Emergency fund of 3 months recommended

Emergency fund of 3 months recommended

UK financial guidance recommends saving roughly three months’ worth of essential living costs in an easy‑access emergency fund.
Such a buffer protects households from unexpected events—such as boiler breakdowns, job loss or medical emergencies—without relying on high‑cost credit.
This pillar of financial resilience is vital amid persistent economic uncertainty.

Premium Bonds Winners Warned of Hidden Tax Risks

Experts caution that Premium Bonds winnings may lead to unexpected tax bills depending on how they’re used.

UK savers face real returns turning negative as banks cut rates

Rate cuts by more than 20 banks following the BoE move risk pushing savings returns below inflation.

BoE cuts Bank Rate to 4.0% after split vote

The Bank of England reduced rates by 25bp to 4.0%, with a closely divided MPC underscoring policy uncertainty.

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates to 4.0%

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to cut the base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.0%, marking the fifth consecutive cut in a year.

High Street Banks Lose £100 Billion in Savings to Challengers

Figures reveal that traditional UK high street banks have lost an estimated £100 billion in savings as customers move their money to challenger banks and building societies.

Household saving sentiment hits post‑2008 high

A recent survey shows UK households saving more than any time since before the 2008 crash.

Summer Spending: ‘Loud Budgeting’ and the 50:30:20 Rule

Financial educator Bola Sol recommends open budgeting and swap-days to boost savings during summer.

Raisin UK Platform Helps Savers Access FSCS‑Protected Accounts Easily

Raisin UK offers access to over 40 UK savings providers under one login with potential bonuses.

Use ISAs to shield gains from tax

Stocks & Shares and Cash ISAs remain tax‑efficient saving vehicles.

Seven supermarket tricks that can save £100s

Consumer site Which? highlights seven tips to slash grocery bills.

Avoid impulsive trend‑driven spending

Young Londoner saved £100k by ignoring social media spending pressures.

Over‑50s savings deals compete ahead of Saga launch

Saga and others offering high‑interest saving accounts tailored to older savers.

Top Financial Adviser Tips: Building Rainy-Day Fund and Maximising ISAs

Advisers recommend emergency savings, high-interest accounts, ISA and pension contributions.

Warm Home Discount Expansion to Benefit 6 Million Households

The Department for Work and Pensions confirms the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme will expand to include Universal Credit claimants from this winter.

Close Brothers Faces New Blow Over Car Loans as Fresh Compensation Set Aside

Lender Close Brothers has set aside an additional £33 million to compensate customers for overcharged car loans, marking a fresh blow amid the ongoing investigation into historical mis-selling in the UK car finance market.

Pension Age to Rise Again, Leaving 1.5 Million Britons Facing Benefit Limbo

The state pension age is expected to rise again, leaving 1.5 million Britons in 'benefit limbo' who are too young to retire but have lost access to key benefits and tax credits.

UK's Largest Crypto Fraud: Money Launderer Convicted After Seven-Year Met Police Investigation

Chinese money launderer Zhimin Qian has been convicted in one of the UK’s largest-ever money laundering cases, bringing an end to a seven-year Met Police investigation into a global scheme to clean illicit cryptoassets by purchasing property.

UK Pension Age Must Rise to 68 Sooner Than Planned, Report Finds

A new report has urged the government to accelerate the rise of the state pension age to 68, arguing that the welfare bill is becoming unsustainable and that past governments have 'treated the issue like a hot potato.'

Global Markets Brace for US Government Shutdown as Asian Shares Trade Narrowly

Asian shares traded in a narrow range as traders prepared for a potential US government shutdown, while Wall Street finished higher, boosted by technology stocks and US interest rate cut expectations.

Ditch Bathtubs for Groutless Showers

Replace bathtubs with groutless showers for easier cleaning, water savings, and timeless design.

Teesside Social Mobility Fund Provides Over £23,000 in Grants to Local Projects

The Jersey Communication Foundation has distributed grants exceeding £23,000 to six local projects, aiming to create a 'level playing field' and tackle social mobility issues in the Teesside community.

Gold Hits Best Annual Performance Since 1979 as Geopolitical Crises Fuel Bullion Bonanza

Bullion has hit a series of record highs, putting 2025 on track for gold’s strongest annual performance since 1979, driven by high inflation, interest rate volatility, and escalating geopolitical crises.

QR Code Parking Scams Warning

Drivers advised to verify QR codes in car parks to avoid fraudulent payment sites.

Natural Cleaning with Everyday Foods

Use lemons, vinegar, and other foods for eco-friendly cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals.

Beef Shortage and Low Confidence Push US Cattle Prices to Record Highs, Hitting Restaurants and Consumers

US cattle and beef prices have soared to record highs amid tight domestic supply, strong consumer demand, and ranchers’ reluctance to expand herds, with restaurant owners forced to pass on soaring costs to diners.

Bullion Bonanza: Gold Price Hits Record Highs Amid Global Instability

Gold is on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979, with bullion hitting a series of record highs driven by high interest rates, inflation, and increasing geopolitical crises.

Wales Tourism Tax Law Signed: Families Face £36.30 Levy for a Week in a Holiday Cottage from 2027

Wales’ new Visitor Levy has been signed into law, giving Welsh councils the choice to introduce a tourism tax on overnight stays, with the earliest possible implementation date now set for 2027.

British Parliamentarians Propose 'Stealth Tax' on Workers

The Liberal Democrats warn that an estimated 1.3 million people will pay an additional £285 a year in a 'stealth tax' if the chancellor freezes income tax thresholds.

Money Worries Impact Work

22% of workers report money worries harming job performance, with 19% taking sick leave due to financial stress, per BSA research.

BMW Finance Payouts

BMW sets aside £206.9m for potential car finance mis-selling payouts amid FCA investigation.

showbiz sport money travel garden news tech health science business politics culture environment