June 6th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has launched a new range of market-leading long-term fixed-rate Cash ISAs and savings accounts amid growing uncertainty around the future of tax-free savings allowances.

The new Cash ISA accounts offer a timely opportunity to secure attractive, tax-free means of safeguarding savings at a time of increasing concern around changes to ISA annual subscriptions.

Today, HTB launched market-leading rates across it’s long fixed-term ISA range:

• 4.20% AER – 2 Year Online ISA Fixed Saver
• 4.20% AER – 3 Year Online ISA Fixed Saver
• 4.20% AER – 5 Year Online ISA Fixed Saver.

There’s news for non-ISA personal savers, businesses and charities too, with two new table-topping 5 Year Bonds, helping even more UK savers with their long-term savings plans:

• 4.46% AER – 5 Year Fixed Saver for personal customers
• 4.30% AER – 5 Year Fixed Saver for businesses and charities.

With a minimum deposit of £1, annual interest and unlimited deposits for the first 14 days, HTB’s fixed term savings accounts are designed for savers seeking security and strong long-term returns.

Stuart Hulme, Managing Director of Savings at HTB, said:

“With talk of ISA reforms and growing uncertainty around ISA subscriptions, savers are understandably asking: will what’s tax-free today be taxed tomorrow? Our new long-term ISA rates give people a chance to lock in generous returns – and some peace of mind – ahead of any change.”

HTB’s proactive move comes as industry speculation mounts about potential changes to ISA rules in the Autumn Budget, including possible freezes or reductions to tax-free thresholds.

For further information about HTB and its range of products for personal and business customers, visit www.htb.co.uk

June 3rd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

More than one in five holidaymakers (22%) travelled without insurance for their last trip abroad, new research from Go.Compare Travel has revealed.

When asked why they didn’t take out travel insurance, more than a third (36%) thought they didn’t need it, 31% said it was because it was just  ‘a short trip’, and a quarter (25%) said it was too expensive.

The research also found that, of those who DID take travel insurance out, nearly a quarter (23%) ended up needing to make a claim. The most common reasons for these claims were lost baggage (30%), transport delays (29%), and medical expenses (28%).*

Rhys Jones, spokesperson for Go.Compare Travel Insurance, said that travelling without insurance exposes holidaymakers to a variety of risks which can transform a dream trip into a costly and stressful ordeal.

He explained: “No matter where you are planning to head off, it’s important to make sure that you have adequate travel insurance in place in advance of your trip. If you fall ill or get injured while abroad, medical expenses can be extremely high, especially in countries without free healthcare. Without insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket for treatment, hospital stays, or even medical transportation back home.

“Our research shows that the majority of those who needed to make a claim did so due to lost baggage and transport delays. Flights can be cancelled, delayed, or disrupted due to unforeseen events such as bad weather, strikes, or personal emergencies. Without coverage, you might lose money on non-refundable bookings.

“Lost luggage, stolen passports, or missing valuables can be costly and stressful to replace. Travel insurance often helps with reimbursement and assistance in these situations.”

Rhys recommends buying travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip.

He said: “The best time to book travel insurance is as soon as you’ve made any financial commitments toward your trip, such as booking flights, accommodation, or tours. That way, you’ll have more comprehensive options and peace of mind knowing you’re protected long before your journey begins. Buying travel insurance might not be the most exciting part of planning a trip, but it’s one of the smartest.

“Recent data from Go.Compare revealed that over a quarter of holidaymakers (27%) wait until the day of departure to buy travel insurance, which leaves them completely unprotected against issues that could arise before their trip. Those buying a travel policy last minute leave themselves at risk, as they won’t be covered for any issues that arise in the run-up to their holiday, before their policy is in place – for instance, airline closures or issues with accommodation.

“The best type of travel insurance for you will depend on how often you plan to travel, where you’re going and for how long. Make sure you shop around, read the fine print, and compare coverage options from different providers and choose a plan that matches your trip. If you’re going on an adventure holiday, for example,  ensure activities like skiing or scuba diving are covered.”

For more information about the different types of travel insurance, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/

May 30th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

 American Express has launched a series of limited-time offers, which sees the return of the ‘Invite a Friend’ offer with boosted Membership Reward points, Avios and cashback offers across 11 eligible American Express® Cards for a limited time. In addition, the first-year annual fee will also be waived on the Amex® Cashback Card for new Cardmembers.

‘Invite a Friend’ offer

American Express has launched an enhanced ‘Invite a Friend’ offer across all eligible cards when existing Cardmembers successfully refer a friend for any eligible card. Running from 28 May until 15 July 2025, a range of offers are available across all eligible Cards including the Platinum Card®, American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card, American Express® Rewards Credit Card and Cashback Cards, giving both the existing Cardmember and new Cardmember the chance to earn boosted points or cashback.

For example, an existing American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card1 member who invites a friend can earn an increased bonus of 18,000 Membership Rewards points per successful referral*, double the amount of the standard 9,000 points. The invited friend will also receive 35,000 points if they spend £3,000 in the first three months of Card membership.

Gold Cardmembers receive four Priority Pass lounge passes each year, £120 in Deliveroo statement credits a year, and enhanced points-earning opportunities (including 2x points for every £1 spent directly with airlines or in a foreign currency).

Existing Platinum Card 2 members who successfully invite a friend can earn an increased bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points, an increase from the standard 12,000 Membership Rewards points on offer.

The invited friend could also receive 80,000 points if they spend £6,000 in the first three months of Card membership. Platinum Cardmembers can make the most of other benefits, including the £400 Global Dining Credit to spend at selected restaurants, and exclusive hotel benefits around the world with Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. This is on top of travel insurance for the Cardmember and their family, airport lounge access, and more. The Platinum Card® comes with an annual fee of £650.

Referrals can be made via existing Cardmember’s Amex® App or on the website, where Cardmembers will find their unique referral link. Eligible Cards include the Amex Gold Card, The Platinum Card®, Amex® Cashback, Amex® Cashback Everyday and the BA Classic Card. T&C’s apply.

American Express® Business Platinum and Business Gold Card limited time offer

Amex® Business Gold 3 and Business Platinum 4 Cardmembers can also benefit from the ‘Refer a Business’ offer.

Existing Amex® Business Gold Cardmembers who successfully refer a business owner could benefit from an increased 25,000 Membership Rewards points, up from 9,000 points, for each successful referral*. The new Cardmember could also receive 40,000 points if they spend £3,000 in the first 3 months of Card membership.

Additionally, existing Amex Business Platinum Cardmembers could increase their Membership Reward Points from 18,000 to 35,000 for each successful referral*, with the invited business owner eligible to receive up to 80,000 points if they spend £6,000 in the first three months of Card membership.

Amex® Cashback Card first year free limited time offer 5

From 28 May until 15 July 2025, new Amex® Cashback Cardmembers can enjoy the first year of Card membership without the annual fee. To save on the usual £25 annual card fee, new Cardmembers need to successfully sign up to the Amex® Cashback Card before the offer end date.

Amex® Cashback is one of the leading cashback cards in the UK and gives Cardmembers the chance to earn a 5% Cashback welcome bonus (up to £125) on purchases in the first three months of Card membership.

May 29th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

The latest price index from Go.Compare Car insurance has revealed that the average cost of a car insurance policy has decreased by 7% and is now at the lowest it’s been since early 2023.

The price index, which has been published this week, found that the type of policy you buy can have a significant impact on the price you pay. According to the latest figures, the cheapest premium available is a third party fire and theft policy at £408** but for £10 more (£418), a comprehensive policy will provide the highest level of cover. In addition, a Third Party Only (TPO) insurance policy may offer the lowest level of cover but it is still the most expensive, with a policy costing an average of £559 – 37% more expensive than a comprehensive policy.

As well as the type of policy you buy, the cost of your car insurance can also be influenced by your location – for example, if you live in London, the Index shows that car insurance will cost on average £598 a year, around 74% more expensive than Wales, where the median cost is £343.  This price difference is often down to the fact that if you live in London, there’s an increased risk of your car being damaged or stolen, and there’s also a greater chance that you’ll need to park your car on the street, rather than safely locked away in a garage.

Elsewhere in the Index, the data looks at how a motorist’s occupation can influence the price you pay – it found that the cheapest professions to insure include postmen, gardeners and medical secretaries.  The top 10 cheapest professions according to the Index are as follows:

Tom Banks, car insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare Car insurance, commented on the latest figures, “It’s great to see that car insurance prices have dropped – and while there has been some fluctuation in recent months, the general trend appears to be downward, which will be good news for motorists.

“Insurance is a significant cost for anyone with a car, so trying to get a good deal and not overpaying for your cover is really important – no one wants to pay more for their insurance than they have to. That said, ensuring the cover is right for your requirements is just as important. This is why it’s good to understand the factors that affect the price you pay – some will be fixed – i.e. your age and where you live – but there are things you can do to keep costs down. For example, shopping around at renewal is still the best way to save money – accepting the first quote you’re given doesn’t necessarily mean you have the best deal. In fact, it rarely does.

“There are over 100 insurance providers on the larger comparison sites, who all have different prices and levels of cover so accepting the first price you’re given is unlikely to be the best one. It doesn’t take long to compare policies using a comparison site and you could save a significant amount of money on your insurance costs.”

May 23rd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Despite a huge rise in the use of cashless payments over the last five years, new research reveals that more than one-fifth (23%) of Brits take over £450 cash abroad with them.*

The survey, undertaken by Go.Compare Travel insurance, also revealed that the average Brit takes £323.85 in local currency with them abroad, while just one in ten (10%) admitted they don’t take cash with them.

When it comes to age groups, it’s travellers aged 55 and over who carry the most cash on their getaway, with an average of £382.52. There is also a noticeable gender gap, with men taking around £45 more (£345.65), while women take an average of £300.97.

Carrying some cash with you abroad can ensure that you are able to pay everywhere, especially in destinations where card payments aren’t widely accepted.

But it can be risky, as the survey also revealed the top reasons people make a claim on their travel insurance policies, and found that over a fifth (21%) made a claim for theft or loss of personal belongings.**

Analysis of travel insurance policies by Go.Compare also reveals that 20 annual trip policies don’t provide any cover for cash abroad, and 72 provide cover for less than £200.***

Rhys Jones, spokesperson for Go.Compare travel insurance said: “Ensuring you have the right currency for your holiday is something many travellers still do before jetting off. While one in 10 are opting to go cash-free for their holidays, taking some currency with you remains a good backup in case a vendor doesn’t accept cash or there is a payment outage.

“But it’s important to check how much cash your travel insurance policy covers before heading abroad. Every policy has different limits, meaning if the unfortunate does happen and your cash is lost or stolen, you can only claim up to a certain amount.

“Also, make sure to check the excess specified on your policy, as this will directly affect how much you can actually claim. For example, if your policy covers £300 for cash but has an excess of £100, you’ll only be able to claim up to £200 if you lose that amount or more.

“Most insurers will also only accept a claim if certain conditions are met, such as the money needing to have been on your person or kept in a safe or safety deposit box when stolen.”

To learn more about what travel insurance policies do and don’t cover: https://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/

May 23rd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

As the UK heads into peak wedding season, guests across the country are preparing to celebrate—while also keeping a close eye on their finances.

From multiple invitations to destination ceremonies, the cost of attending weddings can add up quickly. Christie Cook, Managing Director of Retail at Hodge Bank, offers practical, budget-friendly advice to help guests enjoy every celebration without breaking the bank.

“With many people attending several weddings over the summer, the financial burden can start to overshadow the joy of the events

“By planning ahead and being smart with spending, guests can celebrate the love without the stress of overspending.”

Set a Realistic Budget Early On
“Start by getting a clear picture of all the weddings you’ve been invited to, because travel, gifts, accommodation, and pre-wedding events all add up.

“Once you know how many you’re attending, assign a total budget and break it down per event. It’s perfectly okay to spend more on close family or best friends, and a bit less on distant invites. Prioritising helps keep your spending intentional.”

Give Great Gifts Without Overspending
“Gift-giving doesn’t have to stretch your wallet, consider teaming up with friends for joint gifts, shop off-registry for something personal, or give a cash gift that fits comfortably within your budget.

“Don’t be afraid to shop off-registry, a thoughtful, personalised gift often goes much further than a big-ticket item. If you’d prefer to give cash, set a limit that feels comfortable for your budget, not one based on pressure.”

Cutting Travel and Accommodation Costs
“Book early and look at ways to share costs with other guests, group bookings, car sharing, and staying just outside the venue are all simple ways to save

“Flexibility helps too: travelling off-peak or staying slightly outside the venue area can offer big savings.”

Budget-Friendly Tips for Destination Weddings
“If you’re attending a destination wedding, treat it like a mini-holiday – but as with any holiday, plan ahead. Book flights and accommodation early, use price alerts, and check if other guests want to share costs.

“While it’s tempting to splurge while abroad, setting a daily spending limit keeps things on track. Packing smart can also save you from unexpected costs, no one wants to buy essentials at airport prices.”

Outfit Hacks for Wedding Season

“Think of your wardrobe as a capsule collection, a simple dress or suit can be styled multiple ways. Renting or swapping outfits with friends is another great option that keeps costs low and looks fresh.”

Hen and Stag Do Spending Boundaries
“Pre-wedding parties can be just as costly as the big day itself, don’t be afraid to be honest about your budget.

“Choose one or two key activities to attend and politely skip the rest—your financial wellbeing comes first.”

Enjoy the Season Without Financial Stress
“Weddings are about celebrating love and friendship—not about how much you spend, with a little planning and a clear budget, you can enjoy the season fully while keeping your finances on track. Your future self will thank you.”

Being a wedding guest shouldn’t come at the expense of your financial wellbeing. With a clear budget and a few savvy choices, it’s entirely possible to enjoy celebrating your loved ones’ big moments without the stress of overspending.

May 23rd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

May 19th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

The Bank of England’s inflation calculator indicates goods and services cost around a quarter more
in 2025 than they did five years ago. But data from SIM-only mobile provider spusu reveals that
the prices of some iconic British staples have shot up by as much as 117 per cent since 2020.
The research reveals the widespread impact of inflation, with many everyday items that once left
shoppers with plenty of change from a fiver now costing significantly more.

Key findings
Grabbing a quick bite on the go has become noticeably pricier. Meal deal fans looking to get their
lunchtime fix now have to fork out an average of £4.18 — up from £3.55 in 2020. While an 18 per
cent rise might not sound too bad compared to some other price hikes, supermarkets have
introduced ‘luxury’ meal deals at even steeper prices, meaning premium sandwiches and snacks
have quietly disappeared from the standard £3-£4 offers.

Even for a simple snack, prices have crept up. A 45g packet of Walker’s Ready Salted crisps will now
set you back £1.10, compared to just 80p five years ago – a 38 per cent jump.
Fast food lovers aren’t faring much better. The price of a Big Mac has ballooned by 57 per cent,
jumping from £2.99 to £4.69. Over at Burger King, fans of the Whopper are shelling out £6.49 for the
burger alone – up from £4.49 in 2020, a 45 per cent increase.

And while the humble Freddo has long been the nation’s favourite inflation benchmark, the
chocolate frog has only hopped up in price by eleven per cent – making it one of the ‘better’ deals of
the past five years.

Catching up on the news has now become a pricier habit. Buying a midweek national newspaper
now costs an average of £1.89, up from £1.16 in 2020 – a staggering 63 per cent increase.

For those looking for a post-work pint, it’s a similar story. The average price of a pint has climbed
from £3.80 to £4.79 – a 26 per cent increase, making after-work drinks an even costlier affair.

Meanwhile, stamp collectors – and anyone who still posts letters – will have noticed a big difference.
A first-class stamp has skyrocketed by an eye-watering 117 per cent since 2020, making it the biggest
price jump of all the everyday essentials analysed.

Getting more for your money
The research was carried out by spusu, a mobile provider that is committed to offering good value
for money. spusu has frozen its prices throughout 2025 — unlike many major providers that
increased prices from April 1.

While the cost of everyday essentials continues to climb, spusu is proving that good value still exists,
having recently launched spusu 5, a £4.90 per month SIM-only deal including 5GB of data, unlimited
calls and texts and free EU roaming (up to 3GB).

"While overall inflation figures are useful, they only tell part of the story. Many of the most popular
everyday items have skyrocketed in price — with some more than doubling in just five years," said
Christian Banhans, managing director at spusu UK.

"As the costs of everyday items continues to soar, staying connected shouldn’t come with
unexpected price hikes. Unlike other mobile providers, we won’t catch customers out with mid-
contract increases or expensive exit fees. Our plans are simple, affordable and transparent. By
introducing options like spusu 5, we’re making sure everyone has access to reliable mobile service at
a fair price — proving that you can still get a great deal for under a fiver.

ENDS

May 13th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

An estimated 7.2 million policyholders could be at risk of invalidating their home insurance due to putting off maintenance work around their property, a new study has calculated. Around two-fifths (43%) of Brits have delayed some form of maintenance because of the cost of living crisis, according to the research, which can lead to policies being invalidated.

Insurance providers expect properties to be kept in a good state of repair, meaning policyholders might not be covered if they fail to keep on top of maintenance work. As a result, struggling Brits are put in a difficult position, with many needing to delay certain repairs because of rising living costs. But, this could cause bigger issues if the property’s condition deteriorates and the insurer won’t pay out.

The numbers come from Go.Compare home insurance, which asked residents how rising costs have affected their ability to look after their property. It combined the results with FCA data, revealing that millions of insurance policyholders have struggled to keep up with the costs of maintaining their homes due to the cost of living crisis – something that could void their cover.

Many residents admitted that they aren’t even aware of this insurance risk. Two-fifths (41%) said they didn’t realise that putting off maintenance work can void home insurance, equal to approximately 6.8 million policyholders.[1][3] Based on the number who admit to delaying home maintenance, an estimated 2.9 million policyholders could be at risk of voiding their cover due to this issue without realising it.

Younger Brits have lower awareness of this insurance stipulation, according to the comparison site. Less than half (46%) of under-35s knew this could void a policy, compared to over two-thirds (69%) of those over 54.[2] Women are also slightly less likely to know about the rule, with 55% stating they were aware, compared to 63% of men.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Rising living costs are clearly forcing many households to delay maintenance work in and around their property. Paying for the essentials will always come first but putting off repairs, especially serious ones, can have a significant impact on your safety over the long term.

“Plus, home insurance usually requires you to keep the property in good condition, so your insurer likely wouldn’t accept your claim if things started to deteriorate and you were found to be at fault. Insurance prices have actually dropped recently, too, so comparing now could help you find a cheaper policy.  This could give you one less cost to worry about and free up some cash to make those repairs.

“It’s worth exploring the different ways you can make repairs when times are tight. Some jobs will need to be done professionally, so don’t attempt any repairs yourself unless you’re confident it’s safe and legal to do so. Consider contacting Citizens Advice or your local authority if you need help, as they could advise on how you can get support through the provision of things like loans, grants or materials.”

More information about the impact of the cost of living crisis on home maintenance can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

May 13th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Money worries are now significantly impacting people’s relationships, according to new research released by Money Wellness to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 (13–19 May).

The financial wellbeing platform, which offers free debt advice and ongoing support, surveyed customers to find out how financial stress affects personal wellbeing. More than a quarter (28%) of respondents said their relationship had suffered due to money worries – up from 23% in 2023.

Almost three-quarters (72%) said finances are the main cause of their stress, while 83% said they feel stressed most of the time. Debt, budgeting disagreements, and growing financial pressure were cited as common flashpoints for arguments between couples.

“Money stress isn’t just something you carry in your head, it follows you into your home, your relationships, and your sense of security,” said Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness. “It’s one of the biggest relationship stressors we see. And in some cases, it’s leading to controlling behaviour and even financial abuse.”

From arguments to abuse: When financial control becomes coercion

The survey also shone a light on a darker issue. Some respondents reported that financial stress was leading to controlling behaviour in relationships. While not always recognised as such, limiting a partner’s access to money or controlling their spending can be signs of financial abuse, which is a form of domestic abuse.

“We’ve seen people in relationships where one partner, often under pressure themselves, begins to restrict what the other can spend,” said McCullough. “It might start with good intentions but can quickly turn into coercive control. Recognising those signs early and seeking help is vital.”

Other key findings from the 2025 Money Wellness survey include:

• 83% feel stressed most of the time
• 76% say stress is affecting their sleep
• 74% report an impact on their mental health
• 55% say stress affects all aspects of their life
• 28% say money stress is damaging their relationship (up from 23% in 2023)
• 22% say it’s affecting their performance at work

“When people feel safe and supported, they open up. And often, it’s the first time they’ve admitted how much their debt is affecting every part of their life. It’s time we broke the stigma around debt and recognised it for what it is: a mental health issue as much as a financial one,” concluded McCullough.