A MARTIN Lewis fan has shared how she managed to shave hundreds off an essential household bill by using a nifty Martin Lewis hack.

The MoneySavingExpert (MSE) reader made the saving after seeing the advice in one of the website’s weekly newsletters.

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In an email last week, the money saving website listed its six steps to cut home insurance costs.

Just days later, reader Karen emailed back to share her massive saving.

The email read: “Our buildings & contents auto-renewal reminder came in with a 52% price rise – even my husband commented: ‘Wow, that’s some hike.’

“I double-checked your action steps, and 30 minutes later I had saved £286 on an exact like-for-like policy.

“Happy days. Thanks to you all at MSE.”

By following the guide, Karen managed to make the major saving on the often costly bill.

Making comparisons across multiple websites can often lead to finding a cheaper plan.

In Karen’s case, by looking at other comparison sites, she managed to save almost £300.

The previous week’s email also included the story of Fiona, who managed to save an enormous £423 after following the same help guide.

Fiona’s email said: “I received a renewal notice which shot up by a few hundred quid to £866 (for a standard four-bed).

“Your newsletter landed, I used your tips and which comparison websites to use, and 40 minutes later I found the exact same cover for £443.

“A huge saving of £423, woohoo. Thank you so much.”

Home insurance prices have had record heights for over a year now, with prices sitting at almost 30% higher than last year.

However, the stats imply we may have reached the peak, with average quotes dropping 1% over the past three months, according to Consumer Intelligence.

If you’ve not checked your home insurance in a while, it’s worth looking to see if you’re overpaying.

A SAVVY shopper has uncovered a surprisingly affordable dupe to one of the most iconic burgers in the world for just £1.79 at Aldi.

Her find sparked a flurry of interest among bargain hunters and burger lovers alike, who are going wild to try the “amazing” treat.

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Deborah Newman took to Facebook to share her surprising experience after watching a comparison television programme that revealed how two-thirds of participants struggled to differentiate between McDonald’s Big Mac and its supermarket counterparts.

She wrote: “Having watched a comparison TV programme, where 2/3 couldn’t tell these from a MD, I thought I’d try, not expecting to really be surprised, but wow, for £1.79 each, we thought them as good as the branded.”

Deborah who found her Big Mac dupe at the Aldi freezer section, also explained how she prepared her meal at home.

She said: “I used my air fryer, (I defrosted the item) the burgers took about 3 mins each side, the buns 1 min in the air fryer, the sauce was warmed in hot water in a cup.

“My husband added gherkins, but the sauce was delish, he said he didn’t need the added extras.”

Fellow shoppers rushed to the comments section under Deborah’s post, with one person writing: “Agreed! We tried these last week and rate them like 8/10 almost the same as McDonalds.”

Another added: “I watched that programme few months ago. Me and my daughter tried them and they were better than the true McDonald’s. For £1.79 can’t go wrong.”

A third replied: “The breakfast hash browns are really good as are the sausage McMuffin patties.”

The original Big Mac, a staple of McDonald’s menu since its introduction in 1968, is celebrated for its signature taste, featuring two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, all sandwiched between a three-part sesame seed bun.

Aldi’s version, dubbed the “Big Stack,” boasts a similar construction and flavor profile, making it an attractive option for those looking to satisfy their cravings without breaking the bank.

With its two juicy beef patties, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings, many are praising it as a worthy dupe compared to the £4.99 McDonald’s staple.

Shoppers are also rushing to Aldi to get their hands on bargain home accessories scanning for just pennies.

The set of three textured vases in cream costs a mere 49p and for that you get three different styles.

A shopper on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group posted her find saying simply “49p Aldi!”

Other members immediately reacted. “This is what I was looking for,” cried one woman, who said she hadn’t been able to find them.

“I paid £1.99 last week,” said another. 

A third poster simply added “Wow!”

The vase set was originally on sale in Aldi’s middle aisle for £4.99 and available in neutral shades grey and beige, as well as cream, to suit all styles of decor.

THOUSANDS of Sun readers flooded our Winter Fuel SOS helpline yesterday looking for help to hang on to the payment.

Our experts explained to pensioners that they could still be eligible to the allowance, worth £300, if they receive Pension Credit.

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The panel — including Baroness Ros Altmann and Sir Steve Webb — also offered advice on cutting energy bills.

One caller, a 73-year-old man on a state pension, told how he was worried he would narrowly miss out on qualifying for Pension Credit but has little spare income at the end of every month.

He said: “I voted for this Government and then they immediately turned round and did this without warning.

“I am really disappointed. I have worked all my life and paid into the system.”

Another worried caller said she already receives Pension Credit, but can only afford one shower a week as she is on a water meter.

Many readers were baffled about whether they are eligible for Pension Credit.

Our experts are working through all of our readers’ queries to try to find helpful solutions, such as how to apply for Pension Credit or secure better deals on bills.

If you called the helpline, which is now closed, you will get a call back within a week.

Neil, 80, from Balmullo, Fife, called the helpline yesterday. He said: “I am very grateful to The Sun for doing this.

“I don’t use the internet so it was really helpful to speak to someone on the phone and get help working out if I might qualify for Pension Credit.”

Ten million older people were affected when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that only households in England and Wales that receive Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits will be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Before this the allowance was available to everyone over the age of 66.

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A MAJOR pub chain is set to shut one of its city centre branches in just days as punters recall the “good times” they had there.

Via Fossa on Canal Street in the heart of Nottingham has been trading since the late 1990s.

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However, the Greene King owned pub has confirmed its doors will shut for the final time this month.

The chain, however, said that staff members will be relocated to other venues owned by Greene King across Nottingham.

Fans of the pub said how they “had a few good times there” ahead of its impending closure.

One fan described the pub as “lovely,” with “lovely people” and a “great location.”

Another said: “Really nice food, staff, and it’s beautiful.”

A spokesperson for the pub chain told Nottinghamshire Live: “We have made the difficult decision to close Via Fossa on the 19th of October.

“We appreciate this is difficult news to our loyal customers and we would like to thank each of them who have enjoyed visiting over the years.

“We are working closely with our team at Via Fossa to find alternative employment in our pubs across Nottingham, where possible.

“The pub will remain open and trading as usual over the coming weeks.

“We have over 70 Greene King pubs in the city and surrounding suburbs including, the Grosvenor, Carrington, which has been recently refurbished as well as Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and the Bell Inn, so we look forward to welcoming new guests to these other Greene King pubs.”

Thankfully, this does not seem to be a trend for the pub giant.

However, Canal Street has seen a string of pub departures in recent years.

The nearby Waterfront pub appeared to close suddenly in spring 2023, with no explanation given about the closure.

The Company Inn at Castle Wharf, also on Canal Street, shut its doors permanently in November 2021 after it stood closed for some time.

A spokesperson for Wetherspoons, who owned the pub, said: “We appreciate that staff at the pub as well as our loyal customers will be disappointed with the decision and we appreciate their loyalty over the years.”

The Fellows, Morton and Clayton pub also appeared to be closed as of September 28, with signs saying owners Stonegate Group are looking for a new publican.

This comes just months after the venue reopened under new management with a firm plan of action.

Stonegate were leasing the pub to Stout and Stone Inns, a rapidly growing pub company based in the West Midlands, with the new general manager, Andy O’Connor, saying the reopening was “all about consistency.”

Nottingham has also seen many other closures of major high street shops over the past year.

The local Co-op store in The Meadows is set to close its doors on November 16 after being open for over 50 years.

On September 22, Bonmarché closed its high-street branch in the Arnold area.

The city has also seen the demise of multiple Boots stores as well as the planned closure of its Victoria Centre Market.

HERE are the top 12 toys for Christmas that have been revealed – including Bluey and Disney must-haves.

As the festive season approaches, The Entertainer has announced its top toy predictions for Christmas 2024 that start from just £8.

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The toyshop’s highly-anticipated list contains a mix of 12 exciting and educational toys suiting all budgets.

From interactive pets and snuggly toys to racetracks and blasters, the predictions feature gifts for children of all ages to make it easier for parents.

On the list, exclusive to The Entertainer, is bound to be a hit on Christmas Day with Bluey’s Escape Convertible Playset that’s only £19.99.

And a Gold Fugglers is at the cheaper end of the scale, with the product only setting buyers back by £8.

Whereas the most expensive toy on the list, Hatchimals Alive! Mystery Hatch Pufficorn Electronic Pet, will set you back £64.99.

The Entertainer’s top toy picks for Christmas 2024 are:

Gold Fugglers – exclusive to The Entertainer, £8

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The Fuggler Gold Fuggler – Reek-O Soft Toy is available exclusively at The Entertainer for £8.

Fugglers are funny-ugly monsters that will ruin your life and warm your heart with their mischievous antics and straight-up bonkers appearance.

You can recognise these creepy creatures with their human-like teeth, vacant eyes and disturbing demeanour.

Totally Tracks Loop Race Track, £12.50

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Build your very own glowing loop track with this incredible 165-piece set.

The snap tracks are easy to assemble. Just click them together for fun glow in the dark adventures.

Turn out the lights, press down on the light-up car, and watch it make its way around the glow tracks.

Early Learning Centre Wooden Little Town Figure of Eight Playset – exclusive to The Entertainer, was £34.99 now £14.99

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With over 30 wooden pieces included in this fun set, you can set up your town with shops, signposts, trees and people.

It includes 15 pieces of track, one bridge, one engine, three train carriages, four trees, two buildings, three signposts, a traffic light, one pony and two people. 

The train set can be picked up from The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre and Marks and Spencer for £14.99.

Bluey’s Escape Convertible Playset – exclusive to The Entertainer, £19.99

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The car that Bluey and Bingo draw in the Bluey episode ‘Escape’ has been brought to life in this great figure and vehicle playset.

Bluey’s Escape Convertible comes with four accessories – food and drink for a road trip and a camera to capture the journey.

It also comes with a fun sticker sheet of drawings done by Bluey and Bingo from the ‘Escape’ episode.

The play set can be picked up from The Entertainer and Early Learning Centre for £19.99.

Disney Lilo & Stitch Crack Me Up Interactive Soft Toy, £25.00

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This cheerful, interactive Disney Stitch Soft Toy sits 11 inches tall, and plays the familiar sounds of Stitch’s giggles and chuckles inspired by Disney‘s Lilo & Stitch.

Just pick him up and give him a shake to activate fun sounds and motion.

It’s available at The Enetertain for just £25.

However, it can also be picked up from Very.com and Hamleys.com for 1p less at £24.99.

Happyland Limited Edition Gold London Bus, to mark Early Learning Centre’s 50th anniversary, £27.99

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This limited edition Happyland Golden London Bus is specially created to celebrate 50 years of Early Learning Centre.

There are only 3,150 buses available.

Ideal for imaginative play, your little ones can drive over the bridges, around roundabouts, and through the tunnels.

While they drive the bus, they can push the buttons for fun sounds.

It costs £27.99, but shoppers could opt for the original red version instead, which is £4 less at £23.99.

Despicable Me 4 The Ultimate Fart Blaster, £29.99

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Unlock hilarious farting fun with this Despicable Me 4 The Ultimate Fart Blaster.

With this hilarious gadget from the movie, your little ones will let it rip and have loads of laughs pranking their friends and family. 

The toy can play 15 different funny fart sounds.

It costs just £29.99 at The Entertainer or 1p more at Argos.

Hot Wheels Power Shift Motorised Raceway Playset – exclusive to The Entertainer, was £59.99 now £29.99

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Kids can blast their cars up, down and around this Hot Wheels Power Shift Motorised raceway playset.

It includes a motorised booster for stunts and crashing action and 1 Hot Wheels vehicle for out-of-the-box play.

It costs £29.99 at The Entertainer.

Pets Alive Mama Duck Surprise Electronic Pet by ZURU, £29.99

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This toy allows kids to look after their very own duckling family.

The Mama Duck can hatch her very own family. 

Attach the baby ducklings onto Mama Duck’s tail and watch them follow as Mama Duck quacks and waddles.

The toy costs £29.99 at The Entertainer but can also be picked up from Asda for a penny more at £30.

Disney Bitzee Interactive Pet, £39.99

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Your kids can explore the world of Disney like never before with the Disney Bitzee Interactive Pet.

Bitzee Disney characters respond to swipes, tilts and taps with cute sounds and reactions at every interaction.

It costs £34.99 at The Entertainer but can be picked up for £10 at John Lewis for £24.99.

BeyBlade Extreme Playset, was £44.99 now £35.99

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This toy marks the next generation of Beyblade.

This Beyblade X Xtreme Battle Stadium Set has all you need to begin your quest for Beymastery.

When the gear of the top engages the stadium’s X-Celerator Rail, it can super-accelerate into an Xtreme Dash, rocketing it around the arena for crushing collisions. 

The toy costs £35.99 at The Entertainer and can also be picked up at Argos for £45.

Hatchimals Alive! Mystery Hatch Pufficorn Electronic Pet, £64.99

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Featuring an exciting hatching experience with mist, lights and over 100 sounds and reactions, these Hatchimals are a must-have. 

Inside every Mystery Hatch Hatchimals egg is 1 of 2 characters. Cuddle, tap, lift and rock the egg to encourage your character to hatch — the egg lights up and rocks and you’ll even hear your Hatchimal reacting from inside.

Once your egg has been given enough love, gather family and friends and prepare for the ultimate hatching experience.

The toy costs £64.99 at The Entertainer and can also be picked up at Argos for £65.

You can discover The Entertainer’s full range of Christmas toys and games in-store and online at www.thetoyshop.com.

Argos has also revealed its top toys list for Christmas 2024 with fewer than 100 days left until Christmas day.

The list contains a mix of 20 nostalgic, interactive and character themed toys, which range in price from £16 to £89.99.

This year, Argos has seen searches for Furby up 237%, revealing the rising demand for 90’s toys.

The toys featured in the list are designed to encourage kids to get creative and immerse themselves in a world of play.

A Polly Pocket Dolphin Aquarium Compact is on the cheaper end of the scale, with this product only setting buyers back £16.

Whereas the most expensive toy on the list, the LEGO Wicked Emerald City, which launches on October 1, will set you back £89.99.

To make sure you’re getting the best price available on the market, don’t forget to use comparison sites such as Pricespy.co.uk and CamelCamelCamel.

Another helpful site, PriceHistory.co.uk, will be able to let you know if Argos has ever stocked the same toys for less.

Prices can also vary day to day and by what deals are on at the time, plus remember you might pay for delivery if you’re ordering online.

Money-Saving Tips from Gemma Bird: Save £2k Before Christmas

IF youre’ looking to save cash, you’ve come to the right place, as here, Gemma Bird has shared her top tips that’ll save you £2k before Christmas.

• Set a budget: Track your spending and create a realistic budget.
• Cut unnecessary costs: Cancel unused subscriptions and avoid impulse buys.
• Meal planning: Plan meals to reduce grocery bills and avoid takeaways.
• Sell unwanted items: Declutter and sell items online for extra cash.
• Cashback and discounts: Use cashback sites and hunt for discount codes.
• DIY gifts: Make personalised gifts to save money and add a personal touch.
• Pick up a seasonal shift: A really easy way to pick up a bit of extra cash in the winter is to find yourself some seasonal work.

Follow these practical tips from Gemma Bird to boost your savings before the festive season!

TESCO shoppers have been left raging after finding out about a major change to car parking rules.

Two branches have implemented restrictions on how long customers can park their vehicles while filling up baskets.

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One Tesco Extra in Ryde on the Isle of Wight has now put a new policy in place restricting drivers to a maximum three hour stay when there were no restrictions before.

Between 8pm and 12am the maximum stay is now one hour and 30 minutes between 12am and 6am.

Another store in Shaftesbury, Dorset, has reduced the maximum stay for shoppers leaving their vehicles in the car park between 10pm and midnight to one hour and 15 minutes from midnight to 6am.

The Sun understands the new parking restrictions were put in place at the Ryde store this month and at the Shaftesbury Superstore in September.

The move to restrict how long customers can park their vehicles at night has been branded “selfish”, with others claiming it discriminates against shoppers working during the day.

Commenting on the changes at the Ryde store, one shopper said on Facebook: “That’s clearly not been thought about, what happens with shoppers who need longer in the evening or is it going to be a supermarket sweep job and just grab it all while knocking things down and hope for the best?”

Another said: “Oh, great, so those that work in the day, get just one hour to dash round the store, then get in a massive queue at a till because they only have four tills open at one time.

“Discriminate against working customers.”

Commenting on the changes at the Shaftesbury store, one shopper said: “What…….They really are a bloody selfish store. I have never had any problems with parking at any time.

“And sometimes it takes longer than hour to get round the store.”

Another added: “With Christmas approaching it’s going to frustrate people wanting to do late night shopping or early hrs as not enough time allowed!”

Tesco said it doesn’t have parking limits in place at all stores, but uses “local usage” information to put measures in place where needed.

The supermarket also said parking restrictions are managed on a location-by-location basis and any changes are reviewed based on customer feedback.

A spokesperson added: “It is important to us that all our customers can find a space when they visit our stores and, where we have parking limits in place, this is to allow us to better manage spaces, and to deter anti-social behaviour in the car park at night, especially outside of opening hours.”

WHAT OTHER SUPERMARKETS DO

Customers can spend up to two hours in Sainsbury’s car parks for free.

However, some do charge you even for a quick stay, like the Superstore branch on Clapham Common.

Aldi has a limit on how long shoppers can use its car parks before being charged but this varies from store to store.

The retailer says signs are put up at each branch telling you how long you can stay for free and how much it costs beyond this point.

The amount of time you can spend in a Morrisons car park varies from branch to branch with signs in each one telling you how long you can stay for free before you are charged.

Some let you stay overnight for free, like its Aldershot branch where you are not charged for any parking between 5pm and 9am.

The latest change from Tesco is not the first in recent months to spark backlash in recent months.

Earlier this year, the UK’s biggest supermarket started charging shoppers 10p if they wanted to keep clothes hangers, as exclusively revealed by The Sun.

Tesco said it was trialling the new policy in a handful of stores in a bid to reduce plastic waste.

But one angry shopper posted on Facebook: “Never in my life have I heard so much rubbish, Tesco don’t only charge for plastic bags but now for hangers, 10p a hanger. What is the world today?

“I didn’t even want the hanger but was just in shock.”

In August, the supermarket revealed it had gone cashless at 40 of its cafes across the UK.

Shoppers have since had to order their food and drinks on a digital self-service screen and pay by card.

Martin Quinn, of Campaign for Cash told The Telegraph: “Many of the customers will be elderly or retirees who want to order in person, not press a computer screen. This is a mad decision.”

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