SHOPPERS are racing to get their hands on new gorgeous light up glitter gins from a budget retailer they couldn’t believe.

The latest B&M Christmas essential is available in store nationwide for only £14.

4

4

Advertisement

4

Designed to elevate your festive spirits, B&M are bringing customers the perfect tipple to the seasonal celebrations with the dazzling drink.

The bottle transforms the gin liqueur into a piece of festive decor that stands out.

The light-up effect looks to bring a warm, glowing atmosphere to any Christmas celebration – and would also make the perfect Christmas gift.

The gold flakes add a luxurious touch and the whimsical gonk turns this tipple into a festive centrepiece.

The two flavours available are Clementine and Winter Berries, with both measuring 50cl with a 15 per cent ABV.

Purchasers have been tagging their friends on social media to look at the gin liquer.

One fan said on Facebook: “These are pretty!”

Another commented: “They look so pretty might have to try these.”

And: “Need!”

Two recipe’s purchasers should try are the Clementine Christmas Punch and the Winter Berries Spritz:

Clementine Christmas Punch:

• Mix 100ml of B&M’s Light-up Gonk Gin Liqueur – Clementine with fruit juice.
• Add ice and stir well.
• Top with Prosecco and garnish with orange slices for a crowd-pleasing festive punch.

Winter Berries Spritz

• Fill a glass with ice and pour 50ml of B&M’s Light-up Gonk Gin Liqueur – Winter Berries.
• Add a splash of soda water and top with Prosecco.
• Garnish with berries for a refreshing and vibrant drink.

The B&M’s Light-up Gonk Gin also keeps your budget merry, with pricier competitor M&S releasing their snow globe gin liqueur for £20 for 70cl.

This is £6 more expensive than the B&M alternative, but contains 20cl more.

In past years at M&S, a 70cl bottle cost £16, but now the price has gone up to £20 – and the bottle also comes in a new gifting box.

The M&S Christmas drink has been off the shelves since 2022.

Now shoppers will be delighted to be able to buy the supermarket’s original snow globe gin liqueur again.

The bottles of M&S gin liqueur have been a festive staple for the major supermarket for years.

And due to the drink’s popularity, back in 2020 customers were given a limit and told they could only buy two at a time.

M&S didn’t sell the liqueur last year, but it is now bringing the iconic drink back.

Previously, the gin came in two flavours – Clementine and Spiced Sugar Plum – but this year, only the Clementine one will be sold.

The sugar plum bottles lit up with a cool white glow, illuminating a festive figure skater on the design of the glass.

4

With the energy price cap having gone up from 1 October to 31 December, many households are now facing increased energy bills. Adding to the challenge, the government has also scrapped the winter fuel payment, making it more crucial than ever to find ways to stay warm without relying heavily on central heating. Luckily, there are several simple and cost-effective strategies to help you keep cosy this winter while reducing energy costs.

Layer Up with Warm Clothing

One of the easiest ways to stay warm indoors is by layering up with warm clothing. Wearing thermals, sweaters, and wool socks can help trap your body heat. Natural materials like wool and fleece are especially good at keeping you insulated. A hat or beanie indoors also helps reduce heat loss from your head – whilst there is some debate about the amount of heat lost through the head, it will make you feel warmer, regardless.

Use Blankets and Throws

Adding blankets and throws around the house is an easy way to stay warm. Fleece and wool blankets are great for trapping body heat, making you feel several degrees warmer. Keeping a blanket handy while sitting on the couch or working from home can provide extra warmth. Alternatives to blankets include onesies and hooded blankets.

Seal Drafts and Insulate Your Home

Draught-proofing your home is key to preventing heat loss. Cold air seeps in through gaps in windows, doors, and floors. Use draught excluders, weatherproofing strips, or heavy curtains to block these drafts. Adding rugs to tile or hardwood floors also helps retain heat and keeps your feet warm.

Maximize Natural Sunlight

During the day, take advantage of natural sunlight by opening curtains or blinds to let the warmth in. Sunlight can naturally heat your home, especially in south-facing rooms. At night, close the curtains to trap the day’s warmth and keep the cold out.

Close Off Unused Rooms

If there are rooms in your home that aren’t in use, close the doors to keep the warm air contained in the areas you’re occupying. This allows you to stay warmer without having to heat the entire house, making your home feel cosier without additional energy consumption.

Drink Warm Beverages

Sipping on hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate is a simple way to warm up. Not only do hot drinks heat you from the inside, but holding a warm cup helps keep your hands cosy.

Cook More Warm Meals

Cooking more often during winter can add extra warmth to your home. Using the oven or stove generates heat, warming up the kitchen and nearby rooms. Prepare warm, hearty meals like soups, casseroles, and baked dishes to give your body the energy it needs to stay warm. Madras strength curry anyone?

Use Hot Water Bottles and Heating Pads

Hot water bottles are a cost-effective way to stay warm. Placing them on your lap, at your feet, or under the blanket adds warmth without using central heating. Similarly, electric heating pads or microwaveable heat packs provide quick warmth when needed. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Take Warm Showers or Baths

Taking a hot shower or bath raises your body temperature and keeps you warm for hours. The steam from the hot water also adds warmth and moisture to the air, which helps make the room feel more comfortable.

Wear Slippers or Thermal Socks

Cold floors can make the whole house feel colder. Wearing thermal socks or insulated slippers helps keep your feet warm, which in turn helps maintain your overall body temperature. Wool socks or socks made from thermal materials provide the most insulation.

Rearrange Furniture

If your furniture is placed near windows or exterior walls, it can be exposed to drafts and cold air. Rearrange your furniture to move seating areas closer to interior walls, away from windows and cold spots. This helps you stay warmer while indoors.

Leave the Oven Door Open After Use

When you finish cooking, leave the oven door open to let the warm air fill the kitchen. The heat from the oven helps raise the temperature in the room, adding warmth to your home without turning on the heating.

Insulate Your Windows

If you feel cold air coming through your windows, use thermal curtains or install window insulation film to block drafts. This simple addition helps retain heat in your home, making your living space warmer and reducing the need for extra heating.

The verdict

Staying warm in winter without turning on the heating is possible with a few simple adjustments. By layering up, sealing drafts, using blankets, and employing a hot water bottle or heating pads, you can keep warm while cutting energy bills. Follow these tips to enjoy a comfortable and cosy winter while saving on energy costs.

Disclaimer:

If you’re still feeling cold after trying these methods, it’s important to prioritise your health and comfort. Don’t hesitate to turn on your heating when needed to stay warm and safe during the winter months.

Zurich has launched a new group critical-illness proposition to complete its full suite of group-risk products.

The insurer said the proposition has been designed in response to the changing health environment, where group critical illness is a necessity rather than a “nice to have”.

It offers a maximum benefit of up to £500,000 and cover can also be provided for a spouse/partner.

There is also a child benefit providing 25% of the member’s benefit, as well as flexible maximum benefits.

People can choose between £25,000 or £50,000 child benefit and £250,000, £375,000 and £500,000 for the spouse/partner cover.

Other benefits include access to a wide range of additional support and services, including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Virtual GP and Second Medical Opinion services.

Zurich head of market management, Nick Homer, said: “Launching group critical-illness cover establishes Zurich as a group-risk provider that can provide the full suite of products.

“It changes the conversations we can have with advisers and employers, and means that we have an enhanced response to emerging health and environmental issues.”

Homer said the proposition has been a long-term strategic aim and designed to be flexible to give employers the opportunity to match or enhance their existing benefit design.

A MASTERCHEF finalist is closing his legendary restaurant in Edinburgh.

Dan Ashmore announced over the weekend that he is closing the iconic ASKR in Leith, Edinburgh, after being open for just seven months.

3

3

Advertisement

3

Dan was the head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Bread Street Kitchen and reached the finals of Masterchef: The Professionals in 2018.

The closure comes as Dan stepped down from his role as executive chef of the Dean Banks Group, which backed ASKR.

In an Instagram post he said: “All good thing must come to an end.

“After an incredible 3ish years with Dean Banks, the time has come for me to move on to my next adventure.”

The restaurant, located in Edinburgh’s port area Leith, opened in March and specialised in fire pit-style barbecue cooking.

Dan told his followers: “My proudest moment over the past few years has been to watch the young chefs in the group grow to be leaders in their respective kitchens and have the autonomy to make decisions and create wonderful dishes”.

The Cornwall Street restaurant Purnell’s shut up shop earlier this month – led by another Gordon Ramsay trained chef, Glynn Purnell.

After serving guests for 17 years, Purnell’s will no longer be open for business.

Chef Glynn Purnell described the flagship restaurant as his “proudest moment”.

Having opened the site in 2007, Chef Glynn had previously trained with Gordon Ramsay, Claude Bosi and Gary Rhodes.

The chef suggested that the closure comes as “things have moved on” and the pressures faced by the hospitality industry have contributed to the decision.

Just before this, TV star Simon Rimmer’s last remaining Greens restaurant announced its closure on September 17 – just months after the original shut its doors.

For celebrity chef Michael Caines it was a double blow as he announced he was selling not just one but two of his popular restaurants last month, in Exmouth.

Cash Budgeting: Does the TikTok Method of Using Cash Really Help You Manage Money? 

In today’s digital world, where online payments, credit cards, and mobile apps dominate, using cash for budgeting might sound outdated. However, a growing trend, particularly popular on TikTok, suggests that going back to basics by taking out cash each month can help manage personal finances and reduce overspending. This cash budgeting method, often referred to as the “cash envelope system,” aims to simplify budgeting and remove the temptation of overspending. 

But does this TikTok cash budgeting method really work? Let’s break down how this technique can help you manage your money and whether it’s the right solution for your financial goals. 

What Is the Cash Budgeting Method? 

The cash budgeting method involves withdrawing a set amount of cash at the beginning of the month, based on your monthly budget. You divide the cash into different categories, such as groceries, entertainment, bills, and savings, using envelopes or dividers to separate each category. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Set a Monthly Budget: The first step is determining your monthly expenses. This includes fixed costs like rent or mortgage, utilities, and variable expenses such as groceries, dining out, and entertainment. 

• Withdraw Cash: Once you’ve established your budget, you withdraw the exact amount of cash you plan to spend for the month in specific categories. 

• Divide into Envelopes: Allocate the cash into different envelopes or compartments for each spending category. Once the cash in each envelope is gone, you’ve reached your limit for that category. 

• Track Spending: Instead of swiping your card or using apps, you only spend the cash in each envelope. When it’s gone, it’s gone—this forces you to stick to the budget you’ve set. 

The Benefits of Cash Budgeting 

Using cash as a budgeting method offers several advantages, especially for those prone to overspending or struggling to keep track of their finances. Here are a few reasons why it might work: 

•  Eliminates Impulsive Spending 

When using a credit or debit card, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending. With cash, once you’re out, that’s it. This physical limitation helps prevent impulse purchases and encourages you to prioritize what you really need. 

You can find more ways to stop impulse buying here. 

•  Helps Build Financial Discipline 

The tactile nature of handling cash makes you more aware of how much money you’re spending. Seeing your cash supply dwindle can motivate you to stick to your budget and think twice before making non-essential purchases. 

• Improves Budget Awareness 

Using cash forces you to be more intentional about your purchases. It encourages you to plan and stick to your budget categories, which helps you understand exactly where your money is going each month. 

• Reduces Debt Accumulation 

Because you’re not using credit cards, the risk of accumulating more debt is significantly reduced. The cash budgeting method keeps your spending within your means, preventing you from racking up credit card balances that could lead to financial trouble. 

Does the Cash Budgeting Method Really Work? 

While the cash budgeting method can help many people, especially those who need strict controls to avoid overspending, it may not be the best option for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the downsides and challenges of using cash to budget. 

•  Inconvenient for Larger Purchases 

In today’s world, many purchases, such as online shopping or larger expenses like plane tickets, require a debit or credit card. Carrying large amounts of cash can also be inconvenient or even unsafe in certain situations. 

Many credit cards offer cashback, points, or other rewards for everyday spending. By relying solely on cash, you miss out on these potential benefits, which could lead to long-term savings if used wisely. 

Find a reward credit card. – https://www.finance-monthly.com/2024/10/best-credit-cards/ 

• Harder to Automate Payments 

For bills that are automatically deducted from your account, such as utilities, subscriptions, or mortgage payments, using cash can make it harder to manage payments. You’ll need to be vigilant about withdrawing cash and paying bills manually, which could lead to missed payments if you’re not organized. 

How to Save Money with the Cash Budgeting Method 

If you’re considering adopting this cash-based budgeting system, here are a few tips to help maximize your savings: 

It’s essential to create a budget that reflects your actual needs and spending habits. Don’t set unrealistically low amounts in each envelope, as this may lead to frustration or overspending when you run out of cash prematurely. 

Even though you’re using cash, it’s still important to track your spending regularly. Keeping a record of how much you’ve spent in each category allows you to adjust future budgets and avoid overspending. 

• Cut Back on Non-Essential Categories 

The physical nature of cash makes it easier to visualize where your money is going. Use this awareness to identify where you can cut back, such as reducing dining out or impulse purchases, and allocate more towards savings. 

• Use Leftover Cash Wisely 

If you have leftover cash in your envelopes at the end of the month, don’t simply spend it. Consider moving the extra money into a savings fund or investing it to grow your financial security. 

• Take Advantage of Digital Tools 

While the cash system is low-tech, you can complement it with budgeting apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget) or Mint to track your overall financial goals. This hybrid approach can help ensure you stay on track, especially for bills and expenses that aren’t paid with cash. 

Budgeting apps can help you save and keep you to your goals. 

Is the Cash Budgeting Method Right for You? 

The cash budgeting method, popularized on TikTok, can be an effective tool for those struggling with overspending and looking for a tangible way to stick to a monthly budget. It offers simplicity, transparency, and accountability by forcing you to manage money without relying on credit cards or digital transactions. 

While this method may not be ideal for every aspect of personal finance, especially for larger purchases or online payments, it can serve as a helpful foundation for better spending habits. If you’re looking to regain control over your monthly spending, trying out the cash budgeting system may be a step in the right direction. 

Protection challenger Guardian has outlined its adviser strategy for 2025.

It includes “deepening quality relationships” with advisers and firms alike to deliver good customer outcomes.

The strategy was unveiled today (21 October) by Guardian executive chairman and interim CEO, Peter Mann.

It also sets out plans to move into the next phase of the insurer’s journey.

Guardian said it spent the last six years concentrating efforts on rapid growth through the launch of new products and growing its distribution footprint in the UK.

Its products, designed to give customers certainty at point of claim, are now available on all the major advised protection panels.

Mann said: “Now our business is maturing, and mindful of the current macroeconomic headwinds, it’s the right time to move away from a focus on rapid scale, to one of consolidation.

“We still intend to grow and to buck the current overall trend of falling protection sales. However, there’s also significant value to unlock from the distribution footprint and product set we’ve built.

“The strategy we’ve laid out for 2025 will focus on maximising value while we continue to deliver great outcomes for customers and great service for advisers.”

Last month, Guardian chief executive Katya MacLean left the business after five years at the helm.

Mann has taken over the CEO role on an interim basis while the recruitment process to replace MacLean takes place.

Meanwhile, Guardian’s marketing and proposition director Jacqui Gillies has announced that she’s leaving the company and the insurance industry after 42 years.

Gillies joined the company in 2016 and was part of the team that brought Guardian to market two years later.

She has been the driving force behind the brand that advisers know today, as well as its two most recent product launches.

Gillies plans to leave at the end of December and her direct reports – head of marketing, Rachael Welsh, and head of proposition, Jo Penrose – will report into Hilary Banks, Guardian’s commercial director.

Commenting on her departure, Gillies said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to have been part of Guardian’s hugely exciting journey, from launching the brand back in 2018, to developing our income protection and life essentials propositions to bolster Guardian’s menu and provide greater choice for advisers and their clients.

“It’s been an honour to see first-hand, as we’ve grown, how our innovative approach has helped so many customers.

“When I first joined the team, I had no intention of staying so long and no idea of how far we would come.

“After eight years with Guardian and a 42-year career in financial services, which incidentally started at Guardian in 1982 when it was known as GRE, I’m ready to let the team take on this new strategy for 2025.”