uk, has put together her top tips on how to traditionally save money on your weekly supermarket sweep.

The 29-year-old, from Grantham in Lincolnshire, has enjoyed the perks of her blooming blackberry bush in her back garden this summer and is urging others to get out there and start foraging for their own fruit and veg.

As well as collecting sweet treats to make your own cakes and desserts, you can also cut down your food bill by growing your own vegetables and even raising livestock.

Kayleigh said: “Growing your own fruit and veg and partaking in a spot of foraging can, in the long run, save you a fortune. It’s not an easy and quick process but if you put in the work it won’t be long before you’re reaping the benefits.

“After moving into my house a few years ago, I noticed a blackberry bush in the garden. Since then I’ve always had a nice amount of fruit from it, however this year was different – I discovered it had spread its way up one entire side of the garden. Everywhere I looked there were blackberries.

“My son Joshua had so much fun with his little bowl going out into the garden and picking the fruit. Even after making ten blackberry upside-down cakes for my youngest son Jaxon’s christening last month, it didn’t make a dent in the bumper crop.

“I now have quite a few bags of blackberries in my freezer ready to use up until the next crop is ready.”

Here is Kayleigh’s top advice on growing and foraging:

Forage for fruit
Blackberries are brilliant growers and do well after being frozen and then being used. I even came across some in my local Tesco Express car park, which were growing over the fence. They are tasty, versatile and completely free when foraged. There are also websites that you can use that will tell you any known fruit bushes and trees near you so it’s worth taking a look, as you may be surprised how close you are to a brilliant source.

Be careful what you pick
Of course it’s not only berries you can forage – there’s also mushrooms. However, I strongly recommend that unless you know what you are looking for then don’t do it. I am by no means an expert in mushroom foraging and I couldn’t tell the difference between a poisonous one from a safe one, but there are people out there that you can learn from if you want to. It can be very rewarding to go out and hunt for mushrooms but please make sure you know what you are looking for first, as it can be rather dangerous.

Get in line for an allotment
One of the best ways to grow your own fruit and veg is to have an allotment. My dad had one for many years when I was younger and I loved going down at the weekends to help plant, build and pick what was ready. Allotments aren’t always cheap and there are often long waiting lists for spaces so make sure you do your research before picking a plot and find out about all the costs involved.

Nothing can compare though to the satisfaction of seeing your first successful crop that you have grown all by yourself. The immense sense of pride you feel is priceless. My dad used to grow potatoes, sweetcorn, onions, carrots, runner beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes and marrows to name a few. Some were successful and some not so, but you learn after each time and you try again the next season.

Check for chickens
It’s also worth checking the rules at your allotments on whether you can keep animals. I used to keep chickens on my dad’s allotment.

I loved my chickens – for my birthday one year I asked for a fancy chicken house for my girls rather than a pair of designer boots. They weren’t hens for eating, they were layers and they were fabulous. I’m a big fan of the Twilight movies, so I named them Bella, Alice, Rosalie, Esme, Leah and Renesme.

They were sensitive when it came to laying but once I got it right and knew what I was doing, there was no stopping them. I would get at least six eggs every day, and the fact I knew where they had come from and how happy the hens were made the eggs taste so much better.

Fellow allotment holders had animals as well – on the plot next to my dad’s were chickens and geese, and on the run-up to Christmas I would spot a few turkeys.

Grow your own from home
Don’t think you have to have an allotment to grow your own veg, you don’t even necessarily need a garden – you can just grow veg in pots and you can even grow potatoes in a big black bin filled with compost.

One of the best people to have mastered this and who has turned his garden into a brilliant vegetable patch is TV presenter and food writer Nigel Slater. You can learn a lot from him if you do some research.

I say get out there and see what you can forage, but please be careful and only pick fruit and veg that you know. See what you can grow yourself too and even think about getting a group of chickens – they can really change your life for the better.

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