MAKE the most of the longer autumn evenings by hosting a games night.

It’s a great fun activity for friends or all the family and gets the grey matter and competitive juices going.

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Plus, you can keep the evening cheap and cheerful with these tips.

GAME ON: Trying to explain complicated rules can quickly suck the fun out of an evening so stick to simple and easy to understand options.

Cards Against Humanity is a great group game, but if you’ve played that one too many times, try something new.

Herd Mentality is great fun. All players have to try to write down the same answer as others in the group — get it for £13.16 at onbuy.com.

Or Exploding Kittens, £18 from Argos, is a strategic game of Russian Roulette that is easy to learn.

And why not give an old-fashioned family game a new spin?

Download Charades! For Kids — the basic version is free — and a word will pop up on your phone screen through the app.

Each player holds the phone to their head so the others can see the word but they can’t and tries to guess it within a minute, based on clues from everyone else. The time limit can be changed

QUIZ-TASTIC: Putting together a quiz is a fab way to get the competitive spirit going in a group and you don’t need to buy any sets to get started.

Give each person coming a theme — say sport, or TV — and ask them to create five or ten questions on it, then everyone takes a turn as quizmaster for their round.

FOOD AND DRINK: To avoid being stuck in the kitchen all evening, ask your pals to bring a dish each to share, plus a drink.

Or throw a few pizzas in the oven for an easy catering option.

You can take turns to host among the group — this also gives everyone a chance to challenge any victors to a rematch.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

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WHIP up the ultimate comforting dish with this Daewoo soup maker down from £79.99 to £39.99 at Robert Dyas.

SAVE: £40

Cheap treat

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SERVE snacks with flair using this retro design side plate, £2.50, from Primark.

What’s new?

BREW a cuppa and enjoy a couple of these limited edition McVitie’s golden caramel flavour digestives, £1.50, from Asda.

Top swap

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BAG half-price newly published books at WH Smith. The offer makes Julia Donaldson’s Jonty Gentoo £6.49 instead of £12.99.
SAVE: £6.50

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Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

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Legal & General’s asset management division has partnered with Blue Sky Financial Planning to deliver its model portfolio service proposition.

As part of the collaboration, L&G will provide a range of multi-asset solutions for Blue Sky’s clients across the UK.

It will also manage the rebalancing of the model portfolios to ensure that investments remain aligned with Blue Sky clients’ risk profiles.

These portfolios will include a completion portfolio, which contains a selection of best-in-class active managers ,as well as L&G’s in-house funds.

L&G will also provide wrap around services.

These include supporting Blue Sky for end client updates on strategy and regular investment updates from L&G’s asset allocation and distribution teams.

L&G will take on the management of risk and mandatory due diligence required, as well as looking after compliance and reporting functions.

Meanwhile, Blue Sky will focus on delivering financial advice for their clients.

The partnership builds on the momentum of L&G’s MPS business, which first launched three years ago.

With over 50 clients and partners, the MPS offering is now available across 12 of the major platforms, including Aegon, Quilter and Transact.

The core MPS range is made up of 21 portfolios, across three investment styles – index, blended and ESG – as well as seven different risk profiles.

The L&G proposition also includes a platform programme and adviser hub that can be white labelled to suit adviser needs.

Head of UK wholesale, Legal & General Asset Manager, Ben Cherrington, said: “L&G has made considerable progress with the growth of our MPS business, welcoming new clients, partners and platforms in recent months.

“Our combination of scale and investment expertise means we are well positioned to offer clients like Blue Sky tailored and robust investment propositions at a competitive price.”

Blue Sky Financial Planning CEO, Gary Neild, added: “We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Legal & General’s Asset Manager.

“Over the years we have enjoyed a healthy and respectful working relationship which has undoubtedly, benefitted our clients.

“The prospect of being able to offer our clients a bespoke, tailored model portfolio service with one of the largest asset managers in the world is exciting.”

The model portfolios will be managed by Francis Chua, alongside L&G’s Asset Allocation team which is made up of 40 investment professionals.

The team has established a dedicated risk management framework and governance committee to ensure that portfolios remain on track.

They will work in partnership with the solutions team, which oversees £200bn of institutional client portfolios.

Blue Sky is an employee-owned chartered financial planning firm based in the South-West of England.

HUNDRED of thousands of families are missing out on vital pension credit payments worth up to £3,900 annually, according to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The latest statistics reveal that up to 760,000 families entitled to pension credit did not claim it during the financial year ending in 2023.

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This is a slight improvement from the previous year when around 870,000 families were eligible but didn’t take up the benefit.

Pension credit, a means-tested benefit designed to top up the income of the poorest pensioners, is becoming increasingly important as it is now linked to other crucial support.

In particular, those claiming pension credit are eligible for the winter fuel payment, which has become more restrictive following recent government changes.

The benefit goes to those who’ve reached State Pension age, which is currently 66, whose weekly income is less than £201.05 if you’re single, or £306.85 for couples.

Those who have a higher income may still be eligible if they have a higher income but have others costs like housing, a disability, or even savings.

Claiming Pension Credit can also unlock extra help, including, a free TV licence if you’re over 75, help with council tax and support with household costs such as ground rent.

A surge in pension credit applications was observed after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that the winter fuel payment would only be available to pensioners receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

This change, aimed at addressing a £22billion deficit in public finances, is expected to reduce the number of recipients of the £300 winter fuel allowance from 11.4million to just 1.5million.

Despite the recent uptick in claims, a staggering £1.5billion worth of pension credit went unclaimed last year.

This is a slight improvement from the £2billion left unclaimed in the previous year, but it highlights the ongoing issue of low benefit take-up among pensioners.

It comes as thousands of Sun readers flooded our Winter Fuel SOS helpline yesterday looking for help to hang on to the payment.

Figures from the DWP show that 65 per cent of those entitled to pension credit claimed it in 2023, up from 63 per cent in 2022.

While the rise is encouraging, campaigners argue that far more needs to be done to ensure older people receive the financial help they’re entitled to.

Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Boosting take-up of pension credit has been a major problem that has proven tricky to crack, with previous campaigns being derailed by the pandemic.

However, there are signs that progress is being made, with take-up creeping up to 65 per cent from 63 per cent the previous year.”

Morrissey added that the recent focus on linking pension credit to the winter fuel payment may drive further increases in applications.

She said: “The restriction of the winter fuel allowance to people on benefits such as pension credit has garnered many headlines, with people urged to check if they can put in a claim.”

However, she warned that the scale of the problem remains significant.

She continued: “More than 750,000 families who could receive pension credit are still not claiming it.”

“Pension credit is a hugely valuable benefit that not only tops up income but also acts as a gateway to other support such as a free TV licence for the over-75s as well as help with council tax.”

With energy bills set to rise again this winter, the winter fuel payment will be critical in helping pensioners manage their household costs.

Campaigners have urged those who think they might be eligible to apply for pension credit as soon as possible.

Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age, described the figures as “disappointing” and warned of the real-life consequences for those missing out on financial help.

Joanna said: “Behind these statistics are real people who are worrying about whether they will be able to afford next month’s bills.”

She added that the winter fuel payment should be protected from means-testing to ensure the most vulnerable pensioners don’t miss out on essential support.

Joanna continued: “To ensure this group don’t also miss out on the winter fuel payment, we continue to call on the UK Government to pause their plan to means test the winter fuel payment.”

Campaigners argue that the current approach to encouraging pension credit claims isn’t enough and are calling for a more innovative, long-term strategy to reach those most in need.

With winter approaching, the pressure is mounting to ensure that pensioners don’t face financial hardship as energy prices soar.

For many, claiming pension credit could provide a much-needed lifeline during the cold months ahead.

Meanwhile, money saving expert, Martin Lewis was seen clashing with government minister Lisa Nandy over the Winter Fuel Payment decision that will affect millions of pensioners.

The Sun’s Winter Fuel S.O.S Campaign

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WORRIED about energy bills? The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS crew are taking calls on Wednesday.

We want to help thousands of pensioners worried about energy bills this winter, with tips and advice on how to make cash go further.

Our Winter Fuel SOS crew will be able to help answer your questions on whether you can get Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.

Ten million OAPs are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment due to government cutbacks.

It comes in the same month that millions of households are hit by a ten per cent rise in bills as the Energy Price Cap shoots up.

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We can help with advice on how else to save money.
Our phone line is open 7am to 7pm Wednesday October 9 – you can call us on 0800 028 1978.

Or you can email now: WinterfuelSOS@the-sun.co.uk

SAVVY shoppers can save up to £336 this Christmas with stocking filler perfume dupes starting at just £2.49.

Christmas is fast approaching, and if you’re looking to spoil your loved ones without breaking the bank, we’ve got the perfect stocking fillers for you.

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High-end perfumes might be a dream for some, but we’ve rounded up six incredible dupes that smell just like the real deal – for a fraction of the price.

From B&M to Poundland, here’s how you can bag luxurious scents for less this festive season.

Missy G.G. Body Mist – £2.49 at B&M

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Top of our list is the Missy G.G Body Mist that shoppers can snap up at B&M for just £2.49.

This fruity body mist has been making waves as a dead ringer for the iconic Good Girl Body Spray which retails for £47, saving you £44.51 – that’s 90% cheaper.

Shoppers are raving about it as the perfect dupe – and at just £2.49, it’s an absolute steal.

The bargain find was spotted in store and shared on social media by a happy shopper.

She posted a picture of the bottle with the caption: “Carolina Herrera good girl body spray dupe £2.49 from B&M smells exactly the same as the original it’s beautiful.”

It can be purchased in-store but you can’t buy online

Pink Plush – £4 at Poundland

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Next up is Pink Plush from Poundland, priced at only £4.

It’s a fantastic dupe for Moschino Toy 2 Bubblegum, which would set you back £43 at The Perfume Shop.

With a saving of £39, or 91%, Pink Plush offers a sweet, bubble-gum-like scent that’s playful and fun.

You can find it in-store at Poundland, making it an ideal budget-friendly option for Christmas gifts.

Quartz – £4 at Poundland

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For those who love Paco Rabanne Fame, the Quartz fragrance from Poundland is a must-have.

Filled inside a fun silver robot, Poundland’s Platinum Pour Homme is a more affordable dupe of the posh scent that retails for close to £70 at The Perfume Shop but is 93% cheaper at just £4.

This saves you a whopping £74.

That’s a massive saving without sacrificing on style or fragrance quality.

The purse-friendly collection, which hit the stores recently, has already taken the internet by storm, with fans rushing to Facebook to share the news.

One shopper, Nat Fergusson, took to Poundland Appreciation Society, where she wrote: ”Some fab fragrances at only £4 each!”

Perfect Seduction – £4 at Poundland

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Another standout from Poundland is Perfect Seduction, a £4 dupe of Katy Perry’s Purr, which retails for £28 at Fragrance Direct – saving you £24.

Fans of Purr will love this affordable alternative, with its fruity and floral notes.

The adorable black cat-themed bottle is a major win in itself – so even if you don’t enjoy the scent, you’ll have a cute little home decor piece.

You’ll pay 84% less by picking this up at your local Poundland.

For those after something more luxurious, Opulent Fizz from Poundland is another fantastic dupe for Dior J’Adore, which typically costs £94.99.

At just £4, you’re saving a whopping £90.99, or 96%, making this champagne glass-shaped perfume a true bargain.

It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves a sophisticated scent, and it’s available in-store at Poundland.

Good Chica Eau de Parfum – £3 at Primark

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At Primark, you can find Good Chica Eau de Parfum for just £3.

This fragrance is a brilliant dupe for Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Eau de Parfum but is 95% cheaper as Good Girl currently retails at Boots for £65, saving you £62.

With contrasting notes of jasmine, cocoa, and almond, Good Chica delivers the same bold, feminine scent at a fraction of the price.

You’ll save £62, making it an affordable yet luxurious gift, available in Primark stores.

The perfume made waves on Facebook‘s infamous Extreme Couponing and Bargaining group when one user posted her lucky find.

The savvy shopper also mentioned isn’t the only great dupe Primark has in store.

She said: “They did have others too but I can’t remember the names of them.”

Pistachio and Salted Caramel Body Spray – £5.99 at Lidl

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Finally, Lidl’s Pistachio and Salted Caramel body spray is a favourite for those who love Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62.

Priced at just £3.99, it’s a fantastic dupe for the cult classic, which costs £30 – making the 86 per cent cheaper.

You’ll be saving £25.01 on this tropical, sun-kissed scent that’s perfect for the holiday season.

It’s currently only available in selected stores.

You can find your local store by using the store finder tool.

With these seven amazing dupes, you can fill those Christmas stockings without breaking the bank while still gifting luxurious scents.

Many bargain stores are starting to sell dupe alternatives of popular branded products at a hugely reduced price.

Lidl is one of the best around as dropping a number of home and beauty dupes.

Dupe hunters have unearthed Jo Malone, Rituals, Molton Brown, Sol de Janeiro and Lush copycats in stores across the country.

There’s even a £1.99 dupe of the coveted Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Wash.

The designer version will set you back a mammoth £36.

AS I walked into the Waitrose Christmas showcase, I knew this year’s festive range was going to be above and beyond anything that’s gone before.

I was given the opportunity to test the posh supermarket’s whopping 554-product Christmas range, which includes 175 new items.

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Festive items have been popping up in Waitrose‘s 400 supermarkets since the end of September and will be available in full in December.

With so many products on offer, from moreish mains to divine deserts, the retailer really does have every aspect of the festive season covered.

Despite having so many products on offer, there was one item in particular that I really wanted to try, and that was the Limoncello fizz panettone.

It’s not Christmas without a panettone, but Waitrose is putting an interesting spin on the festive treat this year.

While messing with Christmas classics may seem like a controversial move, I’m fairly sure this one is going to be well-loved.

The Italian cake contains candied lemon peel, pockets of limoncello filling and is infused with sparkling wine syrup.

Plus, it is sprinkled with fizzy sherbert lemon sugar to finish.

The limoncello and the sponge complement each other really well and the booze isn’t too overpowering.

I think even the most ardent traditionalists would be impressed, and I can imagine a fight breaking out over the last piece on Christmas Day.

For me, it came out on top.

At £12, it is a little pricey, but it’s worth it if you want to impressive your guests this Christmas.

If you have a sweet tooth but chocolate is more your thing, then don’t worry, Waitrose also has this covered.

The supermarket is selling a £6 hot chocolate brownie that it says serves four.

The Belgian chocolate treat was really rich and creamy and the marshmallow toppings were the perfect addition.

If I was looking for just one word to describe this desert, it would be decadent.

But I can imagine it would be even more delicious served with ice cream and it’s bound to be a hit with both adults and children alike.

I also really enjoyed Waitrose’s white stilton with Luxardo Limoncello.

Even if you don’t like Limoncello, this one could still be worth a try as the flavour isn’t too overpowering and it doesn’t take away from the cheese.

It costs £2 for 150g.

SHOWSTOPPING CENTREPIECES

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Waitrose said it has created centrepieces that are ready to serve and create a “wow factor”, with table appeal, flavour and restaurant quality.

And you can really feel this sentiment in its centrepiece offering.

A beef sirloin is a staple of most households’ Christmas dinner spread, and Waitrose has decided to jazz its version up this year.

The No.1 wagyu beef sirloin joint comes with a beer malt glaze and shallot, herb and garlic crumb.

It will be available from December 20 to December 24 through Waitrose’s food-to-order service.

This service allows you to book and pay for your Christmas dinner and other treats ahead of time with collection closer to the big day.

It is priced between £59 and £72 depending on the weight you choose.

This varies between 0.95kg-1.16kg and can serve between four and six people.

But if your Christmas isn’t complete without a turkey, Waitrose has you covered here too.

The treacle glazed stuffed turkey crown costs between £60 and £75 for a bird weighing up to 2.5kg.

The turkey is served with chestnut and bacon stuffing and topped with treacle-cured bacon and finished with a sticky and delicious treacle glaze.

It is also available through the food to order service.

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to spend ages preparing for Christmas, it could be worth forking out for these pricey centrepieces.

They’re bound to impress your guests and will take little preparation.

So if you’re looking for a fuss-free way of making Christmas dinner, they could be a good option for you.

Waitrose isn’t the only retailer to have launched its festive range.

We had a first look at Fortnum & Mason’s 2024 Christmas range including edible coal, £40 hamper & £265 advent calendar worth £1,000.

Plus, we reveal the full list of supermarket Christmas savings schemes – and how to get £25 free cash.

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

MARKS and Spencer is making a huge change to credit card rewards.

The retailer is axing several lucrative benefits next month, The Sun can reveal.

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The M&S Club Rewards scheme is offered to M&S credit card holders, for a £10 a month fee.

Members can earn extra reward points on their credit card purchases and free M&S vouchers for clothing, home, food and drink.

Club Rewards members also enjoy free next-day delivery, worth £5.99, on every order.

However, M&S will be discontinuing this perk from November 13.

The shake-up will also see customers earn less extra reward points when using their credit cards abroad.

Instead, customers will be issued more M&S vouchers as a replacement.

In an email sent to members today, M&S said: “We’re always listening to our customers and looking for ways to give you more of the things you love at M&S.

“So, from November 13, we’re making a few changes to the benefits you get throughout the year to give you more of what our customers value most.”

“Customers have told us they want more vouchers, so we’re increasing your M&S vouchers from £65 to £120 per year.

“You’ll still earn an extra two rewards points for every £1 spent at M&S on top of any Rewards points you earn on your M&S credit card. You’ll also get 32 hot drink vouchers and a treat for your birthday.”

Currently, customers receive three £15 vouchers and one £20 voucher, totalling £65, to spend in the clothing or home departments, either in-store or online.

However, starting November 13, Club Rewards members will receive £120 worth of M&S vouchers annually.

This includes four £25 vouchers for clothing, home, and beauty, plus two £10 vouchers for use at M&S food halls.

M&S is also ditching the fixed £12 food hall vouchers offered to members on their birthday.

Instead, these shoppers will receive an unspecified gift, which could be a voucher or reward points boost.

An M&S Club Rewards spokesperson told The Sun: “We’re in the process of contacting our existing M&S Club Rewards customers, to give them advance notice that some of their benefits will be changing.”

Is membership still worth it?

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, suggests that now is the perfect time to reassess whether these changes will still work for you.

She said: “M&S has ditched free next day delivery for its club rewards customers.

“For online shoppers this will have been a big part of the attraction, because it saved £5.99 on each next day delivery – going a long way to justifying the £10 a month charge.

“You’ll also lose the extra points on spending overseas, although the difference that makes to you will depend on how often you travel and how much you spend.”

The membership fee may still be worthwhile for those who primarily shop at M&S, as members will now receive £120 in M&S vouchers each year. 

However, Sarah added: “You need to be certain you’ll spend these vouchers and that you would have spent this money in M&S anyway.

“You’re effectively swapping £120 to spend anywhere for £120 to spend in specific ways at M&S.

“If you don’t get any other value from the club, you might decide this isn’t a decent trade.”

While shoppers will continue to earn additional reward points for spending on their credit card, it’s vital to consider whether this is the right choice for you.

Sarah said: “It’s only worth it if you have the discipline to take advantage of the benefits and repay on time and in full every month.

“For many people, the potential benefit won’t be worth the risk.”

What are the alternatives?

If you don’t primarily shop at M&S but still wish to earn everyday rewards on your spending, there are plenty of credit and debit card options available.

Many of these specialist reward cards are also fee-free.

Chase’s fee-free current account offers a debit card, which allows for 1% cashback on most spending, and shoppers can earn a maximum of £15 each month.

American Express (Amex) offers two cashback credit cards.

The fee-free Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card pays newbies 5% cashback on all spending up to £125 during the first five months of card membership.

After this period customers will continue to earn 0.5% on all spending up to £10,000 and then 1% on all spend above this.

However, to take advantage of any of these cashback offers, you’ll need to spend at least £3,000 on the card each year.

The Amex Cashback credit card, which costs £25 a year, offers similar perks but without the minimum annual spend.

Customers are rewarded with 5% back on purchases within the first three months, then 0.75% on the first £10,000 spent and 1.25% on all spending above this.

Existing Santander customers can get ongoing 2% cashback on their spending with the Santander Edge credit card.

This comes with a £3 a month fee but gives customers 2% back on most purchases in the first 12 months and then 1% cashback thereafter up to a maximum of £15 a month.