A LOTTERY winner who scooped a staggering £450,000 says it ruined her life.

The woman became bombarded by her family members who wanted a chunk of her cash.

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She explained how what first started as a dream come true became a living nightmare.

“I never thought winning the lottery would be anything other than a dream come true,” she wrote on Reddit.

“But here I am, with more money than I ever imagined, and it feels like my life is falling apart.”

Her troubles first started with her boyfriend, who took it upon himself to decide what they would do with the cash.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes—I had won £450,000. At first, I was in shock. I called my boyfriend, James, and he rushed over, equally ecstatic.

“We were both over the moon, dreaming of what we could do with the money. But the dream quickly turned into a nightmare.”

She said James wanted to quit his job, buy a luxury car and invest in ‘risky’ ventures.

“When I suggested we take things slow and maybe talk to a financial advisor, he got defensive. He accused me of not trusting him and said I was trying to control everything,” she explained.

She won the staggering amount of money after buying a lottery ticket on a whim.

It wasn’t until she saw the number draw on TV and realised she’d won.

The woman added: “Then my family got involved. My parents, who I’ve always had a strained relationship with, suddenly wanted to reconnect.

“They started dropping hints about their financial struggles and how they could use some help.”

After having issues with her parents, her sister also wanted a share of the winnings.

“My sister, who’s always been jealous of me, outright demanded a share, saying she deserved it for all the times she ‘supported’ me. It felt like they were all looking at me differently, like I was just a bank to them now.”

Her boyfriend started to distance himself from her and they eventually split up.

The lottery winner said that when he moved out, he took some of the money with him as a “parting gift”.

At the time, her parents became “more aggressive” in their demands for the cash.

Her mum and dad believed they were entitled to her winnings because they’d raised her.

“My sister called me greedy and accused me of abandoning my family. I felt trapped and overwhelmed, unable to make anyone happy,” the woman added.

“I’m alone with my fortune, but I’ve never felt poorer. My family is barely speaking to me, and I’ve lost someone I thought I’d spend my life with.

“I’ve hired a financial advisor and a therapist to help me navigate this new reality, but the emotional toll is immense.”

THE Range is slashing the price of a bestselling gadget that is perfect for drying clothes this winter.

Shoppers at the discount store can now save £35 on the regular cost of this 3-Tier Tower Heated Airer, which is now £59.99.

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Rather than switching on your central heating or using your tumble dryer for your washing when the weather’s bad, simply hang in on the airer. 

“Now we’re talking,” said one eager shopper, replying to a social media post from the company.

“Need to invest in one,” said another.

Heated airers are more popular than ever and in previous winters have flown off the shelves as shoppers try to find ways to deal with increases in the cost of living and energy bills.

They look like regular airers but have heated bars to dry clothes quicker.

This 3 Tier version has a generous 21m of drying space so is large enough for a family load and it will save you a fortune. 

For every hour of use the 300W heated airer will cost around 7p, compared with around 61p for your tumble dryer.

Handily, it also folds down when not in use, which is handy for storage and at 5kg, it’s not too heavy to put up and take down.

This is not the only heated airer deal we’ve seen this past few weeks. Aldi brought back its massively popular heated airer which quickly sold out, while Lidl stocked the Addis heater airer – though this is smaller, holding just 10kg laundry.

Currently, Wilko has a Black & Decker heated airer on offer for £92, down from £149, while Lakeland has cut the price of its Dry Soon heated airer and cover bundles by £50, so they now start from £174.99.

Before buying a heated airer always take into account the size of your room – you don’t want to be overwhelmed by an airer that is far too big for the space.

It’s also worth comparing prices from several retailers, taking into account how much wet washing the airer can hold as well as the amount of electricity it consumes per hour.

Shopping around will save you money so using online tools that compare prices is a great idea.

Take a look at Google Shopping and Price Spy to check prices across the web from a variety of retailers, such as Argos, Amazon and eBay.

When ordering online don’t forget to take delivery costs into account and avoid a shock at checkout.

Many retailers offer free delivery when you spend over a certain amount, but not all do.

Ways to save this winter

Heated airers are a great way to save money when you can’t dry your clothes outdoors, but they’re not the only gadget you should seriously consider investing in.

Heated throws are great for keeping warm without switching on the heating. Pop one over you while you’re on the sofa watching TV, drape one over your bed – there’s even one from Lakeland you can wear. They offer several temperature levels and often have timers to automatically switch off.

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and when it’s drier in your home you tend to feel warmer. They can also be great for drying washing and some brands even have a laundry setting.

Air Fryers are the kitchen must-have of the last few years. They generally cook food quicker than your main oven does and in less time, using much less electricity.

Heavy or lined curtains can help keep out the cold, while draft excluders not only help keep cold air out but warm air in.

Before it gets really cold and you turn to your central heating for the winter, check to see if your radiators need bleeding. It’s a simple job whereby you use a radiator key to release any build-up of air bubbles that can stop the radiator from functioning effectively.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A WETHERSPOONS-obsessed couple has visited 500 Wetherspoons and they always buy the same dish.

Phil, 77, and Julie Fox, 74, challenged themselves over 15 years ago to sample all 809 of the pubs in the UK.

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They reached a huge milestone with their 500th boozer – The William Adams in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk.

But Phil admitted it may be “impossible” for them to complete the challenge because they would have to visit the six boozers that are located in airport departure lounges.

They always get the halloumi wraps as they are their favourite.

Phil, a former newspaper production worker, said: “We nearly called it quits when we reached 500 but that wouldn’t have lasted long.

“It’s impossible to do it though because we would have to book holidays abroad, because there’s two at Birmingham Airport.

“So it’s a bit of a trek to go to Birmingham, just to fly to Spain for Wetherspoons.

“But we wrote ‘500’ on a piece of cardboard to prove to our family that we’ve actually done it.”

Grandfather-of-seven Phil originally came up with the idea in 2007, while drinking in his local ale house and said it has been a great way to see other parts of England.

But the pair originally set out to visit just 100 of the pubs, which are nicknamed “spoons.”

Phil, of Halifax, West Yorks., said: “We ran out of conversation and we were staring at each other, so I asked her how many spoons we had been to.

“I worked out we had been in maybe 70, so we decided to do 100.

“We then went for 200 and it’s carried on – it’s become a part-time hobby.”

Julie and Phil will plan trips to different parts of the UK so they can visit the pubs and will sometimes stay in a Wetherspoons Hotel.

Phil said: “We’ve stayed in the hotels, the ones we’ve stayed in are all quite nice.

“But we will often stay in a Travelodge or a Premiere Inn because of the costs, they are always cheap.

“We did London last year, so we went to eight pubs that all have the word moon in the title, so that was a nice holiday.”

The pair, who have five children between them, say their favourite pub is The Stamford Post in Stamford, Lincs.

He said: “We used to love the one in Keswick but we’ve got a new favourite.

“It’s called the The Stamford Post – we’ve been there a few times and even visited a few days ago.

“It’s an old newspaper office but it’s really, really nice inside – they modernised it and everything.”

Julie, a retired retail worker, and Phil both try and have something different every time they visit the boozers.

Phil prefers a IPA beer while Julie often goes for a lager such as San Miguel or Cruzcampo – but both of them love the halloumi wrap.

He said: “There is a good selection of beers, I’ve drifted towards the IPAs and they always have them.

“You go into a lot of modern pubs and they just have lagers, but Wetherspoons come at a good price as well.

“The food is good and my wife likes a beer, but she likes San Miguel and Cruzcampo.

“They are always introducing new things onto the menu, they are introducing a load of Korean things now, like crunchy chicken with coconut rice.

“We try all the food – we love the halloumi wraps and they are a good price.”

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SAVVY shoppers have rushed to Morrisons to grab an autumn must-have reduced from £84 to £10.

The essential item is perfect for the outdoors as the weather starts to cool down.

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A bargain hunter posted the highly discounted outdoor standing heating lamp on the Extreme Coupoining and Bargains UK Facebook page.

The outdoor warming lamp normally retails for £84, but was reduced to a staggering low £10.

The original savvy shopper said: “Run to Morrisons“.

Fans of the product flocked to the Facebook comments expressing their need for the bargain buy.

One person said: “We could do with 1 of these out front with the kids.”

Another added: “Get running.”

A third said: “This would be good for the Halloween party hahaha.”

Meanwhile, Morrisons is holding a festive sale on chocolate tub faves.

Morrisons has introduced a two for £8 deal on Quality Street (600g), Celebrations (550g), Cadbury Heroes (550g) and Cadbury Roses (550g) tubs.

The offer is available in-store and online for one week only from October 2 – 8 for customers with a Morrisons More Card.

However do bear in mind that when prices are reduced by this much it’s usually in order for stores to clear excess stock, so availability will vary from store to store.

It’s always best to phone ahead to your local shop to check what they have available to avoid disappointment.

You can find your nearest Morrisons store using the locator tool on the website.

It always pays to compare prices so you know you’re getting the best deal.

It’s always a good idea to shop around to make sure you can find the best deals.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.

Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.

Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.

Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and supermarkets.

Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.

Other ways to save money when you shop

Cashback sites have amazing freebies for new customers, such as a takeaway from Just Eat or a Benefit beauty product.

Free gifts can change regularly so do check online to see what is being offered before you sign up.

Look for cashback on everything

You can claim on things such as MOTs, insurance, train tickets and holidays.

It is worth looking around and what companies offer cashback schemes as you could be earning hundreds.

TopCashback reckons its average user makes £345 a year.

Save money at the supermarket

It’s a good idea to download apps Shopmium, Check-outSmart, Quidco ClickSnap, GreenJinn and TopCashback’s Snap and Save.

Check out what is available, pick it up in-store and upload a photo of the receipt to get your cashback.

Combine cashback offers with promotions

Double savings and maximise cashback by matching third-party offers from cashback sites with in-store and online promotions.

You can’t always use discount codes with cashback, but you can take advantage of sales and offers such as free gifts.

WTW has acquired a 25% minority stake in Atomos following a successful strategic alliance.

The minority stake includes a £20m equity injection to drive the wealth manager’s organic growth strategy.

Atomos is a digitally enabled, hybrid wealth business backed by private equity firm Oaktree Capital Management.

The company, which has £7bn of assets under management, provides a full financial planning service and bespoke portfolio management to UK clients.

It was formerly Sanlam Wealth UK business and rebranded under CEO Jonathan Polin in 2022.

The wealth manager has had an alliance with WTW since the end of 2022.

WTW’s investment engine has powered Atomos’ multi-asset investment solutions and provides its clients with access to a broader, more diversified range of asset classes and investment choices.

It said the minority stake strengthens its relationship with a key strategic partner and boosts its presence in the UK wealth space.

WTW head of investments for Europe, Mark Calnan, said: “Our stake in Atomos enhances our ability to shape how the industry services the needs and aspirations of savers in the UK.

“This is particularly important as individuals take increased responsibilities for their retirement through defined contribution schemes and personal savings.

“It also enables us to bring our experience and capabilities built over many decades in occupational pensions to Atomos’ individual clients.”

“Having had the opportunity to work closely with the Atomos leadership team since the end of 2022, we have seen first-hand the alignment with us.

“We passionately share the belief that combining high-quality financial planning with institutional-quality investment portfolios is a winning combination that delivers sustainable financial outcomes for savers.”

Atomos CEO Jonathan Polin told Money Marketing that the deal strengthens the firm’s partnership with WTW and will broaden its reach in the market.

He said: “WTW’s investment in Atomos, having seen first-hand the strength of our client relationships and quality of our people, is further recognition of the health and growth potential of this business.

“As we look for more ways in which we can enhance the Atomos client experience, our closer alignment to such an established, well-resourced business will play a key part.”

In terms of Atomos’ acquisition strategy, Polin said it is looking to integrate some of the firms it has already acquired.

It is also set to make further acquisitions in the second half of next year, he added.

Houlihan Lokey acted as financial adviser to WTW and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP acted as legal adviser in connection with the transaction.

Fenchurch Advisory Partners acted as financial adviser to Atomos.

White & Case acted as legal adviser to Atomos in connection with the transaction.

A MAJOR DIY and garden retailer has become the latest in a string of chains confirming it will close all stores on Boxing Day.

B&Q has revealed it will shutter its more than 300 UK branches on December 25 and 26 to give staff a well-earned break.

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The retailer, which stocks everything from garden products to kitchenware, tools and equipment will also close all its stores early on Christmas Eve.

Branches across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will shut at 4pm instead of the usual 8pm.

The vast majority of the DIY chain’s stores will also be operating reduced opening hours on New Year’s Day.

Its stores in Scotland and on the islands of Jersey and Guernsey meanwhile will be closed to customers on January 1.

Shoppers should use B&Q’s store locator tool to find out when their local branch is closing over Christmas to avoid a wasted trip.

You can do this by using the retailer’s “Find a Store” tool on its website.

B&Q is the latest retailer to announce it will be closing for two days over Christmas to give staff time off.

Home Bargains was the first to announce it would shut all stores on Boxing Day, as well as Christmas Day.

Aldi followed, confirming it would close its more than 1,000 branches for two days over Christmas.

CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and Wilko, has also said it will close branches on December 25 and 26.

Plus, John Lewis, Waitrose and Homebase confirmed they will shutter down all their stores on Boxing Day.

It’s worth bearing in mind, almost all stores close on Christmas Day every year, but a handful of retailers usually shut the following day.

Last year, dozens of chains across the country made the decision to adjust their opening hours to give their workers a well-earned break on December 26.

Aldi, Iceland, John Lewis, and Poundland all pulled down their shutters on Boxing Day.

While other opted to operate with reduced hours instead, including Sainsbury’s, Primark, Morrisons and Tesco.

We will keep you updated on the major chains’ plans for this year as they’re announced.

In any case, most retailers will have store opening hours on their website.

It comes after Kingfisher, which owns B&Q, said in March it would be expanding its B&Q Local format across UK high streets.

B&Q opened nine of these new stores in the UK last year and said it had plans to open more.