I won't go on and on about energy prices, but if you're worried about projected 50 to 70% rises in gas and electricity bills over the next few months, you could do worse than think about a capped tarrif. You pay up to 10% more right now, but if the forecasted changes do happen then you won't end up with socking winter bills that you struggle to pay.
Should you decide to move to capped bills, make sure you know how long the tarrif runs for, and what penalties exist if you want to get out of your contract at a later date.
If you're switching, do it sooner rather than later as all the good deals are being snapped up. Also go via a service such as Energyhelpline as you'll also get cashback (in my case, the cashback was enough to cover the extra cost of the capped tarrif).
Rises on the continent are estimated at around 10%, which makes you wonder why we're going to get hit so hard. Look out for your elderly relatives if you think they're going to struggle as the weather gets colder.
I finally cracked and did some shopping of a non-essential nature. Granted, I did go via Quidco for a 12% cashback, and used a 1% cashback credit card, and it was fairly useful stuff that will get used a lot.
But where did I go...?
Yep, my old favourite, the La Senza sale. For £23 I bagged a new bra, two pairs of gym shorts and a gym top.
For once I was sensible and steered myself away from the frillies. But if you're feeling flush, I can heartily endorse everything in the Evita pure silk range. The mocha chemise, for example, is half price at £15, currently in stock in sizes 8 to 16. Would make a very stylish girly gift (you don't even need to know her bra size), and could easily be hidden away until a birthday or Xmas.
As ever, the search function on the website is pretty unreliable, so try a basic search, then do as many category searches as you can think of as well. It's often the only way to ferret out the bargains. Also try the 'clearance' category (link on the top right of the screen).
The latest Motley Fool sales and discounts list has something for everyone, from high street fashion to Wii games for under a tenner.
Well worth a look.
The Hayward Gallery is charging only 40p entrance to everything this Friday (11th July) to celebrate being open for 40 years.
No vouchers or 2-for-1s needed, just turn up any time between 10am and 10pm. FP review and details here.
1. Man who kept shouting out 'gnnnuuurrrggghh', 'heurrrrggghhhh', 'YES!' etc every 5 or 6 seconds on all the weights machines. This prompted the real bodybuilders to raise conspiratorial eyebrows amongst themselves. It's just not how these things are done, so shurrup.
2. Strange noise that went on for about 5 minutes in the women's changing rooms, until my curiosity got the better of me and I had to look round the corner to find out what the dickens was happening. An odd little woman had decided to apply body lotion all over her entire skin by literally SLAPPING IT ON, and then slapping it some more instead of rubbing it in. Took her 10 minutes in total to get bored.
3. The woman who decided to dry her hair while she was stark naked, and who also decided that she would plant her feet wide apart and bend right over to dry her hair upside down, thus giving the entire changing room a full 'ringside seat' view of her arse and 'lady-bits'. Cheers love, but maybe you could put a few clothes on first next time.
I am thinking about trying out a new gym on Friday, after my course has finished.
Interesting article at Motley Fool. Shows some of the shopping categories where you can make the biggest savings etc - worth a quick look.
It also shows you some of the areas where shopbots (price comparison websites) do and don't pick up the bargains.
