In this In Conversation With… episode, Kimberley Dondo chats with Rory Albon, founder of Albon Financial Planning. Rory shares his journey to launch his firm and his approach to investment optimisation, retirement planning, and financial well-being. He offers insights into balancing saving and investing, managing tax efficiency, and safeguarding assets through tailored insurance solutions. Rory also discusses his vision for his firm’s future and offers invaluable advice for fellow financial advisers looking to start their businesses. Tune in now:

THOUSANDS of households have been urged to check if a cost of living payment worth £50 has landed in their bank accounts today.

The money comes via the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is worth £421million in total.

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The fund has been split up between councils in England who are in charge of distributing their allocation before the end of September.

What you can get depends on where you live, as each local authority has been given its own unique amount.

Spelthorne Council, on the outskirts of West London, has been dishing out payments worth £50 to eligible households from July this year.

Anyone who qualifies for help will have received an email telling them.

You will only receive the payment if you were found to have been eligible after applying.

A maximum of one payment will be made per household and any payments are being made direct into bank accounts.

You will qualify for the £50 cash if you live in the Spelthorne area and receive one of the following benefits:

Spelthorne Council said further £50 payments are being made up until today, September 23.

The fund is often aimed at those who are already on low incomes and claiming help.

But you don’t always need to be on benefits or Universal Credit to be eligible for the cash.

If you’re eligible, you should be able to get free cash and vouchers to help pay for things like heating your home or your weekly grocery shop.

Check with your local council to find out what support is available by visiting https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Can I get help if I don’t live in Spelthorne?

You might be able to. The £421million HSF pot has been shared between councils in England, but not equally.

Each local authority gets to decide its own eligibility criteria.

That means what you can get, and whether you qualify, depend on where you live.

Some councils started distributing help in April and have already depleted their share, so you might have missed out for now.

The Household Support Fund has been extended multiple times since its inception in October 2021, so it may be extended again though.

There are currently a number of councils offering help via the HSF.

Leicestershire Council is handing out payments worth £300 to thousands of households.

Households in Stockport can claim up to £315 worth of free supermarket vouchers to help with the cost of living.

Meanwhile, Wokingham Council is handing out grants worth up to £140.

If you want to check if you are eligible for help, contact your local council.

You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool.

How else to get help with the cost of living

If you’re not eligible for the Household Support Fund in your local area, it’s worth checking if you qualify for benefits.

Recent figures from Policy in Practice reveal millions of people aren’t claiming the extra help when they could be.

In total, £23billion went unclaimed over the last financial year, with £8.3billion worth of Universal Credit not claimed for.

You can apply for benefits on the Government’s website.

It’s not just extra money you get from benefits either, with a number opening up additional perks.

How has the Household Support Fund evolved?

The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.

Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.

It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.

The DWP then confirmed a fourth extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.

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Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fifth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.

Those on Universal Credit can get help covering the cost of childcare, for example, while those on Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.

Those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit also qualify for the Warm Home Discount – a £150 discount off energy bills once a year.

You may also be able to get grants to cover your energy bills if you’ve fallen into arrears.

A number of energy firms offer grants to struggling customers, including Scottish Power, Octopus Energy and British Gas.

If you’re struggling to pay your bills, speak to your supplier to see if they can give you any help.

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

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A FAST food chain is giving away free quesadillas this week – here’s how you can get your teeth into one.

Chipotle Mexican Grill will be handing out the freebies to anyone who purchases a main meal through the restaurant chain’s app from today (September 23) through to September 25.

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The promotion is in celebration of National Quesadilla Day on September 25.

How the offer works

Starting on September 23, guests who download the Chipotle UK app will receive an offer redeemable for one Buy-One-Get-One-Quesadilla-Free offer for orders placed via the app.

The offer is valid through National Quesadilla Day on September 25.

Existing Chipotle UK app account holders will automatically receive the deal in their accounts.

Anyone who doesn’t already have the app can download it either via the Apple Store or by visiting Google Play for Android users.

Chipotle introduced their customisable quesadillas to their menu in May 2023.

They feature melted Monterey Jack cheese, a choice of protein, optional fajita veggies, and three sides for dipping.

Chipotle’s Vice President of Culinary Nevielle Panthaky recommends a Chicken al Pastor Quesadilla with Fajita Veggies and sides of white rice, black beans and sour cream.

Chipotle’s quesadillas are a digitally-exclusive menu item.

Anyone tempted by the offer should note the deal is valid for one free quesadilla with the purchase of a main of equal or greater value.

Add-ons are not permitted on a free quesadilla.

Kids Meals do not count as a main purchase.

You must provide the promo code required which will be deposited into the user’s account.

The code is valid for one-time use only.

The offer is only available through the Chipotle mobile app and not on any third party ordering platforms.

It may not be combined with other coupons, promotions, or special offers.

Where are the Chipotle restaurants in the UK?

Chipotle, which is immensely popular in the US, opened its first restaurant in the UK in 2019.

There are 19 in central London.

Baker Street
White City, Westfield
Charing Cross
West End Lane
Chiswick
Islington
Northcote Road
Canary Wharf
Uxbridge
London Wall
Lordship Lane
Tottenham Court Road
King William Street
Putney
St Martin’s Lane
Gloucester Road
Chipotle at The O2/Unit 12.00.06
Unit 1109 Ariel Way
White Lion Walk

There is also one branch in Twickenham and one in Watford.

The chain offers a wide choice on its menu.

Build your own burritos start at £8.95.

Burrito bowls also start at £.8.95.

There is also a wide selection of lifestyle bowls with the cheapest ones starting at £8.95 but going up to £12.45 for a high protein bowl or the protein pump bowl.

Quesadillas are also build your own so do vary in price depending on what you order but the cheapest ones start at £8.95.

Similarly, their salads start at £8.95 but vary depending on what you order.

There’s also a whole range of tacos on offer as well with prices once again starting at £8.95.

Chipotle also has a range of sides and dips to choose from, along with different size options.

Tortilla chips and guacamole costs £4.40 while an order of chips and fresh tomato salsa costs £2.20.

If Mexican food isn’t to your taste, there are plenty of other ways to get free food.

Greggs

Greggs regularly dishes out free sausage rolls, doughnuts and more to people downloading its app for the first time.

The app can be downloaded for free via Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Plus, once you’ve downloaded the app, you can build up “stamps” every time you buy a qualifying item and for every 10th stamp, you get a free item.

Loyalty card customers also qualify for a free birthday treat once a year which has to be redeemed via the app within one month.

Krispy Kreme

Anyone signing up to the Krispy Kreme Rewards app, the chain’s loyalty scheme, can pick up a free doughnut just for signing up.

Again, you can sign up via Google Play or the Apple App Store, depending on what smartphone you have.

Not only do you get a free doughnut for signing up, you can also get a free one on your birthday.

Both freebies can be redeemed via the app.

Taco Bell

The Taco Bell app is free to download via Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Like with Krispy Kreme and Greggs, you can build up points and use them to get freebies or money off certain items.

With 200 points you can redeem a free dessert, and with 500 points a £6 voucher, for example.

You also get a free taco just for signing up, and a free treat on your birthday.

McDonald’s

The McDonald’s My Rewards app lets you build up points when purchasing items which you can redeem for free food (once you get to a minimum of 1,500).

One point is equal to 1p, so you need to spend £15 to get to 1,500 points.

You can redeem any points via the app and by selecting the “add to code” button. You then show this code when ordering via drive-thru, at the counter or via a kiosk.

You can also get a bonus 1,000 points and free medium fries on your first order.

Burger King

Burger King fans can earn free Whoppers through the chain’s YourBurgerKing app.

It can be downloaded for free via Google Play or the Apple App Store.

It works like McDonald’s loyalty scheme in that you buy qualifying products and then build up points which can be redeemed for freebies later on.

You earn 10 points for every £1 spent.

You can redeem any loyalty points for freebies via the app, by selecting the Rewards menu, or in-restaurant via by redeeming a six-digit code through the app and then scanning it at the till.

Nando’s

Nando’s offers customers free food when they accrue “Chillies”, or loyalty points.

These chillies can then be redeemed for different types of free food, including free chicken and sides.

You have to spend a minimum of £7 to get one chilli.

You can download the Nando’s app via the App Store or Google Play, or pick up a physical card in-store.

KFC

The KFC Rewards Arcade app can be downloaded on to any smart phone and offers freebies such as chicken and sides.

You have to spend a minimum of £3 and then check the app to see if you’ve won anything, so it can be pot luck what you get.

But if you are planning on eating KFC anyway, it’s worth downloading the app to be in with the chance of winning something.

Anything won can be redeemed by scanning your app at the front counter, at a kiosk or via a drive thru.

Or, you can add the reward to your basket directly if you are ordering online or via the KFC delivery app.

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

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves tried to tone down the doom and gloom in her party conference speech in Liverpool yesterday.

Last week figures showed consumer confidence had slumped following her warnings of “tough choices” in the looming Budget.

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And firms have put hiring and investment on ice until they get more Government clarity.

So were these British business chiefs convinced by her attempt to be more upbeat about the future?

RICHARD WALKER

Exec chairman, Iceland supermarket

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“I THINK the rhetoric so far has been quite downbeat, so it is important to sell an optimistic, bold vision.

Labour is in a tight spot of being squeezed on the left and the right of the part.

 But they do need to give a sense of ambition and it’s good they did that.

The industrial strategy is important because we absolutely need a joined-up, well-thought-out strategy, almost like Harold Wilson’s “white heat of technology” speech 60 years ago.

We need something we can sell and get behind to be confident and ambitious about.

An industrial strategy shouldn’t just focus on the big shiny stuff, it should focus on the politics of ordinary life, be that the buses, high street or connectivity, things that are essential to the everyday. Investment is critically needed.

It was encouraging that the Chancellor came back to business rates a few times in quite clear language that the system is broken and needs reform.

Now it needs to move to reality to protect the high street and jobs.”

MIKE RAYBOULD

CEO, Portmeirion homeware

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“IF Reeves and the Government are serious about ‘building Britain together’, they need to value manufacturing and the jobs and communities it supports.

Government must play a critical support role for firms by creating a low-tax, high-investment economy.”

ROWAN CROZIER

CEO, Brandauer metal-stamping

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“AN industrial strategy is long overdue. The Chancellor’s focus on it is a welcome first step ­forward.

The country is seeing severe constipation over investment decisions due to the current ­negativity the Government is pushing and the uncertainty this creates.”

STEVE HARE

CEO, FTSE 100 tech firm Sage

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“THIS honest speech highlights that growth is the challenge and investment is the solution.

A focus on digitisation and technology investment is essential — e-invoicing is a prime example.

We have to break out of the current cycle of negative sentiment.”

PAUL THWAITE

CEO, NatWest Group bank

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“OUR Chancellor is right when she says investment is the key to boosting UK growth.

These ambitions require the contribution of every part of Britain. There is so much potential in the UK.

I am optimistic we will succeed and grow together.”

ROMI SAVOVA

CEO, pension provider PensionBee

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“MESSAGES encouraging growth are welcome, especially in tech and science.

My industry is holding its breath for initiatives to use money in pension funds to unleash investment.

Details of the Budget cannot come soon enough to quell savers’ nerves.”

NEIL STEVENS

CEO, fintech firm Fintel

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“LABOUR’S manifesto promised hope and since then we had got the opposite so yesterday was a welcome shift.

London’s junior stock market has to be supported, either by encouraging pension funds to invest more or to give more incentives to invest.”

NIMISHA RAJA MBE

Founder, Nim’s fruit & veg crisps

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“REEVES has been complaining about the ‘black hole’ in the economy. The first rule of business… work with the cards you are dealt.

The Industrial Strategy is important but it must not overlook the needs of small business.”

JOHN ROBERTS

CEO, electrical retailer AO World

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“WHAT we really need is to stop the waste and not just keep raising taxes.

Creating the right reward-for-risk ratio is critical to inspire investment.

There are lots of warm words but very little that I’ve seen in the way of an actual plan to make it happen.”

OZ FIRM’S MOVE No3

RIGHTMOVE will “carefully consider” a £6.1billion takeover approach from Australia’s REA Group after rejecting two previous offers.

The sweetened price of 770p-a-share is a 39 per cent premium to the property site’s share price before the takeover approach was made public.

REA Group is majority-owned by News Corp, which is the ­ultimate owner of The Sun. Its chief executive Owen Wilson said: “We are genuinely disappointed at the lack of engagement by Rightmove’s board.”

Rightmove shares edged up by just 0.77 per cent to 679.6p.

TRAINING AID BY BT

BT is setting up a £4million fund to help small firms and charities launch up to 550 apprenticeships.

The telecom giant is using £4million of its own unspent apprenticeship levy to team up with apprentice-provider Babington over four years.

It is the latest big company to come up with its own answer to the Government’s apprenticeship levy, which requires bigger firms to set aside 0.5 per cent of annual payroll. But firms argue the schemes are too narrow and as a result £2.2billion in unspent funding has gone back to the Treasury since the levy began.

DUNELMCASH-IN

DUNELM’S deputy chairman has cashed in on the home retailer’s recent growth and sold £123million of shares.

Will Adderley, whose parents founded the firm, last night sold 10million shares, which is equivalent to 4.9 per cent of the entire company.

Mr Adderley still owns around a third of the business and said he remained “fully committed” to it.

Dunelm has shot up to a valuation of £2.5billion, shrugging off a tough market. Its success came after profits at the start of the month turned out to be better than expected.

BARGAIN supermarket Aldi is selling an incredible dog-friendly product perfect for the chilly autumn weather.

The item is being sold as part of the supermarket’s Specialbuy range later this week with it prices set to start from just £7.99.

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The reversible dog bomber coats could be top sellers as we head into winter, with owners looking to keep their beloved pooches warm.

They come in two different colour schemes of either navy and red or green and yellow.

They also come in a range of sizes so they are perfect for dogs from Dachshunds to Labradors.

The smallest size measures in at 38cm by 33cm by 55cm with the jackets costing just £7.99.

They go all the way up to an extra large which costs only slightly more at £9.99.

Aldi describe the coat as “streetwear for your four-legged friend”.

The listing on their website reads: “Keep your four-legged friend warm and cosy in this Reversible XS-M Dog Bomber Jacket.

“With a velcro closure underneath, this jacket can be easily removed and adjusted for comfort.

“The reversible colours mean your dog can strut their stuff in style around the block as the weather gets colder.

“Your dog will love heading outdoors in this padded puffer jacket.”

Shoppers who are looking to buy their pups a very early Christmas gift will have to wait a few more days to finally bag them up however with Aldi only putting them up on shelves on Thursday.

They will be released alongside a whole host of other animal products as part of their massive Pet Event.

Everything from bedding, food, toys and storage products are being sold with everything coming in at under £25.

Extra large comfy pet beds are the priciest of the 43 items on offer at £24.99.

Cat toys and bird friendly snacks feeders are the cheapest at less than £2.

They even have savings on the big brands such as Dreamies cat snacks, Wagg doggy treats and Pedigree and Whiskas classics.

Aldi Specialbuys are a unique and fantastic offering from the supermarket.

For a full run down of the best they have to offer check out this article.

It comes as Aldi bargain hunters were also rushing out to get their hands on a dupe for a popular Cadbury’s dessert.

Dairyfine Pots of Choc, Aldi’s version of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Pots of Joy, are described as a “smooth and creamy dessert”.

Other shoppers were going wild for a middle-aisle find that’s scanning at tills for as little as 99p.

The Kids Camping Chair – shaped like a fox – was already massively reduced at just £4.99 but one lucky shopper managed to bag one up for under a pound.

You can find your nearest Aldi store by using the retailer’s store locator tool on its website.

Remember it is always best to shop around to try and spot which shop has the best deal on any particular product.

BY YOUR ovens, ready, set, bake!

The Great British Bake Off returns at 8pm tonight on Channel 4, but what do you do when you’ve baked more cake than you can possibly eat?

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Here are some delicious ways to transform your leftover gateau.

TOP OF THE POPS: Cake pops are a fun way to give leftover cake a new lease of life.

Simply crumble the cake into fine crumbs, mix it with buttercream, and roll the mixture into small balls.

Insert a stick into each one, then coat them in more buttercream and sprinkles, or dip them in melted chocolate.

Pop them in the fridge to set, and you’ll have a fun and tasty treat for any occasion!

BACK TO BASICS: Leftover cake makes the perfect base for a classic trifle.

Layer chunks of cake with creamy custard, whipped cream and fresh fruit in a bowl or glass dish, especially if you’re serving guests.

You can even add jelly for that traditional touch. It’s an easy, budget-friendly dessert.

CRUMBS AWAY: Turn excess cake into crunchy sweet croutons to top your desserts.

Cut the cake into cubes, spread them on a baking tray, and bake at a low temperature until crisp.

Alternatively, pop them in your air fryer for a quick crunch.

These sweet, crispy bites make the perfect topping for ice cream, yoghurt, or fruit salads.

SHAKE IT UP: For an indulgent treat, blend leftover cake with milk and a scoop of ice cream for a “cake shake”.

You can use almost any type of cake, brownie, or even fudge to make your shake and the end result will taste amazing.

SAVE FOR LATER: If you can’t eat all your cake, just freeze it.

Slice the cake into portions, wrap each piece in cling film, and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

When you’re in need of a sweet treat, simply defrost a slice or two – saving you the effort of baking or buying another pudding.

• 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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WHIZZ around on the Zinc foldable scooter, now on offer at Argos.co.uk.

Previously £75, it’s now £35.

SAVE: £40

Cheap treat

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ORDER a Burger King Chicken Royale, approx. £7.49, between 2-5pm on weekdays via the BK app and get it for £3.

SAVE: £4.49

What’s new?

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GET up to 50 per cent off Decathlon sports gear rentals by collecting litter, with “rentals for rubbish”.

Log your litter on the Planet Patrol app – ten pieces gets you ten per cent off, the more you collect, the bigger the discount.

Top swap

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STORE your toiletries in an IKEA Ljungan basket, £13, or head into Lidl and get two for £4.99.

SAVE: £8.01

Shop & save

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BRING a fresh scent to this week’s laundry – a supersize Fairy Outdoorable Cherry Blossom 70 wash bottle was £3.99, now £3.49 at B&M.

SAVE: 50p

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

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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!