Free School Breakfasts in the UK: How Much Can Parents Save? 

The Labour party promised in their manifesto to introduce free breakfast clubs in primary schools. Now, its time to see if they will keep to their promises. This could alleviate a substantial financial burden on parents and families in the UK.  

For many parents, the daily struggle of balancing work, childcare, and school schedules adds both stress and expense. A free breakfast program could reduce these pressures, particularly for those already paying for school breakfasts or before-school care. 

What Can I Save with a Free Breakfast Club? 

Parents who currently pay for school breakfasts can expect to save around £400 per year when they receive access to the free clubs.

These savings are based on the typical costs that parents pay for breakfast services in schools, which often range from £1.50 to £2.50 per day.  

For families who currently rely on childcare before school, the potential savings are even greater. The savings could be as high as £2000 per year as the need for early morning childcare could be eliminated.  

The free breakfast initiative is particularly beneficial for parents of children with disabilities. A study by Pro Bono Economics found that couples with a disabled child earn, on average, £274 less per week compared to those without. This reduced income often means parents face added financial challenges, so the introduction of free breakfasts could provide meaningful assistance by reducing both food and childcare expenses. 

When Can I Expect to Have Free Breakfast Clubs? 

Labour has committed to investing £315 million in breakfast clubs by the 2028-29 school year, meaning parents can expect to see these changes rolled out in the coming years. 

The Chancellor has now announced that up to 750 schools with primary aged students will be invited to take part in a £7million breakfast club pilot.

This funding will allow those schools to run free breakfast clubs for pupils in the summer of 2025. Given the scale of the investment and the need for proper infrastructure, a phased rollout is likely, which means parents might see the gradual introduction of free breakfast clubs in some areas before the national launch. 

Will Free Breakfasts Include Schools for Disabled Children? 

One of the main questions parents are asking is whether this free breakfast scheme will cover all schools, including those catering to children with disabilities. Labour’s commitment to inclusivity in education suggests that the free breakfast initiative will extend to special education needs (SEN) schools. Given that parents of disabled children face higher costs across the board—including additional childcare and schooling expenses—the inclusion of these schools would be critical in alleviating financial pressures for these families. 

We are still waiting for confirmation that this initiative will also be launched in SEN schools. 

Free School Breakfasts—A Lifeline for Parents 

Parents and families are waiting for this initiative to begin as rising costs of childcare and school-related expenses make it more challenging. Although the full rollout is slated for 2028-29, parents can look forward to this much-needed support in the coming years. By easing the financial strain on working families and ensuring that all children start their day with a healthy meal, this policy promises to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many UK families. 

Let us know below if you are waiting for the roll out of free school breakfasts….

In an increasingly digital world, cyber security should be at the top of an advice firm’s priority list.

But the pace of change in technology can often leave people not quite understanding what they need to do to protect their business from cyber attacks or vowing to ‘get around to it’ at some point.

However, as former Conservative MP Stephen McPartland, author of the McPartland Review into Cyber Security, says, a lot of cyber attacks are speculative.

He likens firms that have little or no cyber security to leaving the front door of your house open – both are invitations for opportunist thieves to strike.

So, what can advisers do to protect themselves as they increasingly digitise their businesses?

Protecting your firm

While it is great for people running a business to have a positive, confident outlook, they do need to be realistic about business risks, and cyber crime is one of them.

Statistics from market analyst Truelist show up to 94% of companies that experience a severe data loss never recover because it can take a long time to identify and contain a data breach.

According to Truelist, 51% of firms close within two years of the incident and 43% never reopen. The picture is even worse for small firms, as 70% close within a year of a big data loss.

FTRC founder Ian McKenna adds that, if an advice firm experiences a data breach, the FCA expects them to put in place and pay for cyber security protection for every customer.

According to McKenna, there is “significant evidence” cyber criminals are targeting small advice firms because the information they hold about their clients is so comprehensive and, therefore, valuable.

“So much information comes from a client fact find. Advisers will have details of their clients’ kids and the cars they drive. There is so much data to help criminals working on the dark web,” he says.

“Cyber criminals have also identified that smaller advice firms tend to be relatively vulnerable.”

McKenna points to a lot of cases being identified in the US. Is it inconceivable to believe the same is happening in the UK?

Increasing use of AI is only going to increase the need for advice firms – and not just the bigger ones – to ensure they have adequate cyber protection in place.

“You can’t have an AI strategy without cyber security – they go hand in hand,” says McPartland.

“If you are increasingly using AI and putting more business in a digital world, you need to ensure you can secure that.”

A lack of understanding about what to do to become more resilient can often be a barrier. This is where talking to an expert or getting some training can help.

For example, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) runs a short online course that covers things such as the nature of cyber risk, the types of attacks to be aware of and details of the regulatory and legal requirements.

The CISI Corporate Cyber Security Professional Assessment is written and reviewed by industry experts and is suitable for anyone who works in financial services, including advice firms.

“The risks of cyber attacks occurring apply to both large and small firms, so understanding these threats and protecting your organisation from them is essential for all financial services practitioners,” says CISI executive director of global learning Mandy Gill.

“Human error is often a cause, so being able to identify and distinguish between the different threats – including malware, phishing, whaling, spyware, ransomware, trojan viruses and business email compromise – can be an effective way to manage and reduce this risk.”

The recommended study time for the course is six hours, followed by a 60-minute multiple choice test consisting of 30 questions.

The CISI also offers a range of other online CPD content in the area of cyber security, including Professional Refresher modules on topics such as cyber crime, operational resilience, financial risk and fraud risk management.

Cyber insurance is another way firms can protect themselves but, as McPartland says, they need a cyber security strategy to underpin this.

“If you go to an insurer and tell them you park your car with the keys in the ignition and no alarm, they are unlikely to insure it,” he says.

“The difference here is that you are talking about possessions in the digital world.”

That said, cyber insurance does not currently appear to be very popular among advice firms.

“Only 4% of advisers have cyber insurance,” says McKenna. “It’s crucial to have it. Ideally you want the insurer to be the same as the provider of your PI, as you don’t want a situation where they are both saying the other should pay out.”

McPartland has some sympathy for smaller advice firms.

“A lot of the problem is that the insurance market is not mature enough yet, so there aren’t enough products for SMEs,” he says.

Recovery

Having a recovery process in place is key to fighting back against things like ransomware, where criminals steal data and demand money to return it.

“If you have a process in please, you don’t need to get that data back. It’s backed up and you’re doing other things to be resilient,” says McPartland. “You can either fight it off or you recover quickly to be up and running in a couple of days, so ransomware is not the threat to you they think it is.”

McPartland says advice firms need to think about three elements together – their cyber security, their resilience to cyber attacks and the recovery process. Focusing on just one element is not enough. They all need to be in place and reviewed regularly.

“It’s important to protect your data because a lot of decisions are based on it. If someone interferes with that data, they interfere with your ability to make decisions.”

Even though getting higher education requires solid funding, you know what you are paying for. It is an investment in your future professional development. Effectively handling your personal finances becomes as crucial as ever. What can you do to minimize your expenses while paying your student loan? Let’s find out.

One of the possible ways you can save money is to use free online tools that help you manage writing assignments. For example, you can use an AI writing checker like Plagiarismcheck to make sure your papers are original instead of hiring a professional editor. Let’s look at more ways to manage your budget effectively to pay your student loan as fast as possible.

Create a Detailed Budget

The first thing you need to do is clearly understand what you are spending your money on. Divide your expenses into essential (e.g., rent, utilities, groceries) and non-essential (e.g., entertainment, dining out). Track your expenses using a budgeting app or spreadsheet. After analyzing this information, you can find areas where you can cut back.

Focus on the Areas for Savings

Here are just some ideas on where you can spend less money. You can learn to cook and save money on dining out. Watch numerous videos with simple yet delicious recipes to find inspiration and get the necessary information. Try to shop smart when you buy groceries: compare prices, use coupons, and buy generic brands when possible. The next thing you can do is opt for public transport to reduce costs. In terms of hobbies and entertainment, you might want to avoid expensive activities like horse riding or playing tennis. Instead, look for a hobby that brings you joy and does not lead to pain in the wallet.

Prioritize Loan Repayment

There will always be something more important than your debt if you don’t prioritize it. Take as much time as you need to understand loan terms. Review the interest rates, repayment terms, and any fees associated with your loans. The next thing you can do is explore different repayment options, such as standard, extended, or income-driven repayment. Don’t just assume that you will somehow pay off your loans eventually. Instead, develop a strategy to do so and create a step-by-step plan.

Seek Loan Forgiveness or Reduction

Explore programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or income-driven repayment plans that may qualify you for loan forgiveness after a certain period. If you don’t qualify now, understand the specific criteria for each program and take steps to meet them. If all these things seem too complicated, consult with a professional to determine the most suitable approach for your situation. You might miss some important aspects that will help you manage your budget better.

Maximize Financial Aid

Ensure you’re taking full advantage of scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Remember that you can appeal for additional aid if your situation changes. Also, consider applying for scholarships to increase your financial help. Keep up-to-date on student loan policies and repayment options. All in all, you should use every opportunity to start paying off your loan as quickly as possible.

Find Side Hustles

Explore part-time jobs, freelancing, or tutoring opportunities to earn extra income. What talents do you have? Do you write academic papers better than other students? Perhaps you are a natural-born tutor. Look through online marketplaces and platforms to find freelance work or part-time jobs. Thanks to the digital era we are living in, you can work at any time and from anywhere.

Set Financial Goals

Make sure you do not get stuck in the vicious circle of debts and loans. Only use credit cards responsibly and pay off balances in full each month. Set short-term and long-term financial goals to keep your motivation up. It is easier to accept the temporary discomfort of saving money when you know that it will eventually end. Additionally, try to build an emergency fund and save money for unexpected expenses (medical bills or car repairs). You never know what can happen, so you need to be prepared.

Summing Up

All the points mentioned here paint a perfect picture of the behaviour of students who want to forget about their loans and stop minimizing their expenses. In reality, you might only be able to follow some of these tips. Sometimes, you won’t be able to find a job to have an extra source of income. You can also get tired of saving money on every section of your budget.

Stay flexible and adapt to the situation you are in. Remember that no matter how challenging this period may be, you can get through it by believing in yourself and your goals. And don’t ignore the opportunity to learn from experts by reading books on financial planning and budgeting. The more you know about it, the more solutions you can find to turn the current situation for the better.

What is the cheapest Holiday destination from the UK? 

The summer may be over in the UK but that doesn’t mean you can’t escape the rainy gloom and jet off to a new destination or look forward to your next summer holiday. If finding the cheapest destination, which can also give you all the holiday fun, is a priority then we have just the places. 

 Data from GoCompare helps us to see which destination is the most expensive for UK travellers and which are the cheapest, so we know where to plan for next.

What are the Cheapest destinations?  

India – For UK holidaymakers India ranked as the cheapest with an average price per night of £62.73. This is equal to £878 for two weeks in India, this does not account for the price of the flights which may make this a more difficult destination to afford. A country with great history and culture, there are various areas that draw in the travellers. The Taj Mahal, a pearl-white marble monument is often high on the list, but there is even more to see. The city of Mumbai offers a bustling modern feel as the home to Bollywood stars and a selection of great street food. You can stick around and find an excursion to the Sanjay Ghandi National Park and try to spot the wildlife that lives there. The South of India is where you will find the luscious greens and a laid-back style of travel away from the busy cities.  

The best time to visit is between October – March when there is little rain, and you can avoid the extreme heat which begins around April. From January to March, you can get lucky and witness some of India’s best festivals. If you plan to travel to the Himalayas, then you should plan this from June to November as the monsoon season hits the beaches, the mountains can offer you refuge within a resort.  

Poland – The cheapest destination in Europe for UK travellers was found to be Poland by Go Compare data. The average price per night was £72.02, equaling £1,008.34 for two weeks. Visit cities like Warsaw and Krakow for restaurants, bars and more entertainment. Learn about the history and culture through visits to Auschwitz – a day to reflect and truly see the history Poland. Warsaw, the city you see today, was built mostly after 1945 and so has a modern feel with a pretty Old Town too. You can find various museums in the city as well as great restaurants and bars for the evening. Krakow, this city again was rebuilt after 1945 but maintains its culture and architecture. During December you will find their Christmas Markets bustling with traditional food stalls as well as handmade souvenirs to take home. You can also find cheap flights in the winter months, and you will experience a snowy winter here, so pack your gloves.

A trip to Poland isn’t complete without a trip to the mountains. No matter what time of year you visit, the scenes will impress. The mountain village of Zakopane is around 2 hours from Krakov with the option to go for a day or to stay over in a B&B or chalet. In the Winter you will see the Ski lifts and jumps in action and the town covered in white snow. Take a walk through the mountain valleys before heading to the thermal baths to warm up.  

Turkey – The third cheapest country for UK holidaymakers at £85.51 per night and using Skyscanner you can find flights for under £100 per person. As we head into our colder months, the temperature in Turkey is perfect for city exploring at around 20 degrees Celsius in November on average. This is perfect to escape the cold here and be able to go sightseeing in Turkey without struggling too much with the heat. Turkey has beautiful coastlines as well as great mountain regions. The famous activity – the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, a romantic and fun way to witness Turkey from above.  

The most expensive destinations for UK travellers 

It might not surprise you to learn that the Scandinavian countries are named the most expensive destinations to visit on holiday. Iceland ranked as the most expensive with the average price per night being £200 and £2,890 for two weeks. Iceland is a popular destination with amazing natural sights; however, it may take some saving to get there.
Switzerland was ranked the most expensive destination outside of the Nordic region. Here, the average expenditure is £173,56 per night.
These destinations are harder to do on a budget, due to the high costs within the country. 

Investing for beginners  

Looking to start investing but not sure where to start and how much to start with? This guide can help you get started and be confident about investing because everyone deserves to understand how to grow their money. You can turn £100 into £1000 over time by understanding your personal risk tolerance, whilst leveraging the power of compound growth. You can use a compound interest calculator to see how this tool can help.  

Can I start Investing with £100 or less? 

Yes! You don’t have to start with a huge sum of money, gambling away your hard-earned cash to invest. Investing is more accessible than before and with technology, user-friendly platforms anyone can start. To start, all you need is to learn the right approach for you, and the sooner you start, the more time your money grows. Small investments can grow into substantial amounts of money when managed correctly and with patience.  

Set yourself clear financial goals and know your personal risk tolerance so you don’t get ahead of yourself.  

Simple steps for beginners 

To start investing you will need to know the different types you can invest and choose which one will work best for you.  

• Exchange traded fund (EFTs) 

This can provide a low-risk investment with a diverse portfolio and a low potential for loss. With an EFT, you get a bundle of assets you can buy and sell, investing in multiple companies helps to keep the risk low as you aren’t relying on only one company to do well.  

This is when you invest in one business at a time. There is a bigger risk as you need the one investment to do well in order to succeed. However, with individual stock you could be offered a bigger return as you would have put everything into it. If you start with £100, the total amount would be invested in one company. If the value of the company increases, you can watch your investment grow before drawing it out. 

This is one of the best ways to invest for beginners, these accounts allow you to invest up to £20,000 per year, any profits you make are also tax free. This means you get to keep more of your return.
Platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown offer easy access to a Stocks and Shares ISA ideal for beginners. With HL you can open an account with as little as £100 and choose from a range of investments including those mentioned above. As a beginner, these accounts can also give you a ready-made portfolio managed by professionals which will stick to your goals and risk tolerance you set up. This means you won’t have to decide where to invest your money.  

Tips for Beginners 

• Understand your personal goals

By understanding and knowing what your goals are then you can determine your risk tolerance and know what is best for you in investing.

When you begin investing and you are starting with a small amount due to not having a lot of disposable income it might be a good idea to set your risk tolerance low, which means investing in a diverse portfolio (EFT). Understanding why you are investing, is it for a particular purchase such as buying a house, or to generally allow your wealth to grow?

If you can, it will benefit you to invest regularly as consistency can yield significant returns due to compounding. This can be £20 per month or more. 

• Focus on long-term growth 

If you are investing with a small amount to begin with then you should focus on long-term growth and not quick profits. The market trends upward over time so playing the long game can often be a safer bet. 

• Choose beginner friendly platforms 

Online trading platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown or eToro make investing easy and simple for beginners. They often provide resources and more to help you understand and manage your portfolio and take out the guess work. Many of these will allow you to start with as little as £100. You can find more trading platforms here. 

Turning £100 into £1000 through investing 

Investing can sound scary and if you don’t know where to start then make sure you do your research first. Using trading platforms can help you to set up and manage your portfolio easily. Using these steps, you can see your wealth grow.