Some recent statistics from Cash 4 Gold Now highlighted a whole world of wasted treasures

in the UK. The company asked 2,000 people in the UK what they do with their broken or unwanted jewellery. A quarter (26%) said they just leave it in a drawer to gather dust basically. A further 18% said they throw it away.

What a waste! So here are 5 tips for things you can do instead with broken or unwanted jewellery.

Make a Charm Bracelet from Several Pieces

A snapped chain may still have a pretty pendant. And an old bracelet that you just don’t like anymore can enjoy a new lease of life by taking pendants and pieces from older or broken bits of jewellery and turning them into your very own unique charm bracelet.

Create Keyrings

Salvaging the bits broken pieces of jewellery that are still good can leave you with lots of small (pretty) items. These can easily be turned into keyrings and other small trinket style items.

And with Christmas around the corner, upcycling broken bits of jewellery into one of a kind keyrings could be a sustainable, thoughtful handmade gift for friends and family. Get rummaging through that jewellery box!

Get them Repaired

If a crafty upcycling project isn’t your bag, then maybe trying to breathe life back into the pieces as they are is a solid option for you. If a piece of jewellery breaking is the reason you’re not wearing if anymore, then consider getting it repaired.

It may cost less than you think. Pop into a jeweller with the broken pieces and get a quote or check out repair shops online. Lots exist now where you simply post the pieces off and they send them back all repaired and as good as new!

Give Them Away

Just because you don’t fancy an upcycling project doesn’t mean nobody else will. What a shame for something someone else may still absolutely love to sit in a dark cupboard somewhere forever more.

There are freebies style groups on social media and you can even just ask around your friends (perhaps the art-and-craft-gifted ones) to see if anyone can give a home to your unloved jewellery items.

Sell Them!

Ebay and Vinted are decent places for selling lower cost or costume jewellery items. But if you’ve got old jewellery made of precious metals like gold, you might practically have cash sitting around your jewellery box or in your cupboards and drawers.

Whether a piece of jewellery is broken or not, if it’s made of a saleable metal, you can sell it. Lots of specialist companies, including the likes of Cash 4 Gold Now, will buy gold from you. So you could sell it, cash in and buy yourself something new after all!

Don’t Let it Sit There Doing Nothing

Ultimately, just don’t let it sit there gathering dust. Whether you want to get creative, give it away or cash it in, all of the those options are more useful than simply leaving your jewellery in a cupboard or even sending it to landfill!

One of the first steps you can take towards securing your retirement income is consolidating your pensions. Many people have multiple personal pension plans from previous jobs, and it can be challenging to keep track of them all. By transferring a pension or consolidating them into a single account, you simplify your retirement planning and make it easier to manage.

Look into the options available to you, such as a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or a workplace pension scheme, and explore the benefits they offer. Streamlining your pensions not only helps you keep track of your funds but also allows for better investment decisions.

Create A Budget and Stick To It

Budgeting is crucial at any stage of life, but it becomes even more important when you’re planning for retirement. Start by assessing your current income, expenses, and debts. Identify areas where you can cut back and save more for your future. Remember, every pound you save now will have a compounding effect over time. Set realistic goals and prioritise saving for pension pot within your budget. Make sure to review and adjust your budget periodically as your circumstances change.

Maximise Your Workplace Pension Contributions

If you’re employed, take full advantage of your workplace pension scheme. Many employers offer pension contributions as part of their benefits package, and some even provide a matching contribution to what you put in. This is essentially free money towards your retirement savings. Find out the maximum amount your employer will match and aim to contribute at least that much. By doing so, you’re not only saving more money but also maximising the benefits offered by your employer.

Explore Other Retirement Savings Options

While personal pensions and workplace pensions are a common retirement savings vehicle, they may not be the only option that suits your needs. Look into other savings vehicles, such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) or other investment opportunities that offer tax advantages. ISAs, for example, allow you to save a certain amount tax-free each year, which can be a valuable addition to your retirement savings strategy. Consider consulting a financial advisor for independent financial advice who can guide you through the available options and help you choose the best deal and most suitable ones for your circumstances.

Invest Wisely

Investing can be an effective way to grow your retirement savings over time, but it’s essential to approach it with caution. Educate yourself about different investment options, risky investments, and diversification strategies. Property, stocks, bonds, shares, and precious metals are all worthwhile investments but need to be fully researched before investing any money.

Seek professional, financial advice from a pension provider if you’re unsure about where to invest or lack the expertise. Remember that investing involves some level of risk, so it’s important to assess your risk tolerance and choose investments that align with your goals and comfort level.

Plan For Long-Term Care

While it’s not the most pleasant topic to think about, planning for long-term care is crucial. The cost of healthcare and support services in your later years can be significantly high and seriously reduce your property, savings and pensions. Look into long-term care insurance or explore other more affordable options to ensure you have a plan in place for any potential healthcare needs. Being prepared for these expenses will provide you with peace of mind and protect your retirement savings from being depleted by unforeseen circumstances.

Keep Reviewing And Adjusting

Finally, remember that retirement planning is not a one-time task. As you move through different stages of life, your financial situation and goals may change. Regularly review your retirement plan, reassess your goals, and make adjustments as needed. Life is full of unknown and unexpected surprises, and being adaptable in your retirement planning will help you stay on track and make the most of your golden years.

Starting to secure your financial future for retirement may feel overwhelming, but taking small steps right now can make a significant difference. Consolidating your pensions, creating a budget, maximising your workplace pension contributions, exploring different savings options, investing wisely, planning for long-term care, and reviewing your plan regularly are all essential components of a robust retirement age strategy. Don’t delay any longer—start today and set yourself up for guaranteed income with a comfortable and worry-free retirement in the UK!

When you’re ready to take out an ISA to help invest in your future or the future of others, more information can be found here. Until then, here’s what you need to know about ISAs and how they can assist your financial goals.

What Is An ISA?

An ISA, also known as an Individual Savings Account, is an investments and savings method in which people can save money for the future. The funds deposited into an ISA (as long as it remains within the specified limits of the ISA) are tax-efficient and don’t incur any taxation on the interest gained in the account.

For 2022-2023, you can invest up to £20,000 in ISAs without paying tax on the interest you earn. You also don’t need to declare your cash ISA on a tax return. Whilst current returns do not match interest payments that banks are offering due to the increase in the rate of inflation it is still a beneficial savings plan due to its tax-free status.

The figures for 2021 show that there were 11.5 million cash ISA’s in the UK which was a slight decrease in numbers, however the number of stocks & shares ISA’s increased to 3.5 million which proves that they are still a very popular way to invest savings. 

Understanding your annual ISA allowance and how your contributions will affect your savings and investments is critical before deciding which type of ISA is right for you.

The Range Of ISAs To Choose From

ISAs are predominantly taken out in one of the following versions:

Junior ISAs: These ISAs are taken out by parents or legal guardians who want to give more financial support to a child in the future. One of the benefits of a Junior ISA is the ability to save up to £9,000 per year, tax-free. Anyone is permitted to contribute to an ISA like this, and once the child turns 18, they’ll gain full access to the funds saved. 

Lifetime ISAs: These ISAs were made to help savers get funds together for either retirement or putting a deposit down on a first home. The annual limit for a lifetime ISA is £4,000 with the added benefit of the government contributing 25% on whatever you can save during the ISA. 

Cash ISAs: These ISAs work a lot like a savings account, except you’re able to put up to £20,000 into a Cash ISA, tax-free. 

Stocks and Shares ISAs: These ISAs are similar to a Cash ISA, but the money put into the ISA is invested into the marketplace instead of sitting still in the account. While there are more risks associated with this ISA due to market volatility, the potential rewards are also larger. 

Finding The Right ISA For Your Specific Needs

Before making a final decision about which ISA will be best for your financial needs, consider how much risk you’re willing to take. Then take some time to weigh up your end goal in terms of how much you want to save, and whether the ISA is for you or someone else. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to move forward with your ideal ISA and savings plan.

Speaking to an independent financial advisor or directly to your bank is critical in the decision making process for any investment or savings plan. Discover whether a Junior ISA, Lifetime ISA, Cash ISA or Stocks and Shares ISA is the best to place your money into and how they will affect your tax status into your retirement.

Understanding all of the jargon involved in this type of investment is challenging and can be overwhelming so seeking a reputable advisor is critical.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect ISA to plan for, contribute towards, and look forward to reaping the rewards for is an effective way to plan for your own future. If you can be sure to keep what matters most to you at the forefront of your mind, you can let it lead you to the best savings and investment plans for your needs.

It is estimated that 93% of adults in the UK use online banking, and smartphones account for the majority of that.

Cash is no longer king – that crown goes to mobile banking apps and digital wallets. These convenient tools can also provide opportunities for scammers to take advantage in times of low vigilance.

So how can you and your loved ones stay safe whilst using financial apps for managing your banking, savings and ISAs? Let’s take a look.

Be Wary of Scammers

Phishing is the most-used scam in the UK. It is when criminals send messages to you or a loved one while pretending to be someone or something else – such as a bank.

Treat any unexpected messages that claim to be from your bank with extreme caution. If messages include links for you to click on, contact your bank directly to check their legitimacy.

Protect Your Banking App

Try to avoid using a passcode that matches personal details and is easier to guess, such as birthdays or addresses.

If you can use a password, make it three random words that aren’t directly linked to you or each other.

Biometrics are even better than passcodes and passwords when using your smartphone. Be sure to utilise the full range of security features. This might include fingerprint scanners or facial and speech recognition.

They will also protect you if your phone is lost or stolen, preventing others from accessing your banking details.

Log Out When Finished

Most finance and mobile banking apps will log you out after a short period of inactivity. But it is always best to be 100% sure.

When you’ve finished using the app, log out and close the app. If you don’t need to keep using it, be sure to lock it too. Leaving your banking app open may offer your information to snoopers, or your phone could be snatched.

Avoid Public Networks

Using a VPN on your smartphone will give you an added layer of protection if you’re mobile banking on a public network. You might be transferring funds while in a shopping centre, for example.

You can download a VPN for all kinds of mobile devices and your computer, too, so that you’re always protected.

Know Your Statements

Keep a close eye on the outgoings of your accounts. If money has left your bank account and you don’t know what it’s for, contact your bank immediately.

Most high-street banks have specialist fraud hotlines and may be able to help get back your money if you can spot it quickly enough. Most of us are now banking online so it has become easier for scammers and fraudsters to gain access to your accounts. Knowing the details of your accounts will give you extra protection against any kind of fraud.

Who Should You Report It To?

If you do have fraud on your online banking app then you must immediately report this to your bank, building society or credit card supplier. They can then investigate for you and research any possible offences carried out against you or other members of the same institutions.

If money has been taken from your mobile account this must also be reported by yourself to Action Fraud who are a department related directly to the Police.

If the bank are satisfied with the fact that you have done everything in your power to ensure that a fraud did not occur then they will refund any money back to you. However if they conclude that you did not take enough due care and attention then they may rule against you.

If however you are not happy with the outcome and decision from your bank you can take the matter further by complaining to the Financial Ombudsman who will investigate the circumstance of any potential fraud further.

In Conclusion

If you suspect any attempt to have your online or mobile banking accounts scammed you must report it immediately to your bank, building society or credit card supplier.

Everyone nowadays is looking for ways to save resources while also going green. Our electricity bills are a significant source of expenses for all of us. Making a few minor changes to your home is a great place to start saving money. Here are 11 suggestions to help you be proactive and cost-conscious in terms of electricity, whether you want to preserve the environment or are looking for ways to reduce your electricity costs.

Change to energy-efficient lighting

Energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs make excellent substitutes for incandescent and halogen light bulbs. In addition to using up to 75% less energy and lasting significantly longer than incandescent and halogen bulbs, CFL and LED lighting also cost less because you do not need to replace burned-out light bulbs frequently.

Use smart power boards

Invest in a few smart power boards if you frequently forget to turn off certain appliances before leaving the house or going to bed. They have the same appearance and functionality as standard power boards. Still, because they have built-in Wi-Fi, you can use your smartphone to remotely turn on and off specific outlets, as well as individual appliances or devices.

Put electrical devices and lights on standby when not in use

It should be fairly simple to get into the habit of turning off the lights whenever you leave a room, but it might take more repetition to remember to do the same with some appliances. While putting your laptop or computer to sleep after some inactivity does save some energy, standby power is one of the biggest energy wasters in the home. To avoid paying for standby power, try turning your appliances and other devices off at the wall when not in use.

Switch to solar power

Solar energy has some fairly high upfront costs, but the long-term savings more than offset this. Solar panels are now more widely available, less expensive, and simpler to install than ever before.

Do laundry with more energy awareness

There are several ways to minimize the energy used when washing clothes, including avoiding partial loads and using the dryer as little as possible. Speaking of dryers, you should also search for the difference between a heat pump vs convection dryers to know which one is better for your usage.

Close the doors and the curtains

Keeping the doors closed of rooms you and your family aren’t utilizing will help warm or cool the rooms you are using faster and more effectively, whether you’re using a heater in the winter or an air conditioner in the summer. Regardless of the season, check all windows to ensure they are properly sealed and look at upgrading your front door if it no longer keep the heat in.

Insulate your roof

Along with ensuring that all windows and entrance doors seal tightly, you should look for roof insulation. A significant amount of heat can transfer through your home’s ceiling and roof, which raises the cost of heating and cooling it during the winter and summer. You can cut your electricity bills with a small investment in good roof insulation.

Set the temperature

You’ll find it simpler to set the temperature on your HVAC system or air conditioner and forget about it once you’ve taken steps to ensure that windows and doors are sealed and get the roof of your home insulated.

Do an energy analysis

You can gain more understanding of how, when, and where the most energy is used in your home with the help of an in-home energy assessment. This will enable you to investigate strategies for saving electricity.

Review and modify the appliance settings

We frequently use the default settings that come with them without questioning whether they are the best. Lowering the television brightness and the temperature settings on your refrigerator can help you save money on your energy bill.

Compare prices and change service providers

When was the last time you compared your current electricity provider’s rates to those of other service providers nearby? While comparing mobile and internet plans is very common, we frequently overlook that we can do the same when comparing energy providers using platforms like iSelect electricity NSW. The best time to compare energy provider rates is right now if it has been more than two years since your last comparison.

Final Words

You will be surprised at how much money you can save by making a few simple changes to how you use energy in your home.

Don’t assume that just because a product is marked down it’s a good deal and saving money. Some companies increase their prices before adding a sale price to give the illusion of a good deal.

Also, watch out for discount codes by following your favourite brands of makeup products on social media and be on their email list. They will likely do flash sales which can mean you could buy early and stockpile rather than being forced to pay more when you run out and need it for your beauty routine.

And shop around, you can use price comparison websites that scrape popular sites but these are likely getting an affiliate payment on any sales you make so might not be the best deal. It’s just as easy to search the product yourself too as some retailers you don’t follow might have a great sale on.

How to use discount codes

Discount codes, promo codes, sales; whatever you call them, they’re a great way to save big bucks while buying your favourite beauty products. And they are used by most online retailers as pat of their marketing strategy.

Discount codes pros use various websites or apps that aggregate voucher deals from hundreds of retailers so you don’t have to search for them all over the web. Obviously a retailer can stop a discount code at any point but the good sites regularly get updated.

Just check out sites like Ansa for discount codes on everything from high-street stores and big names like Boots, Look Fantastic, Superdrug, Feel Unique, the Body Shop, Notino, Harvey Nichols and many more.

Buy gift cards and use them later

Buying gift cards is one of my favourite ways to save money. By waiting until Black Friday or a holiday sale, you can pick up gift cards at an even greater discount (and they’re easier than ever to use now that retailers let you redeem them through their mobile apps).

This way, if you see something you want later but it’s not available at a physical location near you, you can just order it online later with your gift card. Not only will it be cheaper than buying it right away, but many times there are extra benefits attached that make doing so worthwhile.

Get free shipping from your local stores

Many beauty brands offer free shipping within the UK on orders over a certain basket value. If you can’t find your favourite products at retailers in your local area, check to see if they ship to you for free once it’s available. If not, look for online stores that provide free delivery.

Make use of loyalty schemes and free samples

Big companies like Boots and Debenhams not only have a points based loyalty card, but they often have free sample giveaways. If you are on a tight budget these might help see you through. Even if it’s not your favourite luxury brands, free makeup and hair care products is better than cheap knockoffs.

Look for Price Match Guarantees

Big brands sell to retailers on wholesale deals, and sometimes will accept lower than RRP to clear stock. There’s no harm in making offers, and you may even find this available from reputable retailers on sites like Ebay and Depop where they are happy to clear excess stock and makeup products at clearance prices.

Use cashback credit cards for the purchase

Many credit cards have some sort of incentive for using them for your purchases instead of your dent cards. If you are disciplined and do not spend beyond your means and always pay these off in full, you can get rewards for your daily spend.

We can’t give you any clear averages for reasons just discussed, but we can give you a general idea. Motorcycle insurance can cost anywhere from £340 to £5,560. How much you will specifically be paying is entirely dependent on you and your motorcycle. Take advantage of free motorcycle insurance quote calculators to see where you stand when it comes to bike rates. 

Whether you’re looking for new clothes for your next summer holiday or just something to wear at the weekend for a family barbecue, finding good deals on new fashion is always a plus. Keep reading for some top tips on how to look good this summer without breaking the bank.

Look Out for Sales

Flash sales, seasonal sales, Amazon’s deals, end-of-line sales, and even second-hand car boot sales are a great way to find a bargain. You can find clothes sale events on designer brands to get what you love for less or stock up on clothes for next season with seasonal sales from your favourite boutiques and fashion businesses.

Don’t miss out on flash sales by making sure that you have signed up to email newsletters and other updates from your favourite brands. You’ll usually be among the first to know when there’s a sale on that you can check out to find the items you want at a discounted price.

Consider Clothes Swaps

Do you want to save money on your new outfits and be eco-friendly at the same time? The fashion industry is great, but it could be better when it comes to the environment. And much of that is down to buyers who are always looking for new things. If you don’t want to give up getting a new outfit as often as you like to, then a clothes swap might be a better option compared to buying brand-new.

Loads of people buy clothes, wear them once, and then decide they don’t want them anymore. Or you might even find people swapping clothes that still have the tags on! Check out social media for clothes swap events in your area or arrange one yourself with your friends and family if you don’t like the idea of swapping clothes with strangers.

Check Your Wardrobe

Before you head out to go clothes shopping, it’s a good idea to check your wardrobe. Maybe you’ve got an item in there that you can use instead of what you are hoping to buy, or perhaps you’ll find an outfit that just needs one or two things added to it, which can be cheaper compared to buying an entire new outfit for yourself.

Most of us have items in our wardrobes that are versatile and can be paired with a lot of different things. When you are clothes shopping, look out for more items like that so you can mix and match them, reducing the need to buy new over time.

Clothing is an essential for work, hobbies, leisure, and general life. If you love getting new outfits but need to rein in your spending, keep these tips in mind.

Many fashion websites allow users to input coupon codes in order to receive special deals. These codes are often given away as part of a marketing push. Influencer marketing campaigns, for instance, often incorporate unique coupons given away by influencers. This can often enable quite significant discounts to be applied. Don’t ignore the codes given away by influencers or found on coupon aggregator sites.

Wherever possible, you should stack multiple coupons. Some sites will allow you to apply a number of coupons to to the same order.

Use A VPN To Find Deals Only Available Abroad

VPNs are by far the most popular internet freedom-enabling tools around. The main purpose of a Virtual Private Network is to change or obscure the IP address of an internet user. Every internet-enabled device has a unique IP address: a set of digits that contain information about location, device type and a great deal more. IP addresses are essential for the communication between devices and between devices and websites. IP addresses are the primary locators of computer systems.

Retail companies – including fashion companies – employ software that enables them to geo-block devices from certain regions using user IP addresses. VPN software routes data through a remote proxy server before sending and receiving requests to and from an ISP. Because the ISP will receive requests from the proxy server, that is the device IP address it will register. The best IP changing services will include a VPN location changer.

Multiple servers around the globe can be selected to enable people access to any geo-blocked content. This is very useful for fashionistas on a budget: accessing deals only available in other regions can open up a whole new world of discounts.

Shop Out Of Season

Don’t just look for clothes that you might want to wear straight away. Fast fashion companies alter their prices based on the demand for certain items. Shop for out-of-season clothing in order to get the best deals. Buy your Summer outfits in the Winter and don’t shy away from purchasing items that were part of an older collection.

Think Beyond Trends

Fast fashion is very trend-oriented. Companies want consumers to purchase a new set of clothes with every new meme-based trend that causes a sea change in the streetwear world. You don’t need to play their game! Think about the kind of clothing that you might feel good in in the long term. What pieces can you transform with outfit tweaks without having to purchase a new set of clothes every three months? Thinking long-term can save you a great deal of cash.

Plan The Whole Outfit

Don’t just think about individual items – plan your entire outfit. This will prevent you from purchasing multiple individual pieces that are completely mismatched and a waste of your hard-earned money.

A print on demand venture may require some time to take off, but it is a worthy investment. Selling t-shirts by cooperating with ranked and rated print providers is a more efficient option than investing in your own printing gear. 

The custom t-shirt market worldwide is expected to cross 10 billion dollars by 2025. It is a good indication that you can still join and profit from the idea. And who knows, you could expand the merchandise line later by introducing products other than t-shirts. Hoodies, caps, calendars, and face masks sell as well. 

Option #2 – Blogging

Some people may be reluctant to consider starting a blog because the market appears to be oversaturated. However, you can still profit from a blog if you have a knack for writing and would not have problems producing interesting content regularly.

Take things slow if you must. The first thing is to get yourself a regular audience. When you have loyal readers, you can consider how to monetize the website. Some bloggers like to create a crowdfunding page and leave their financial income in the hands of fans. Others prefer to run ads or promote digital products, like e-books. You can also offer opportunities for guest bloggers to publish their sponsored content on your website.

Option #3 – Streaming

Twitch TV has opened many doors to those who have an entertaining personality and have no problems being in front of a camera. 

Similar to blogging, a Twitch TV channel will take some time to take off. However, if you stick to your idea and pursue it, you should eventually reach a point where you can make money. After all, it is one of the most trending entertaining media types at the moment.

Donations, subscriptions, sponsorship deals, and even a YouTube channel to post stream highlights are the most popular monetization methods among streamers at the moment. 

Option #4 – Online Education

Online education has been growing before the pandemic that led students to remote learning. Adults who have finished universities and high schools are interested in improving their skills and creating opportunities to find better jobs. 

As someone who is looking for a way to make extra money, you can create online courses and sell them on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy. Pick a topic, find multiple sources, and compile them into a video that potential learners have no problems digesting.

Option #5 – Online Surveys

Services like SwagBucks offer an opportunity to spend an hour or so filling out surveys. On average, you can complete about five surveys in an hour. And if filling them out gives you additional income, why not use that one hour you have to spare and work on available surveys? 

Also, take note that there are different survey services for smartphones and desktop computers. If you run out of available options on one device, you should find more surveys on another. 

Option #6 – Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketers would say that it is difficult to create a profitable venture because of oversaturation. While there is some truth in that statement, you can still manage by finding a relatively non-competitive niche.

The goal of affiliate marketing is to create a website and include affiliate links that redirect to product landing pages. Each person who clicks on the link and purchases a product or service you promote will bring you a commission.

While it sounds simple on paper, driving traffic is not as simple. You will need to work hard on writing quality content and promoting the website on social media, optimizing it for search engines, and using other methods. 

Option #7 – Customer Support

Customer support is an excellent opportunity to learn valuable experience and get some additional income on the side. 

Ever since the pandemic, more businesses have moved their operations online. And to deal with customers, they need extra employees that can provide answers or help with other potential issues.

As a rule of thumb, you should look for a job in customer support that does not require you to answer phone calls. It is much easier to work if you need to respond to emails, social media comments, or direct messages on a website.