From March 31st many broadband providers hike their prices. If you’re already out of
contract or will be before that date, now is the time to check. MyVoucherCodes tech and
money-saving expert, Nathan Walters, says “Many of our household bills will rise in April,
and not overpaying for your broadband will make a significant impact on your outgoings. It’s
worth taking the time to research now before the price increases come into force”

Nathan shares his tips for ensuring you get the cheapest broadband deal for your needs –
from haggling with broadband suppliers to checking your broadband speed.
Which Broadband suppliers are increasing prices?

● BT & Plusnet (31/03/25)
● Now (01/04/25)
● O2 (01/04/25)
● Sky (01/04/25)
● Talk Talk (01/04/25)
● Three (01/04/25)
● Virgin Media (01/04/25)
● Vodafone (01/04/25)

Switch at the end of your contract: Broadband providers love to lure new customers with
fantastic introductory offers, but these often increase once your minimum contract ends.
Note your end date and shop around to see if you could get a better deal elsewhere before
you switch to an expensive, standard tariff.

Haggle for a better deal: It may sound uncomfortable, but being bold and calling your
current provider could score you a discount. Mention competing offers you’ve seen
elsewhere, and you might be surprised how quickly they’re willing to match or beat a rival’s
price to keep you as a customer.

Slash costs with a social tariff: If you’re on specific benefits (like Universal Credit), certain
providers offer special tariffs that can significantly cut down your broadband bill. These deals
aren’t advertised as loudly as standard packages, so do some detective work or call
customer services to see if you qualify.

Check your speed requirements: Some people pay for lightning-fast speeds they barely
use. You might not need a top-tier package if you mainly browse, stream on one or two
devices, and send emails. Downshifting to a slightly slower speed can shave pounds off your
monthly bill without drastically affecting your internet experience.

Bundle with other services: Sometimes, combining broadband with TV, phone, or even
mobile services under one provider can unlock discounts. For example, you can save money
on your home broadband if you have an EE mobile contract. However, always do the
maths—adding extra services you don’t need just for a “deal” can cost more in the long run.
Look out for cashback offers. Many broadband deals come bundled with cashback or gift
vouchers when you sign up through specific comparison sites. While jumping at the biggest
upfront freebie is tempting, ensure the monthly costs and contract fees make financial sense
overall.

Use comparison sites: A little online research can save you serious money. Tools like
MoneySuperMarket, Uswitch, and Compare the Market let you filter by speed, cost, and
contract length, making it easier to spot the best bargain. Remember to check reviews to
ensure the service quality is decent.

Upgrade your router instead of your plan: Are you struggling with sluggish speeds?
Sometimes, it’s your old router or Wi-Fi extender rather than your broadband connection.
Upgrading hardware or moving your router to a central spot can solve patchy signals. No
pricey contract changes are required.

Watch out for hidden fees: Look beyond the headline price when switching or signing a
new deal. Activation fees, line rental costs, and router charges can creep up. Factor these in
before jumping on what appears to be a too-good-to-be-true monthly rate.

Avoid rolling monthly plans. Rolling monthly or no-contract plans can be handy if you
need short-term broadband, but they’re often pricier in the long run. Locking in for a year or
18 months usually brings the best monthly rates. Just keep track of when the deal ends so
you can re-negotiate or switch.

Santander has today launched a new range of Fixed Rate ISA products, with a £50 voucher offer for customers transferring in £10,000 or more from a non-Santander ISA. 

The new range of competitive ISAs, which can be opened online or in branch, are:

  • 1 Year Fixed-Rate ISA – 4.15% AER/tax-free (fixed)
  • 18 Month Fixed-Rate ISA – 4.05% AER/tax-free (fixed)
  • 2 Year Fixed-Rate ISA – 4.00% AER/tax-free (fixed)

The bank is also offering a £50 cashback e-voucher to customers who transfer an ISA of at least £10,000 from another provider into a Santander Fixed Rate ISA. The voucher can be spent at over 100 outlets, including restaurants, supermarkets and clothes stores. A full list of retailers can be found here. Customers will receive their code to redeem their voucher automatically by email within 30 days of the completed transfer.

Saket Jasoria, Head of Savings at Santander UK, said: “With the new tax year just around the corner, we know many will be considering how they can make their money work harder for them. That’s why we’re pleased to launch our new Fixed Rate ISAs giving customers tax-free competitive returns, along with our £50 e-voucher cashback offer, as an added treat this Spring.”

Santander is part of the industry ISA transfer scheme and has dedicated teams in place to process customers’ ISA transfer requests, making it quick and easy for customers to transfer an ISA from another provider to Santander.

More information about Santander’s fixed rate ISAs and savings product can be found on the Santander website and in branch.

A new study has found that 2.9 million UK drivers pay more for their Vehicle Excise Duty (also called car tax) than necessary, simply because they’re unaware of a 5% surcharge applied to their payments.

Drivers who choose to spread the cost of their car tax through monthly direct debit instalments have to pay this 5% surcharge, meaning they end up paying more overall.

Close to two-fifths (39%) of motorists admit they didn’t know there was an extra cost for paying in this way, according to the research by Go.Compare Car Insurance. Among all vehicle owners who pay in monthly instalments, this amounts to 5.6 million who are unaware of the extra fee included in their tax.

For drivers paying in this way, the 5% fee quickly adds up. In total, UK motorists pay an additional £56.3 million a year without realising. Almost half (49%) of these drivers said they would pay differently if they knew about the surcharge. This means 2.9 million paid more than they needed to because they were unaware of the 5% extra fee, equating to £27.5 million that could’ve been saved.

To put the impact into perspective, a vehicle owner who pays £1,000 a year in car tax by monthly instalments would pay an extra £50 each year in surcharges. Over five years, that’s £250 lost on unnecessary fees. Those with higher vehicle tax rates could be wasting even more.

The surcharge is added automatically to vehicle tax that is paid monthly or every six months, but is not included on annual payments. Because the charge is included in the instalment plan, many motorists don’t notice they’re paying more than necessary.

Despite this extra cost, many people opt for direct debit simply because it’s convenient. But for those who can afford to pay in full, switching to a single annual payment at renewal is a simple way to avoid unnecessary charges – without needing to change their car, mileage, or tax band.

Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Setting up a direct debit is an easy way to pay for your yearly car tax, but many drivers don’t realise they’re forking out extra for that convenience. For some vehicle owners, paying monthly also makes the most sense as it allows you to spread the cost, but those who can afford to pay in full should consider switching to a one-off annual payment to save on the surcharge.

“Even if monthly instalments are the best option for your budget, it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying – and how much more it’s costing you over time. Checking your payment method before your next renewal could be a simple way to avoid unnecessary costs and make sure you’re getting the best deal.

“While it’s not possible to reclaim past surcharges you’ve paid, you can avoid any future added fees by switching to a single annual payment when your next renewal is due.”

Find more information about car tax costs on the Go.Compare website.

The end of the financial year is a month away, and Hodge is offering their top tips for getting the most out of your ISA.

As the end of the tax year approaches, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re maximising your Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance.

These tips come after a significant increase in searches for ISAs, which saw an increase of 100% in February according to Google Search Data.

With just a few weeks left, Christie Cook, Managing Director of Retail at Hodge is here to offer expert tips to ensure you’re making the most of your ISA and taking full advantage of tax-free savings opportunities.

  • Use Your Full Allowance

 

“The annual ISA allowance for the 2024/2025 tax year is £20,000. If you haven’t already reached this limit, now is the time to top up your account.

Whether it’s through a Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA, or Innovative Finance ISA, ensuring you fully use this allowance could result in significant tax savings.”

  • Consider Moving Funds

 

“Following the previous tip about maximising your savings by using your full ISA allowance, if you’ve been holding cash in a non-ISA account, consider transferring it to your ISA to benefit from tax-free interest or capital gains.

This will allow you to gain more interest on the money you’ve been storing, by reaping the rewards of tax-free interest.”

  • Don’t Forget About the Benefits of a Stocks & Shares ISA

 

“For those with a longer investment horizon, a Stocks & Shares ISA could provide higher growth potential compared to a traditional Cash ISA. By investing within an ISA, any returns are tax-free, giving you the opportunity to build wealth over time without worrying about capital gains tax.

Additionally, the tax-free nature of an ISA allows your investments to grow unhindered, potentially compounding over time. This makes a Stocks & Shares ISA an excellent option for those looking to build wealth over the long run, especially for retirement or other long-term financial goals.”

  • Review Your Current ISA Strategy

 

“It’s always a good idea to review your ISA portfolio before the end of the tax year. Our recommendation is to assess whether your current ISA investments are aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.”

  • Plan for Next Year

 

“If you’re unable to reach your £20,000 limit this year, our tip is to start planning ahead for the following year.

Setting up regular contributions could help you maximise your ISA contributions throughout the next tax year, ensuring consistent growth of your tax-free savings.”

As the end of the tax year approaches, now is the perfect time to review and maximise your ISA contributions. Whether you’re looking to boost your savings in a Cash ISA or explore higher growth potential with a Stocks & Shares ISA, taking action before the deadline can help you make the most of your tax-free allowance.

Many homeowners are unaware of the costly repairs lurking in their homes – until it’s too late. New figures from Ocean Finance reveal that unexpected maintenance issues, such as leaky pipes, roof damage, and electrical faults, could set homeowners back by as much as £15,000.

And with energy bills set to rise next month, household budgets are under even more strain. From April 1, the price cap will push average bills to £1,849 per year.

Fiona Peake, Personal Finance Expert at Ocean Finance, says: “Many homeowners underestimate the importance of regular maintenance. It’s not a matter of if something will go wrong, but when – and when it does, the costs can be shocking.”

Their data highlights that more than 30% of UK homeowners admit they’re unprepared for surprise repair costs, with 15% struggling to afford them when they arise.

Six Hidden Home Repair Costs

  1. Roofing Repairs: £4,000-£5,000

“A damaged roof may not be obvious until it’s too late. Leaks can cause severe structural damage, leading to major repairs. Keeping an eye on roof condition and getting it checked annually can save you from an expensive disaster.”

  1. Plumbing and Water Damage: £2,000-£3,000

“Hidden leaks or plumbing issues can lead to disastrous water damage, which might be undetected until it causes visible harm. The cost of fixing water damage depends on the extent of the problem but could run into thousands, particularly if walls, flooring, and personal possessions are damaged.”

  1. Electrical Faults: £1,500-£3,000

“Rewiring a home or fixing a circuit issue can cost thousands, and if left unresolved, these problems can lead to further damage or, in extreme cases, fire hazards.”

  1. Damp and Mould: £1,000-£5,000

“Damp issues can result in costly repairs, including treatment for mould or extensive structural repairs. Left unchecked, damp can also affect health, which adds another layer of concern for homeowners.”

  1. Boiler and Heating Repairs: £2,000-£3,500

“Boilers are an essential part of any home, but they’re expensive to replace. If your boiler is aging or experiences a breakdown, the cost of repairs or even a complete replacement could be a hefty sum.”

  1. Structural and Foundation Issues: £5,000-£15,000

“If the foundation of your home shifts or cracks, it can lead to expensive repairs that can’t be ignored. These repairs are typically the most expensive and can range anywhere from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands, depending on the severity.”

What Can You Do to Prevent Costly Repairs?

While you can’t always avoid home repairs, Fiona details steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of a surprise bill:

  • Regular Inspections: “It pays to be proactive. Conduct regular checks on key areas of your home, such as the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems. Catching small issues before they become major problems can save you thousands.”
  • Home Insurance: “It’s essential to have home insurance that covers both the cost of repairs and any potential damage. But not all policies cover every type of repair, so it’s important to read the small print.”
  • Save for Emergencies: “Budgeting for home maintenance can help prevent the shock that comes with these unexpected bills. Try to set aside 1-3% of your home’s value each year for repairs and maintenance.”
  • Energy Efficiency Improvements: “Simple updates like upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or servicing your boiler can reduce the likelihood of expensive issues and saves you money on energy bills too.”
  • Work With Professionals: “Always work with reputable contractors! Cutting corners might seem cost-effective initially but could lead to more expensive problems down the line.”

What If the Damage is Already Done?

Fiona says, “Many homeowners delay saving for repairs until something breaks, leaving them scrambling for funds. Savings are ideal but they’re not always an option, especially if you need to act quickly. If you need urgent repairs and can’t cover the cost upfront, a 0% interest credit card or personal loan could help.”

For more money-saving tips and financial advice, visit Ocean Finance.

A new study has estimated that 5.7 million Brits are struggling to keep up with their credit card repayments. Just over one in 10 (14%) credit card holders said they were finding it hard to meet their repayments, meaning millions could be grappling with debts across the country.

The research comes from Go.Compare, which used a combination of survey data and ONS figures to estimate how many credit card holders are struggling with their finances due to the cost of living crisis. In response to the results, the insurance comparison site is now sharing how those in financial difficulty can get support.

Young adults and parents were found to be among those struggling the most with this. Just over a fifth (21%) of credit card holders with kids said they are finding it hard to keep up, compared to only 12% of those not supporting a family.

Similarly, around a fifth (22%) of those aged 25 to 34 said they’ve been having difficulty meeting their repayments – the highest proportion of any age group. A similar percentage (19%) of 35 to 54s said the same thing, while only one in 10 others reported having this issue.

Some credit card holders are not struggling to keep on top of their bills completely, but have had to reduce their repayments. One-fifth (19%) reported that they have reduced their repayments because of the cost of living crisis, meaning it’s likely taking Brits a lot longer to pay off what they owe. It could also result in increased debt and a poorer credit score if they drop below the minimum repayments.

The analysis also revealed that card holders across all income levels have had to trim their repayments, not just those on low incomes. Just under a quarter (23%) of those on lower or middle incomes have had to make this reduction, only slightly more than those on a higher income – 18% of which have had to cut back.

Once again, parents were among those most likely to be doing this. Close to a third (30%) of those with kids have done so, in comparison to just 17% of those without kids.

Middle-aged credit card holders and those in their late 20s are also some of the most affected. Just under a quarter (24%) aged 25 to 64 have reduced their repayments, compared to roughly a fifth (19%) of under 25s and just 8% of over 64s. Those in their late 20s and early 30s have been especially affected, with 30% stating that they have cut back on their repayments.

Matt Sanders, credit card expert at Go.Compare, said: “Credit card debt can build up quickly, but there are plenty of things you can do to get back on top of it. So, as difficult as it may be, try not to panic. For instance, your provider could offer you an affordable ‘repayment plan’, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Just keep in mind that they may stop your card if you don’t agree to the plan.

“Your first port of call should be to see if you can get a balance transfer onto a card with a lower APR. They often offer 0% rates for an introductory period, so it’s a good opportunity to clear your debt if you can pay it off before this ends, although they also usually charge a fee for making the transfer. They might also offer to reduce, waive or cancel interest and charges, or pause your payments.

“This means it’ll take longer to pay off and can affect your ability to obtain credit in the future, but it could stop things from piling up. A debt consolidation loan could also help you pay off what you owe, as it can work out cheaper if the loan offers a lower interest rate than your cards. This can also involve up-front costs and could lead to more debt if you can’t pay it off.

“All of these options have their pros and cons, so you need to weigh up which one is best for you. If you’re worried about your credit card repayments, agencies like StepChange and the National Debt Helpline provide support with things like budget management plans. Citizens Advice can also help you find support if you are struggling with day-to-day living costs.”

More information on the cost of living crisis’ impact on credit card holders can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

Multitrip.com, a specialist travel insurance provider, reveals travellers’ top five insurance claims  and how much they can cost, demonstrating what can go wrong when people are away from home. The most common reason is claiming for medical costs, with this accounting for almost a third (30%) of claims .

One in five claims are for cancellation (21%) usually because of illness or injury to the traveller or a travelling companion. This is closely followed by claims for travel delays (16%) often due to a customer not being able to use pre-booked accommodation or transport due to a flight delay.

One in ten claims are for lost baggage (10%) and one in twenty for curtailment (5%) which is when someone has to cut short their holiday. Typically, the highest value claims are for medical, cancellation and curtailment. For example, a fracture in Europe could cost over £27,000 , and over £87,000 in the USA.

Christian Bennett from Multitrip.com comments, “Unfortunately things can and do go wrong when we’re away from home. Travel insurance is there to provide financial protection if your holiday doesn’t go as planned.”

He continues, “It’s important to check that the policy you buy provides sufficient cover for your needs. Our Essential cover provides great protection as standard, with Premier and Premier Plus Cover offering extended benefits for those who want even more protection.”

Multitrip.com offers a range of policies to suit different needs and budgets. The Annual ‘Essential Cover’ policy, starting from just £19.99 , includes up to £1,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and £1,600 for baggage or baggage delay.

For those looking for added reassurance, Premier and Premier Plus Cover provide additional benefits beyond the Essential Cover, offering greater flexibility and protection for your trip. ‘Premier Cover ‘ provides up to £3,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and up to £2,000 for baggage. The ‘ Premier Plus Cover ‘ offers the most extensive protection, with up to £5,000 for cancellation or curtailment and up to £3,500 for baggage or baggage delay.

From wonky weekends and flying at anti-social times, to out of peak travel, nine in ten holidaymakers (89%) have taken steps to save money on their holiday, according to an Opinium survey* of 1,000 holidaymakers, by Multitrip.com, a specialist travel insurance provider.

The top ten money saving holiday hacks

1.    Travel out of peak holiday seasons (60%)
2.    Travel midweek (46%)
3.    Holiday during school termtime (32%)
4.    Go self-catering (32%)
5.    Fly at anti-social times (30%)
6.    A wonky weekend – e.g. Saturday to Tuesday (29%)
7.    Use loyalty points / programmes (29%)
8.    Book last-minute (28%)
9.    Choose holiday destination based only on the best flight and accommodation price (25%)
10.    Wait for flight sales (23%)

Another popular hack (20%) is booking a surprise trip where the destination is unknown when you book. Incredibly a third (32%) of 18–27-year-olds are planning to do this.  One in five (21%) are also planning to stay in cheaper accommodation than usual to get the destination they want.

Christian Bennett of Multitrip.com said: “Holidays remain a top priority for many and when budgets are tight there are some creative ways to cut the cost. However, it’s risky to cut corners and travel without sufficient cover in place’’.  He continues, “We also urge holidaymakers to arrange their travel insurance as soon as they book. This is to ensure your holiday is covered from the outset.” 

Annual Multitrip.com travel insurance policies start from £19.99**.

Some of the UK’s favourite charities are working with local solicitors to allow people to write or update their Wills free of charge this March. The campaign is called Free Wills Month and it has run, with tremendous success, since 2005, and each year it raises £30 million in future income and now the campaign is running in Aberdeen, Barry, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Chichester, Coventry, Crawley, Darlington, Dundee, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Essex, Fife, Glasgow, Harrogate, Hastings, Hertfordshire, Horsham, Inverness, Kent, Kilmarnock, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Mid Wales, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Wales, Northamptonshire, Norwich, Perth, Peterborough, Sheffield, Sunderland, Surrey, Swansea, Wirral, Wolverhampton and Worthing.

The Charities are paying for a limited number of Wills to encourage more people to leave charitable gifts in their Wills (legacies), although there is no obligation for people using the service to leave a gift to the charity.

The Free Wills Month charities are Age UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Guide Dogs, Marie Curie, Mencap, NSPCC, Oxfam, The Royal British Legion, The Salvation Army, Stroke Association, Versus Arthritis, RNID, RNLI, Breast Cancer Now, Mind, PDSA, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, Dogs Trust and Help for Heroes. They all depend on legacies for a huge part of their income – which means their vital work is only made possible by the gifts left in Wills.

The beauty of leaving a legacy gift is that it costs nothing now. People are often surprised how far a gift in your Will can go, even a small percentage of your estate could make a big difference. Most people who use the service choose to leave a gift to one or more of the charities sponsoring the campaign.

The campaign is open to anyone aged 55 or over (in the case of a couple making mirror Wills it is sufficient if one has reached 55). All people have to do is call one of the participating solicitors shown in adverts in the local press or listed on our website www.freewillsmonth.org.uk before 5pm on Monday, 31st March.

Appointments are limited and can fill up quickly, so we recommend calling to book your Free Wills appointment sooner rather than later to avoid missing this opportunity to put your affairs in order while doing something good for charity.

Campaign runs from 3rd-31st March

Free solicitor written Will for anyone aged 55 and over

Visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk for more information

The UK continues to experience financial pressure, with rising living costs and diminishing disposable income affecting many households. Recent search data indicates over 1.1 million monthly searches for ‘cost of living,’ signalling heightened financial anxiety across the country.

To understand where residents are coping best and where financial advice may be in higher demand, The Co-operative Bank analysed financial-related search volumes, employment rates, and median pay across 30 UK cities. This research highlights which cities demonstrate greater financial resilience and where demand for financial guidance is more pronounced.

Gloucester is the most financially resilient city, boasting the highest employment rate at 91%

Gloucester ranks first for financial resilience, driven by the highest employment rate of 90.8% among all cities studied. Residents in Gloucester conduct an average of 35 searches per 10,000 people each month for financial-worry-related terms, significantly lower than in cities where financial anxiety appears to be higher.

Other high-ranking cities for financial resilience include London and Oxford. London, ranking second, has a median weekly pay of £968, the highest in the UK, and a stable employment rate of 75.1%. Despite facing a higher cost of living, residents conduct 67 financial-worry-related searches per 10,000 people each month, reflecting moderate financial concern.

Oxford ranks third, reflecting relatively low financial concerns and positive economic indicators. Residents conducted 22 financial-worry-related searches per 10,000 people monthly, one of the lowest figures across the UK.

While these cities show signs of greater financial resilience, individuals and households across the UK continue to face financial challenges. This highlights the ongoing need for accessible financial support and guidance.

Rank

City

Avg. monthly searches (per 10k people) for financial-worry terms

Employment levels

Weekly median pay

1

Gloucester

35

90.8%

£578

2

London

67

75.1%

£968

3

Oxford

22

77.8%

£719

4

Derby

21

74.5%

£650

5

Cambridge

20

69.8%

£716

Newcastle residents are the most likely to seek financial advice, with 107 searches per 10k people monthly

Newcastle ranks first, with 107 financial-related searches per 10,000 people each month. Popular search topics include cost of living and interest rates, reflecting residents’ heightened financial concerns. With a weekly median pay of £600 and an employment rate of 69.4%, some residents may be seeking advice to help manage rising costs.

Birmingham follows closely, with 99 searches per 10,000 people each month. A notable search term is ‘food bank near me,’ indicating that residents may be actively seeking local support services. Birmingham’s median weekly pay is £629, slightly below the UK average, while its employment rate of 66.1% suggests challenges in job availability or stability.

Manchester, also with 99 monthly searches per 10,000 people, ranks third. Despite a weekly median pay of £679, above the UK average, the city’s employment rate of 65.9% may explain why financial concerns are prevalent. Many residents appear proactive in seeking financial advice.

Karen Davison, Head of Unsecured Arrears & Bereavement, shares key tips on how to cope with the cost of living rise:

“Effective financial management starts with planning. The 50/30/20 rule is a helpful guide: 50% of income goes to essentials, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. For example, if you earn £2,000 per month, that’s £1,000 for essentials, £600 for wants, and £400 for savings, adjusting as needed to fit your situation.

To cut energy costs, review bills for better rates and practice energy-saving habits like turning off unused appliances or cooking in batches. If needed, contact your supplier about support options such as payment breaks.

Smart shopping can also reduce expenses. Use loyalty cards, seek discounts, plan meals, and pack lunches to save money while reducing waste.”