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‘Am I short-changing my lockdown child?’

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‘Am I short-changing my lockdown child?’

Growing any investment will be dependent on the economic backdrop during the term of the investment. It is therefore highly unlikely that exactly the same investment will deliver exactly the same outcome if they start on different dates, even if they run for the same length of time. 

I suspect the only way you can ensure absolute parity in the amount each child gets is to keep all the funds you are willing to set aside for your children in one pot. 

That way, you can dish it all out equally between them on a nominated future date – whenever the youngest is old enough to take responsibility for owning the asset. 

Given we don’t yet know how many children you will have or what the age difference will be, the eldest might end up being a parent themselves by the time they benefit.

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Alternatively, you can set up an investment as a parent, in a general investment account, that you ultimately control and nominate for the benefit of your child. 

Be scrupulous about making equal contributions for each account. You are proposing £1,000 per year, per child, and maybe you should nominate a particular date to make the deposit – say their birthday – and routinely add the amount and accept that they will have different investment experiences in their individual pots because economics is cyclical. 

You, however, will have paid in exactly the same amount to each child’s account. 

It  is also worth adding that the economic cycle will also deliver different inflation experiences – including different costs, different house purchase opportunities, different mortgage rates and deals depending on when each child reaches the age where they are interacting with these things. 

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You will be powerless to equalise these experiences for them also.   

One thing to consider at outset is that £1,000 paid for child number one today has greater value than £1,000 paid for child number three in six years’ time. 

If the average inflation rate was 5pc per year over the next six years you would need to add £1,340 to the 3rd child’s pot if you were to measure equality by the buying power of the money invested, rather than its face value. 

Gosh, it is so complicated trying to be fair, isn’t it? 

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Thank you for pushing through these decisions and getting an early investment set up for your child.  

Once you decide what fair looks like to you as a parent, be prepared to explain it to your children as they get older, because they will learn some really valuable lessons about economics, inflation, ownership rights and asset building – but most importantly they will know how important it was for you to find a way to treat them fairly in a lopsided world. 

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll publish the best responses. Email us – in confidence – with your own Moral Money questions: moralmoney@telegraph.co.uk


Last week’s Moral Money was: ‘How can I decline an expensive overseas wedding invite without burning bridges?’

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The best of your comments:

Helen Walshe

It’s easy. Don’t go. It’s not a genuine invitation. You aren’t supposed to go. There have been a few of these in my circle of family and friends, and a little digging reveals that the couples in question don’t want to pay for a big wedding. 

They arrange an inconvenient location, and send out a lot of invites to people whom they know won’t come – but many of the “invitees” will send presents anyway – which is the main point of sending the invitations! 

The couple would be shocked if they actually attended and they had to be fed and entertained! So relax, Anon. You’re actually off the hook! And unless you would give a present to that relative whether they had a formal wedding or not, you’re not really obligated on the basis of an invite that’s not really meant to be taken up.

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Sue Ridley

Just be honest and say you can’t afford it. Perhaps when they return from their nuptials, contact them and take them out for a nice meal.

Also contact the venue/hotel where their wedding will be and organise a bottle of bubbles for their room.

Don’t be embarrassed that you can’t afford it.

Susan Lundie

There is no moral or social requirement to go. Where they get married is their choice.

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If we were presented with this situation we would make our apologies giving the real financial reasons for not attending, and in order to discourage family recriminations might well forward a wedding present cheque which the couple will very likely, given the trend noticeable among our nephews and nieces, put towards the cost of the honeymoon the are undoubtedly planning will take place as an immediate follow-on from the exotic wedding venue, or later somewhere else even more exotic.

It appears no young couple these days welcome presents for their new home or funding towards it. Every one of our nephews’ and nieces’ nuptials took place months, if not years, after they had set up a well appointed home.

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PizzaExpress announces new Christmas menu that will start in DAYS – and there’s a major change to family favourite

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PizzaExpress announces new Christmas menu that will start in DAYS - and there's a major change to family favourite

THE CHAIN Pizza Express has laid its cards out on the table – in the form of a brand new Christmas menu.

Fans can expect to see the return of some old dishes, and the arrival of some new ones – to be launched from Tuesday, November 12.

PizzaExpress will also be making one of its pizzerias snow

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PizzaExpress will also be making one of its pizzerias snow
The Snowball Dough Balls have a special twist to them this Christmas

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The Snowball Dough Balls have a special twist to them this Christmas
Fans will find seven scrumptious dishes on the menu this season

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Fans will find seven scrumptious dishes on the menu this season

Prepare yourselves for the return of the Snowball Dough Balls but with a twist.

Incase you haven’t tried them, the Snowball Dough Balls are dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar, topped with Pip the Pizzaiolo, and indulgent white chocolate and salted caramel dipping sauce.

This year, they’ll return in the form of a wreath, perfect for taring and sharing.

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In addition to the wreath, the Romana Christmas feast – an absolute fusion of flavours will be making a comeback.

The feast features a tender pulled turkey, spinach, sage, cranberry sauce, plus truffle dough balls coated in truffle and garlic butter, with a hearty sprinkling of Milano cheese and black pepper.

PizzaExpress will also be launching its new romana figgy formaggi pizza.

It features blue cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella on a béchamel sauce base, topped with balsamic syrup, gran Milano cheese and spiced white wine marinated figs.

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Now for a controversial side – Brussel sprouts.

Perhaps, PizzaExpress can sway you to try them by roasting them in garlic butter, topping them with balsamic syrup, gran Milano cheese, and also crispy breadcrumbs.

If not, you might be pleased to see PizzaExpress’ signature dough balls in blankets will also be returning.

Ceiling ‘collapses on diners’ at Pizza Express as ambulances rush to restaurant

These are wrapped in crispy pancetta, served with a garish of sage, a sprinkle of gran Milano cheese and a honey and mustard dip.

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Last to return is the Romano mushroom and truffle.

It features a mixture of mushrooms on a bechamel sauce base, with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, garlic and rosemary, finished with gran Milano cheese, fresh parsley and truffle oil.

Arguably, the icing on the cake would be some snow – which PizzaExpress also has covered.

On the day of the Christmas menu launch, PizzaExpress will make it snow inside its London Bankside pizzeria.

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Fans can see the spectacle every hour if they head down to  Benbow House, 24 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DS between 12pm – 6pm.

The restaurant also revealed that the much loved Snowball Dough Ball day will return on Tuesday, November 19.

For one day only, fans can enjoy these snowy doughy balls of joy for as little as £1.

Plus, all the money accumulated from them will go to the brand’s charity partner, Place2Be, who support children’s mental health in schools across the UK

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PizzaExpress’ Christmas menu

  • Romana Christmas Feast – new
  • Dough Balls in Blankets – returner
  • Truffle Dough Ball – new
  • Loaded Snowball Dough Balls – returner
  • Romana Mushroom & Truffle – returner
  • Romana Figgy Formaggi – new
  • Festive Sprouts – new

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Retirees with an annuity experience less stress

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Retirees with an annuity experience less stress

UK retirees who are annuity-holders are more likely to report lower levels of stress and the highest level of financial confidence compared to those without one.

This is according to research from Legal and General and the Happiness Research Institute, an independent Danish think tank.

The research also shows the top reason people opt for an annuity (31%) is as a result of a recommendation from a financial adviser.

Retirees with an annuity score more positively across multiple wellbeing measures.

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They report greater satisfaction with their current lives, relationships, free time and social activities, with 51% more likely to report lower levels of stress than those without one.

Retirees who are annuity-holders also feel more financially secure, as they are more likely to report the highest level of financial confidence compared to those without one (24% versus 21%).

They were also 40% more likely to consistently afford their credit card payments or loans compared to those without one.

Still, according to the latest Financial Conduct Authority Retirement Income Market Data, only 10% of pension pots accessed for the first time in 2023/24 were used to purchase an annuity.

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Despite this low take up, advisers play a big part in those who do choose to purchase one.

Over a fifth (23%) of retirees said the draw of receiving regular payments and the assurance of a stable income that lasts a lifetime are key factors in buying an annuity.

Additionally, 16% opted for an annuity to make budgeting easier, while 13% wanted greater control over their finances.

Legal & General Retail Retirement managing director Lorna Shah said: “Too often, conversations around the value of an annuity are limited to rates. However, our findings reveal a clear ‘happiness advantage’ for those with annuities.

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“The stability of a guaranteed income gives retirees peace of mind that their money won’t run out, even if they live past 100.

“It takes the guesswork out of budgeting and lets people focus on enjoying retirement, rather than spending time worrying about their finances.

“While the benefits of an annuity can often be overlooked when it comes to retirement planning, it’s important to note they don’t have to be the only solution as they can be part of a blended approach.

“Combining the guaranteed income of an annuity with other sources, such as income from investments or drawdown, can provide even more flexibility, ensuring that essential expenses are covered, while offering the freedom to grow other assets”.

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To obtain these results, Legal & General spoke to 3,000 UK retirees.

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M&S releases NEW festive Colin the Caterpillar with Santa hat & chocolate sleigh as shoppers cry ‘I need this for Xmas’

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M&S releases NEW festive Colin the Caterpillar with Santa hat & chocolate sleigh as shoppers cry 'I need this for Xmas'

FANS of Colin the Caterpillar are going wild after Marks and Spencer revealed a festive version of the hugely popular chocolate cake.

The iconic M&S Colin the Caterpillar has graced the table at many birthday events, but now he will pull up in his sleigh for a festive appearance.

M&S shoppers are rushing to scoop the festive edition of Colin the Caterpillar

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M&S shoppers are rushing to scoop the festive edition of Colin the CaterpillarCredit: Getty
The new M&S Colin the Caterpillar for Christmas in a chocolate sleigh

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The new M&S Colin the Caterpillar for Christmas in a chocolate sleighCredit: M&S

“Colin’s been upgraded this year guys prepare yourselves,” one excited shopper wrote under a Facebook post about the festive treat.

The Sleigh Ride Colin the Caterpillar features “Colin as you’ve never seen him before,” M&S states.

With 46% more chocolate than the traditional caterpillar cake, Colin is getting into the spirit of Christmas, oozing both joy and indulgence.

Festive Colin wears a red Santa hat and is pulling a present-filled sleigh with candy canes and white and milk chocolate gifts.

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read more on festive food

He even has white winter boots and Christmas-themed sprinkles which are red, white and green.

They are made up of tiny Christmas trees, candy canes and snowflakes.

To get a taste of the “upgraded” Colin, shoppers will have to pay £15 for the vegetarian cake that serves 10 people.

Colin lovers won’t even have to leave their seats to secure one for the big day as the caterpillar cake is included in the M&S Food to Order service.

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As news spread of the new Colin, shoppers flooded Facebook comments celebrating the addition to the M&S Christmas range and frantically tagging friends and family members.

“I hope you realise that this is a Christmas essential,” one woman wrote while tagging her partner.

Shoppers race to Primark to nab matching mum and daughter Christmas jumpers -s and they’re only £9

“Well it would be rude not to have one,” another added.

One simply wrote three words in response to the new cake: “Must have one.”

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“The sledge looks nice, thick and chocolatey, can’t wait to give it a try,” an excited shopper wrote.

“My children will beg me [to] get this for Christmas,” a mother added.

However, some were baffled by the new Colin and his festive accessories.

“It looks like one of those dogs that needs wheels to run around,” one wrote.

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“I didn’t realise he was riding a sleigh,” another added.

For others, it was the price that left them unenthused about the festive product.

“Just so over the top,” one shopper said, noting that “many cannot afford” a £15 cake.

The question of cost also saw the conversation quickly turn to the most famous cake rivalry.

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“Can’t wait to see Cuthbert the caterpillar on his sledge Aldi UK,” a cheeky shopper said on Facebook.

Some tagged the German retailer asking if they could make a cheaper version of Colin in his sleigh.

Aldi has famously re-created the Colin the Caterpillar cake with their own Cuthbert the Caterpillar, causing fierce competition between the two companies and among fans forced to pick sides.

It seems that the rivalry will not be settled for Christmas this year after a festive version of Cuthbert has appeared on the Aldi website and will be available from November 24.

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Unlike Colin, Cuthbert Christmas is not in a sleigh, but wearing a Santa hat, a green bow tie and has white chocolate stars down his back.

The Aldi version that serves 12 people costs $6.49.

M&S is also offering savoury treats for Christmas as part of the Food to Order service.

This includes a handcrafted Christmas Sausage Roll Garland for £10, a Slow-Cooked Turkey serving up to 10 people for £85 and a Honey Glazed Vegetable & Barber’s Cheddar Galette for £22.

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The M&S Christmas Sausage Roll Garland

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The M&S Christmas Sausage Roll GarlandCredit: M&S
M&S Slow-Cooked Turkey serving between 8 and 10 people for £85

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M&S Slow-Cooked Turkey serving between 8 and 10 people for £85Credit: M&S

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Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive season

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Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive season

ARE you ready to sparkle?

With festive gatherings and parties just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to elevate your wardrobe with some stylish, secondhand finds.

Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive season

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Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive seasonCredit: Alamy

Here’s how to discover the best deals and dazzle . . . 

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CHECK FOR BEST: For fab party attire, start by exploring popular resale platforms such as eBay.co.uk, Vinted and Depop.

Don’t forget smaller gems like preloved.co.uk and gothrift.co.uk, which offer a curated selection of unique, affordable secondhand finds.

Some major brands even have their own resale sections — Zara’s Preowned section and Asos Marketplace, for example — where you can find branded pieces at a fraction of the original cost.

READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS

SEARCH SAVVY: Resale sites are continuously updating their search functions, making it easier to find specific styles.

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Use keywords like “party dress”, “holiday dress” or “sparkle” to narrow down options quickly.

FABRIC FILTER: Achieve a luxurious look without splashing out by filtering your searches based on materials such as satin, silk, or velvet.

These fabrics are perfect for festive events, giving you that luxe look for a whole lot less.

MARK IT UP: Some sellers specialise in occasion wear, offering stunning outfits and accessories at great prices.

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If you find a seller with items you love in your size, bookmark them.

Fashionistas race to Tesco for new festive partywear, including a £35 outfit that’s already being deemed a ‘Christmas Day masterpiece’

You’ll be notified when they upload new pieces, giving you first dibs on potential favourites.

GO BIG: Watch for sellers who offer discounts on multiple items, as many allow buyers to negotiate when purchasing a few pieces.

By bundling items like a dress and a clutch, you’re more likely to secure a bargain on a complete party look.

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FOLLOW ON: Many fashion bloggers and influencers now sell pieces from their own collections online.

If you admire a particular influencer’s style, try searching for their name on auction sites.

Following their profiles is a quick way to find amazing outfits, making it easier to find items that fit your taste.

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

Deal of the day

Save £115 on the Adidas Regen hooded down jacket at MandMdirect.com

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Save £115 on the Adidas Regen hooded down jacket at MandMdirect.comCredit: Supplied

KEEP the cold out in the Adidas Regen hooded down jacket, RRP £179.99, now £64.99 at MandMdirect.com.

SAVE: £115

Cheap treat

Save £2 on Ben & Jerry’s at Iceland

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Save £2 on Ben & Jerry’s at IcelandCredit: Supplied

SCOOP up a few tubs of Ben & Jerry’s at Iceland.

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Usually £5 each, now £3.

SAVE: £2

What’s new?

SAVE a little more with the new Bonya Baby Formula, launched as a cheaper alternative to the existing products on the market.

Get it at Tesco now, £8.45.

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Top swap

The popular 111skin.com Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches cost £150

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The popular 111skin.com Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches cost £150Credit: Supplied
Or try the new Anti-Wrinkle Microdart Patches for just £20 from Pricklypearskincare.co.uk

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Or try the new Anti-Wrinkle Microdart Patches for just £20 from Pricklypearskincare.co.ukCredit: Supplied

TARGET those wrinkles with the popular 111skin.com Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches, £150.

Or try the new Anti-Wrinkle Microdart Patches, £20 from Pricklypearskincare.co.uk.

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SAVE: £130

Little helper

DOWNLOAD the new Poundland Perks rewards app, to earn perk points to save more at Poundland when shopping in store. There are at least 100 perks offered in the app at any one time.

Shop & save

Save £7 on a tin of 2.5L Dulux Matt Emulsion at Wickes

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Save £7 on a tin of 2.5L Dulux Matt Emulsion at WickesCredit: Supplied

GIVE your walls a fresh lick of paint.

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A tin of 2.5L Dulux Matt Emulsion was £22, now £15, at Wickes.

SAVE: £7

Hot right now

GET 30 per cent off jewellery at abbottlyon.com when you use the code TAKE30 today only.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

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Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

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!

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Major supermarket slashes price of Ferraro Roche tray from £10.50 to just £5 as shoppers say ‘I got 6 today in one go’

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Major supermarket slashes price of Ferraro Roche tray from £10.50 to just £5 as shoppers say 'I got 6 today in one go'

MORRISONS has slashed the price of a chocolate treat by half, just in time for Christmas.

A 24-box of Ferrero Rocher was £10.50 and is now £5, with one excited shopper admitting to buying six “in one go”.

Morrisons has slashed the price of Ferraro Roche trays

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Morrisons has slashed the price of Ferraro Roche traysCredit: Facebook
A Morrisons store in the UK

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A Morrisons store in the UKCredit: Getty

The posh Italian confection contains chocolate and hazelnut – and has been leaving sweet lovers salivating since 1979.

Much of its production process is kept secret, with no smartphones or notebooks allowed inside its production facilities.

Ferrero Rochers are associated with the holiday season during Christmas and New Year, with the vast majority of its sales made in the last three months of the year.

As such, Morrisons is among the retailers to slash the price ahead of the festivities – though only for More Card holders.

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One person in Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK said: “I’ll have some for Christmas please.”

Another said: “I got 6 today in one go.”

Others have pointed out similar deals are on offer in the likes of Asda, while Amazon is selling 42-piece trays for £12.50.

With a More Card, shoppers receive a wide range of benefits such as More Points, More Rewards, Customised Offers, Basket Bonuses and Discounts.

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It comes as Morrisons also slashed the price of its Cadbury advent calendars to just £1.

The supermarket chain cut the price of its Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendars by a whopping 63%.

Food shortgages in Morrisons

Usually, these advent calendars are priced at £2.75, but instead they’re on sale for just £1.

The supermarket has also revealed new Christmas baked treats.

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The Gingerbread Latte Plait two-pack is available for just £1.89.

A post in Facebook group Newfooduk saw commenters unable to hide their delight.

One said: “There seems to be an explosion of new stuff like never before and it’s costing me a fortune.”

Another added: “We need these.”

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And a third said: “Yes please.”

The supermarket has also released a Christmas Topped Brownie Traybake for £3.

The same shopper shared a picture of the treat in the Facebook group.

One person said: “These are lethal.”

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How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

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Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

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So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

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Iconic shopping centre loved in the 90s set to be demolished – as devastated customers say they ‘can’t believe it’

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Iconic shopping centre loved in the 90s set to be demolished - as devastated customers say they 'can't believe it'

AN ICONIC South London shopping centre, loved in the 90s, is set to be demolished.

Devastated customers say they can’t believe St Nicholas Shopping Centre in Sutton will be knocked down.

St Nicholas Centre in Sutton is due to be demolished

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St Nicholas Centre in Sutton is due to be demolishedCredit: GoogleMaps

As with many high streets across the UK, Sutton’s has been hit hard in recent years, with the centre losing most of its major retailers.

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Apart from a Primark, a Claire’s and a Perfume Shop it’s mostly empty.

Sutton Council announced plans to regenerate the town centre in October 2022, including removing the building.

This included building 740 new homes, half of which will be affordable for local families, and around 300 homes for social rent.

A new civic hub, library and retail centre are also included in the plans.

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The doomed shopping centre was built in 1992, and features a department store, cafes and a cinema across three levels.

It cost £100million and was expected to be one of the South East’s “premiere shopping centres”.

In one online review, one shopper said: “I still remember when this shopping centre opened in the early 90s and going as a young boy with my family to see the cool fountains (people used to treat these as wishing wells and throw coins in…), skylights and loads of amazing cool shops.

“Now its many units, especially in once famous food court on the top floor, is desolate.

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“Big names have disappeared, some escalators and lifts are non functional and fountains are all gone! My, how shabby this place has turned.”

These are the UKs 6 BEST Primark’s for all your 2024 shopping needs – voted for by you

Another person, who visited in the summer, said it was an “eerie liminal space where you can experience the Backrooms in real life“.

They added: “I hope to never go back.”

This is in reference to The Backrooms, a fictional location originating from a 2019 4chan thread which described a large extra dimensional expanse of empty rooms.

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Another person said: “I have lived in the area all my life and the once great shopping area is a dump.”

Another added: “Sutton is now a derelict high street.”

However, some were more positive about the need for change.

A local said: “I’ve lived in Sutton for 50 years and agree that it’s becoming a much more vibrant place, with the Sound Lounge, Oru and the new independent cinema.

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“I too mourn all the shops, but our world is changing – councils can only respond to this and provide an atmosphere that attracts the businesses and facilities we want and need.

“I think there’s a great deal more to be done and it’s by no means perfect, but there’s room for hope. And yes, please, more housing – it’s desperately needed!”

The proposed civic hub is due to be completed by mid-2029, with Sutton Council hoping it reduces its office costs by around £1million a year, according to ianVisits.co.uk.

The Omniplex Cinema and St Nicholas Centre Car Park will be retained.

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Why are retailers closing stores?

RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.

The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming.

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The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested.

Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector.

It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.

The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.

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Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.

“The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend,” Prof Bamfield said.

“Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”

Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023’s biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.

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The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing.

However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses.

The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.

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