Money
What’s next for annuities? Pension experts reveal how to get the best deal for your retirement
PENSION annuity rates and sales are rising and experts say now is a good time to buy one.
But the trick is to find the best deal for your old age.
Ellie Smitherman talks you through it . . .
IS AN ANNUITY RIGHT FOR YOU?
ANNUITIES are retirement plans pensioners can buy to provide them with a fixed regular income for the rest of their life.
Rates are usually shown as how much money you will receive per year for every £100,000 you pay in.
For example, an annuity rate of 5 per cent would mean you get £5,000 for every £100,000 you invest – so if you paid an annuity provider £50,000, you would get £2,500 a year.
If you buy an annuity, you can opt to take a quarter of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum.
The rest is then converted into a taxable lifetime income.
Exactly how much an individual gets from an annuity depends on their personal circumstances, such as if they are in good health, their life expectancy and how much their pension is worth.
Annuity rates have surged in recent years.
Average annuity rates for a 65-year-old are currently 7.18 per cent, up from 5.11 per cent in January 2022.
The latest data from the annuity comparison tool of financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown’s shows a 65-year-old with a £100,000 pension pot can get up to £7,146 a year.
This is up 43 per cent on what they would have got just three years ago.
But money paid from an annuity is subject to income tax.
And taking money from a pension in a lump sum can affect your means-tested benefits – they could be reduced or even stopped.
What’s next for rates?
RETIREES are rushing to lock in high rates, says Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown.
This is because many think the Bank of England will cut interest rates in the next few months, and this could have a negative impact on annuity rates.
Helen told The Sun: “After years on the sidelines of the retirement income market, annuities are enjoying their time in the sun, as increasing interest rates pushed incomes skyward.”
Emma Watkins of pension provider Scottish Widows added: “While it’s hard to predict the future, many think annuity rates will follow the base rate down over the next few years – while staying well above historic lows.”
But experts urge retirees not to buy too much into the predictions.
Lorna Shah, managing director of Legal & General Retail Retirement, said: “While some commentators are suggesting annuity rates might change, economic and political uncertainties mean annuity rates can be very hard to predict.
“Instead of trying to make a decision based on rates, it’s important for people to think about personal needs and how different products can work together to give them the best result over the long term.”
HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL
AS you get closer to retirement age, your pension provider will send you information about the value of your pension pot and the options available to you to take money from it.
Some providers can offer you an income directly.
But remember, you don’t have to take an annuity offered by your existing provider.
Buying an annuity is usually an irreversible decision so it’s crucial to consider your options, choose the right type and get the best deal you can.
Research by Hargreaves Lansdown found the difference between different providers’ rates can be worth thousands in retirement.
So shop around for your annuity – it almost always gives you a higher income in retirement.
Use tools such as the Money Helper’s annuity comparison tool, or use annuity brokers to find the best deals currently available on the market and tailored to your circumstances.
You can find a broker online but check reviews and fees.
Only non-advised providers will give you a quote without you taking advice first.
They will simply offer you the best rate they can find on the market.
There may be annuity providers offering higher rates via only a financial adviser.
If you are close to retirement and unsure about annuities or making the most of your pension pot, Pension Wise can help.
It’s a free service from government-backed financial guidance adviser, MoneyHelper.
To find an independent financial adviser, see the Unbiased website, but you will likely need to pay for their advice.
You can also compare annuities yourself on the Annuity Ready website .
If unsure how much to save, the Retirement Living Standards website shows the cost of different retirement lifestyles.
Then use a retirement income calculator to see how much you need to save to reach the level you desire.
Bear in mind there are lots of types of annuities so do your research and get advice to find the best fit for you.
There are pitfalls, too, such as the fact you cannot change your mind – annuities are a lifelong buy so you need to be certain.
This also means if there’s a chance your income needs might change drastically in the future, an annuity might not be the best option for you.
Remember not to automatically accept the annuity rate offered by your pension provider without checking what is on offer across the rest of the market.
THE BEST ALTERNATIVES
IF you want more flexibility over your income you might want to consider a different approach.
Most retirees now opt to leave their pension invested in the stock market, and take income as and when they need it, via “drawdown”.
As with an annuity, you can withdraw a quarter as a tax-free lump sum, with the rest taxed as income.
Drawdown is more flexible than an annuity, and returns may be higher, but savings are exposed to greater volatility.
If there is a stock market crash, the fund value will fall, so your income needs may not be met.
If you are considering a draw-down, seek financial advice.
You are not limited to picking one option. You can mix and match.
So you could use some of your pot to buy an annuity and leave the rest invested to draw an income from it.
FIVE FACTORS KEY TO RATE YOU’LL GET
VARIOUS factors impact exactly how much income you get . . .
- GILT YIELDS: Annuity providers tend to fund them using returns from government bonds called gilts. The Government pays the annuity provider a fixed interest amount, tied to the Bank of England interest base rate. When the base rate rises, gilt yields also increase, subsequently boosting annuity rates, as observed in recent years.
- THE VALUE OF YOUR PENSION: The size of your pot is the primary factor determining your annuity income. The more savings you allocate to buy an annuity, the higher your income will be.
- AGE AND LIFE EXPECTANCY: How long you are expected to live significantly influences the annuity rate you are offered. The more years this is, the lower your rate, as the provider will be paying you for a longer period. For example, a 60-year-old will typically receive a lower income than a 70-year-old.
- YOUR HEALTH: Poor health, smoking or being overweight can lead to a shorter life expectancy, which may qualify you for a better annuity rate. It is crucial to declare any health conditions to your provider.
- YOUR POSTCODE: Annuity providers use your postcode to estimate life expectancy. If you reside in an area with a lower-than-average life expectancy, you may be offered a slightly higher rate.
‘There’s been a cloud over my solar power payments’
Q: I HAVEN’T been paid for my solar panels in almost nine months and I don’t know why.
I got them in 2011 and my energy supplier, Ovo, usually gives me money for energy I generate every three months.
But I haven’t been paid since February this year, covering from December 2023.
I have complained but haven’t had a straight answer as to what’s causing the delay. Can you help?
Leighton Reardon of Blackwood, Caerphilly
A: SOLAR panels can be a great long-term investment, as your energy supplier should reimburse you for any energy you generate yourself and supply back to the grid.
Unfortunately, there are often requirements you have to follow to ensure you keep getting your payments.
In your case, for example, Ovo Energy explained that you need to submit a “meter verification” every two years.
This involves sending a photo of your meter to the firm so it can check your latest reading.
You were supposed to submit your latest photo around July 2023, but Ovo said it didn’t receive it until August this year.
A spokesperson for the firm said it sent you a reminder in February.
But you clearly had not realised this was stopping you receiving your payments, and I’m concerned about why this was not made clear when you repeatedly called to complain.
You said staff on the phone “fobbed you off” and didn’t understand the problem.
I have asked Ovo to investigate, as I feel your problem could have been easily resolved over the phone.
Ovo has now reached out to explain what happened and what you need to do in future.
And a spokesperson said you will now be paid for the full period from December 2023 to September 2024 by early November, which you are happy with.
A spokesperson for Ovo said: “We’re glad to put this right so Mr Reardon can benefit from his panels.
“Our team continues to be on hand to support with any further questions.
“We encourage customers to contact us if they have any questions about their solar panels.”
Premium prizes take a hit
MILLIONS of Premium Bond holders will see their chances of winning cash tumble next month.
National Savings & Investments has slashed the prize fund rates for the second time this year in a blow to savers hoping to score a win.
Ellie Smitherman explains what you need to know . . .
WHAT IS CHANGING? Premium Bonds are a type of savings account that doesn’t offer interest payments like conventional accounts.
Instead, you’re given the chance to win a prize in the draw every month.
The prize fund rates are to be cut to 4.15 per cent from 4.4 per cent from December.
Savers will see their chances of winning in the monthly draw slide from 21,000 to 1 down to 22,000 to 1.
The prize fund was already cut earlier this year, falling from 4.65 per cent in March.
NS&I is also cutting interest rates for Direct Saver and Income Bonds to 3.75 per cent from 4 per cent where it has been since November 2020.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU WIN? There will continue to be two winners of the top £1million prizes from December’s draw.
And the number of the lowest £25 prizes will increase from 1.49m to an estimated 1.5million in December.
But the number of winnings between the biggest and smallest prize will all fall.
Overall, there will be an expected 5,726,438 prizes worth £435,686,300 in December, down from 5,991,306 prizes worth £461,330,525 this month.
Each £1 you put in Premium Bonds is an entry into the monthly prize draw.
All bonds have an equal chance of winning and the more you buy, the greater your chances.
SHOULD I CASH IN? Two thirds of Premium Bonds holders have never won, according to recent figures from a Freedom of Information reguest obtained by savings platform AJ Bell.
These savers may have missed out on significant returns in a higher paying cash account or by investing money – particularly if they have held the bonds for a long time.
If you are looking to make a decent and reliable return on your cash, numerous savings accounts pay a better rate.
For example, you can currently earn 5 per cent interest with app-based provider Chip on its easy access account.
It’s worth noting that Premium Bond winnings are tax-free.
Anyone who has used up their annual ISA limit or personal savings allowance could benefit by saving into Premium Bonds.
Premium Bonds are government-backed, meaning your money is safe and there’s no risk of losing it.
But other banks and building societies are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which covers up to £85,000 of money per person, per financial institution.
Money
We live on run down Reeves Street but Labour’s Rachel Reeves is doing nothing for us, her budget will screw us to ground
FOR three months the people of Reeves Street have been living a nightmare – in fear of next week’s Halloween Budget.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is this weekend making final preparations for her first Autumn Statement.
And as seven out of ten people say they feel worried about Wednesday’s Budget, we visited a street near Walsall that shares its name with Labour’s key player.
Bloxwich — one of the poorest districts in the West Midlands — has suffered hard times as its traditional engineering firms and foundries closed.
Reeves Street boasts 15 houses, a garage, a building firm, two residential care homes, a cab rank, a closed-down Indian restaurant and a local boozer.
Dave Sargent, 59, took over the street’s pub, The Hatherton Arms, three years ago and turned it into a popular community hub.
But he believes soaring energy costs, alcohol duties, income tax and business rate rises may finally kill off his business.
‘We’re being screwed’
Landlord Dave’s message to Rachel Reeves is: “Stop killing the pub trade — we’re under enough pressure as it is.
“It seems they want to close every little pub down. They are doing nothing for us — we’re being screwed to the ground.”
The married father-of-four, who packs in punters with karaoke, bingo and live DJ nights, says his energy costs alone are now £1,000 a month.
He also fears rises in alcohol duty will force him to increase his prices beyond the reach of punters, who have already been taxed to the hilt on their income.
Dave says: “You’ve got the cost of fuel and the tax on beers. The cost of electricity and gas is phenomenal.
“I’m paying £1,000 a month here just for electricity and we have to scrimp and scrape to make that £1,000.
“Trying to ban smoking in the pub garden was a ridiculous idea — thank goodness it looks like that is now being delayed or scrapped. It’s bad enough for landlords as it is. It’s bleak for us because we are working on a small margin, and if it gets to a stage when what I take at the till is below what is acceptable for the hours I’m putting in, I will have to finish.”
I never expected Labour to be as hard on everyone as they have been
Dave Sargent
On July 4, Labour’s Valerie Vaz won the Walsall and Bloxwich seat, where the Tory vote was split by Reform and an independent, Aftab Nawaz.
Dave says: “I’ve never voted for Labour and I didn’t vote at all this year because I thought they were all as bad as each other.
“But I never expected Labour to be as hard on everyone as they have been.
“It’s promises, promises — and I think it’s going to get worse over the next four years. It’s a nightmare.”
Pensioners Stephen and Julie Barnett, who own their terraced house on Reeves Street, are Tory voters who ignored the last election after becoming disillusioned with the Conservatives.
They are horrified by Labour’s first three months in power and fear their £300 Winter Fuel Allowance will be axed because their income takes them over the Pension Credit threshold.
If I had Rachel Reeves here now, I’d say get on to the energy suppliers and start taxing them heavily and subsidising us
Retired mechanic Stephen Barnett
They also worry that the £1,200-a-year tax bill on their combined public and private pensions will increase because earnings thresholds are being frozen, possibly past 2028, and the Triple Lock will push them into a higher tax band,
Ex-school worker Julie, 66, says: “I suppose they call us wealthy pensioners, but we’re not really.”
Retired mechanic Stephen, 68, says: “If I had Rachel Reeves here now, I’d say get on to the energy suppliers and start taxing them heavily and subsidising us. I left school at 15 and have worked all my life. I used to do 44 hours a week. You would think that after all those years of paying into the system, they would leave you alone. But they don’t. They still want their pound of flesh. Starmer ain’t a politician — he’s a policeman.”
Jamie Harper and wife Sue run a thriving family building firm, Alvaston Loft Conversions, from a unit in Reeves Street.
He wants the Chancellor to stay away from hikes in income tax, VAT, company tax and National Insurance because companies and their workers just cannot afford to pay more.
Jamie, 59, who employs 15 highly skilled staff, fears Angela Rayner’s workers’ rights package will take control away from business leaders.
He continues: “It is the tax that worries me — everyone seems to be working just to pay the tax man.
“Labour always increase tax and spending — that’s what they’re about — and it looks like they are going to increase them again next week.
‘We can’t go on’
“We can’t afford it. We have only just recovered from Covid. There are all sorts of problems in the world and we can’t hope to pay for them all.”
Jamie adds: “You have got to look after your own country’s interests first.”
Taxi driver Mohammed Choudhury, 53, who lives on Reeves Street, said taxes are already so high that he has to drive his minicab from early morning until late at night.
People who work pay too much tax and there are others on benefits who get too much
Care worker Tammy Field
The dad-of-five says: “Business is not good. It’s gone down in the past few years and we’re paying too much in tax.
“Sometimes I can do just one job an hour and that will be a £5 fare, but after tax and petrol costs, I’ll maybe make £2.60. It is not enough.
“I want to tell Rachel Reeves to cut taxes — we can’t go on like this.”
Care worker Tammy Field, 37, struggles to cover the cost of feeding her four children, aged 12 to 20.
She says: “People who work pay too much tax and there are others on benefits who get too much.
“It’s hard just paying for food in the shops and gas and electricity.
“My eldest daughter’s going to have a baby, so we’re going to have another mouth to feed. I’m also worried about my nan and grandad. They’re going to lose their Winter Fuel Payments.
“Labour should be looking after ordinary people like us, not the ones who have all the money.”
- Additional reporting: Cyril Dixon
Money
Millions more Brits to get £1,000s in extra cash with biggest budget benefits shakeup – find out how to claim
AN extra 60,000 carers will be able to claim government cash after changes expected at next week’s Budget.
Rachel Reeves is set to raise the limit people can earn before being ineligible for the carers allowance from £151 a week to £181.
The £30 uplift will be the largest increase in the threshold since the benefit was introduced in 1976.
It is the equivalent of 16 hours a week for people on the living wage.
Carers Allowance is an £81.90 weekly bung for people looking after a severely disabled child or adult.
The current earnings cap of £151 a week after income, national insurance and expenses has been criticised as far too low.
It has seen many selfless carers unknowingly bust the limit and later told to repay large sums of their benefits.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall had launched a review of the overpayments scandal.
Ms Reeves will say the raised earnings cap will reduce the likelihood of carers earning over the maximum.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “We found 4 in 10 unpaid carers were pushed out of work because of problems with the earnings limit, plunging many into poverty.
“This new measure will help many more unpaid carers up and down the country to stay in paid work, putting much needed finances into families’ pockets.”
It comes as households on carer’s allowance continue to face substantial repayment demands after exceeding a critical weekly earnings limit.
Figures in August revealed that over 134,500 unpaid carers are collectively repaying £251million in benefit overpayments.
The Sun has previously highlighted cases where some individuals were required to repay up to £20,000 after unknowingly breaching carer’s allowance rules.
In an effort to reform the system and prevent more people from being caught out, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has initiated an independent review on the matter.
In response to the overwhelming number of repayment demands issued to claimants, the DWP’s independent review, in collaboration with the former chief executive of Disability Rights UK, aims to investigate the causes and mechanisms behind the overpayments.
It will then recommend “operational changes” to minimise the risk of future overpayments and outline how the DWP can best support those affected by overpayment issues.
What is carer’s allowance?
CARER’S allowance is a UK benefit designed to help people who have caring responsibilities for more than 35 hours each week.
Those eligible get £81.90 a week paid directly into bank accounts.
To qualify, the person you care for must already get one of these benefits:
- Personal independence payment (PIP) – daily living component
- Disability living allowance – the middle or highest care rate
- Attendance allowance
- Constant attendance allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Constant attendance allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a war disablement pension
- Armed forces independence payment
You don’t have to be related to the person or live with them to apply.
But if you share caring responsibilities with someone else, only one of you can make a claim.
The type of care you provide can vary, but includes things such as helping with washing or cooking, taking the person to medical appointments or helping out with household tasks such as shopping or organising bills.
To get the benefit, you must also meet a certain set of criteria:
- You must be 16 or over
- You have to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- You need to have been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
- You must normally live in England, Scotland or Wales or live abroad as a member of the armed forces (you might still be eligible if you’re moving to or already living in an EEA country or Switzerland)
- You cannot be in full-time education
- You must not be studying for 21 hours a week or more
- You cannot be subject to immigration control
- You will also have to meet certain earnings criteria in order to get the benefit.
Your earnings must also be £151 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
You can apply for the carer’s allowance online by visiting www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim.
Money
Five money-saving bottomless meal deals to cut costs when eating out
FEELING ravenous? Then tuck in to a money-saving bottomless meal deal.
For breakfast, lunch and dinner, find an all-you-can eat offer.
But choose wisely. Many apply a 90-minute limit, and you need to be realistic about how much you want to eat.
Here’s our pick of the deals that give you more for your money.
SLICE THE PRICE: Pizza Hut’s buffet lunches will save you a crust.
Weekday buffets start at just £10.99 for adults and £7.99 for kids, with unlimited salad.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING IDEAS
You can currently get the deal for £10 with the code 10BUFFET. On weekends and bank holidays, the unlimited deal is £15.99 for adults and from £7.99 for kids.
FLAT RATE: Love pancakes? Head to Bill’s between 3pm and 5pm each day to eat as many as you like in 90 minutes for £9.50.
For an extra sweetener, mark your diary for November 8 when the buttermilk beauties are £5 all day, with two flavours to choose from — chocolate and ice cream or fresh fruit with syrup.
SALAD DAYS: At Harvester you can pile your plate from the unlimited salad bar.
Just buy a dish worth at least £6.99 to get your pick from the pasta salad, coleslaw, sweetcorn and lettuce, as well as dressings and toppings.
It’s a great way to enjoy an extra treat without feeling too full.
BREKKIE BARGAINS: It isn’t just about the roasts at Toby Carvey. Head there for breakfast — you can tuck into an all-you-can-eat feast for £6.99 or £7.49 at weekends.
Just pick up the items you want from the buffet.
There are vegetarian and kids’ options too, all served until 11am.
WING IT: Sign up to the TGI Fridays rewards app to be able to get an endless supply of chicken wings — or a vegetarian version.
The offer is available all week and you can have your plate refilled as many times as you like during a 90-minute dine-in for £15.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of day
MAKE the perfect brew with the rose Cuisinart multi-temp kettle, down from £100 to £35 at Cuisinart.co.uk.
SAVE: £65
Cheap treat
SNUGGLE in the Autumn Friends duvet set from Dunelm, down from £12 to £8.40 for a double
SAVE: £3.60
WHAT’S NEW
CLEAN up with a Scrub Daddy bundle at B&M.
The £9.99 Dish Daddy offer features a set of kitchen scrubbers, plus 20p from every sale goes to the Pink Ribbon Foundation to support those affected by breast cancer.
Top swap
SIT back on this plush velvet Charlotte chair, which is £139.50 from Matalan.
Or rest easy on the Homcom tufted wingback option, £81.99 at Robert Dyas.
SAVE: £57.51
Shop & save
BUILD big with the Lego Classic medium brick box, featuring 484 pieces. It’s £18.75 down from £25 at Sainsbury’s.
SAVE: £6.25
LITTLE HELPER
GET the family out to Ask Italian and enjoy kids’ meals for just £1 when ordering any adult main, until November 5.
Complete the form at askitalian.co.uk, to get a code via email.
Hot right now
GET an extra 20 per cent off book box sets at The Works. The offer takes a box of five Worst Witch books down from £12 to £9.60.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
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.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Money
Thames Water thrown £3billion lifeline to stop it running out of cash by Christmas
THE UK’s biggest water company has been thrown a lifeline to stop it running out of cash by Christmas.
Troubled Thames Water yesterday said it had secured a loan of up to £3billion.
The new debt will give it the necessary breathing space to continue talks with other investors about injecting fresh cash into the business.
Chris Weston, the firm’s chief executive, said it was the “best option”.
If Thames Water — which supplies 16million households — does not find a long-term answer and runs out of cash, it will be transferred into temporary Government ownership.
Regulator Ofwat said safeguards are in place to protect water supplies.
READ MORE ON THAMES WATER
Thames — which will be in almost £18billion of debt by the end of March — has asked existing creditors to put in £1.5billion to extend its resources to next October.
A further £1.5billion in loans can be accessed if it succeeds in its appeal against regulator Ofwat on how much it can put up bills.
Ofwat said in July the supplier could only raise bills by 22 per cent, but the firm wants a 53 per cent rise.
Castle Water, co-founded by Tory treasurer Graham Edwards, is involved in investment talks.
Infrastructure investor Brookfield, private equity giant Carlyle and Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, who controls Northumbrian Water, are also weighing it up.
Stuff bought
CASUAL clothing brand White Stuff has been bought by the South African owner of Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight.
White Stuff, which has 113 shops and 46 concessions in UK department stores, has gone to TFG London, part of Johannesburg-listed THE Foschin Group.
Natwest home win
NATWEST has received a boost from an increase in the number of buyers taking out home loans, encouraged by lower interest rates and cheaper mortgages.
Profits at the bank have jumped by more than a quarter to £1.7billion in the last three months, beating City predictions of £1.5billion.
Good week
ELON Musk after his fortune rose by £20billion in one day when the share price of TESLA jumped on bold sales forecasts.
Bad week
OLA Kallenius, boss of Mercedes-Benz, which revealed that profits had slumped by over half.
Money
‘Perfect for little girls at Christmas!’ hails mum over ‘bargain’ Home Bargains £30 pink cosmetic trolley
A NEW find at Home Bargains has parents across the UK buzzing with excitement as it’s scanning for only £30.
Savvy mum Rachael Anfield Whyte shared her discovery of the Dreamer Cosmetic Trolley, dubbing it the “perfect gift for little girls” this Christmas.
The eye-catching cosmetic trolley, priced at just £30, is a dream come true for kids who love all things glam.
Rachael, whose six-year-old daughter has a passion for makeup and a love of pink, couldn’t resist the sparkling trolley.
Sharing her bargain find on popular Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, se wrote: “My little girl who’s six is obsessed with her big sister’s makeup, and she’s also pink mad.
“Spotted this in Home Bargains – so cute!
Read more on Home Bargains
“It’s £30, which I thought was a bargain when most online are tiny for the same price!”
Rachael even added a photo of the trolley’s contents, highlighting the range of items that make it a fully-equipped beauty kit for aspiring young makeup artists.
The Dreamer Cosmetic Trolley is packed with everything needed for a glam makeover on the go, including a glitter eyeshadow palette, lip glosses, a nail polish set, and even fun accessories like nail stickers and body gemstones.
Its spacious compartments leave room for additional products, so little ones can grow their collection over time.
Designed for playdates, parties, or just a bit of dress-up fun at home, the trolley has built-in features like a pull-up handle and rolling wheels, ensuring kids can transport their beauty kit wherever they go.
The design includes a built-in mirror and foldable compartments, adding a grown-up feel to this pint-sized beauty salon on wheels.
As the holiday season approaches, Rachael’s recommendation could be a game-changer for those searching for an affordable yet exciting gift.
The post saw flood of positive comments from fellow parents eager to grab the trolley for their own children.
One user wrote: “We are on a hunt for this.”
Another commented: “I bought something very similar to this in Smyths for £60.
“When I seen this in home bargains I nearly cried, definitely a good deal!”
A third added: “I need this!”
It comes as Home Bargains shoppers are rushing to buy an “amazing” beauty gift set that’s scanning at tills for £8 instead of £31.
The “ideal stocking filler” features several L’Oreal products.
Home Bargains has slashed the cost of its L’Oreal Blemish Buster Gift Set from £38.99 to just £7.99.
That’s over 80 per cent off meaning customers save £31.00.
Money
‘I thought Christmas was ruined’ say relieved shoppers as iconic fizzy drink brand reveals it WON’T be axed
SHOPPERS have breathed a sigh of relief after a beloved drinks brand confirmed it won’t be axing its iconic fizzy drink.
Some had even been worrying that this year’s Christmas would be ruined if the beverage were discontinued.
Fans of Old Jamaica ginger beer had been speculating for a while that the sun had set on the refreshing drink.
This was after a cryptic announcement by the brand claiming it would be “retiring” in a “blaze of glory”.
But this week, on October 24, it put rumours to bed in an Instagram post, with one commenter quickly quipping: “You rotters! I thought my Xmas was gonna be ruined.”
The Instagram video began with the caption: “Did anyone actually think we were signing off?”
It added: “We’re not f***ing leaving. It’s our iconic look we are bidding farewell to.
“Time for a well deserved refresh. Stay tuned.”
Before this much-awaited update, customers flooded Reddit to discuss the potential axing.
One dramatically wrote: “I swear to God I will not survive without this sweet fiery nectar.”
Another concerned fan said: “Hell no !!! its goes great with pretty much every drink alcoholic.”
Sensing a marketing ploy, a third said: “If they’ve changed their name to New Jamaica I’m going to be fuming.”
The Caribbean-inspired brand was launched in Kington, London, in 1927 and is owned by Beliv Company.
It comes as a number of other companies have announced new or rebranded products ahead of Christmas.
Aldi baffled shoppers with a new product that seemed more Easter-appropriate than it did Christmassy – hollow chocolate eggs named “Garry the Gingerbread Man” and “Parker the Penguin”.
Meanwhile, M&S shoppers rushed to grab a new £15 gift box of chocolates that “snows” when you shake it.
Brands being revived this Christmas
A RANGE of classic products are being revived this Christmas after previously being axed.
Aldi’s Chocolate Mountain Bar
ALDI shoppers have been left overjoyed after the supermarket’s iconic Toblerone dupe returned to shelves.
Fans of the bargain retailer have been pleading for the Specially Selected Swiss chocolate bar to make a comeback, with Aldi finally giving in.
The blonde bar is seen as a family favourite with happy customers describing it as “lush” as they race into stores to grab one.
Each 100g pack cost is now priced at £1.69.
Each bar is packed with delicious ingredients from white chocolate, honey, almond, nougat and salted caramel pieces.
Mars’ Marathon Bars
Mars announced it was bringing back the iconic Marathon chocolate bar after it was rebranded 34 years ago.
The bar was re-titled as Snickers in 1990 and lost its iconic name but will return to supermarket shelves for a limited time this year.
The limited-edition wrappers will be available exclusively at Morrisons until December, which means you’ll only have a few months to enjoy the blast from the past.
Starbucks’ Toffee Nut Latte
Starbucks fans are going wild as a £1.50 buy has landed back in stores – and if you’re a lover of the coffee chain’s Christmas drinks, then prepare to be overjoyed.
One savvy shopper was left beaming when browsing in her local Sainsbury’s, when she noticed that toffee nut latte sachets were now available to buy.
So if you’re obsessed with the Starbucks Christmas beverage, which normally hits stores at the start of November and is available until the end of the year, and want to be able to have it all year round, you’ll need to head to Sainsbury’s and stock up.
Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Winter Mint Crisp
The confectionery giant has brought back its Dairy Milk Mint Crisp bar for shoppers to enjoy as the nights draw in.
It forms part of the sweet makers’ new Christmas range which also includes a retro selection box.
Cadbury‘s confirmed earlier this year that the minty treat had been axed from shelves and it had “no plans to reintroduce it”.
It came after nostalgic shoppers made calls for Cadbury‘s to bring back the retro snack.
Its Winter Mint Crisp bar has already landed on shelves, with Tesco charging £4.50 for a 360g bar.
You can get it for just £4 if you have a Tesco Clubcard.
It is also on offer at supermarket Asda for £4.
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