Remember when former Apple chief executive Steve Jobs stood up in 2007 and said, “We are going to launch three revolutionary products?”

To cheers from the audience, he revealed the first to be “a widescreen iPod with touch controls.” There were more gasps as he revealed the second as “a revolutionary mobile phone.” And when he announced the third as a “breakthrough internet communicator,” the people in the room almost lost it.

But when he unexpectedly said, “All three of these products are in the same device – the iPhone,” he brought the house down.

With successive generations of iPhones, it’s harder to care about the differences unless you are a true tech geek

Jobs’s speech is legendary, and the iPhone was genuine innovation which has shaped the smart-phone world we live in today. But have we seen something as genuinely innovative since then? The iPhone has evolved through 16 generations and, taking into account the various ‘S’ models over the years, there must be approaching 20 generations now.

I remember the iPhone 4, with its Retina display, was pretty epic. The Apple advertising said, “This changes everything. Again.” But with successive generations of iPhones, it’s harder to care about the differences unless you are a true tech geek. A slightly better camera, a beveled screen, a non-beveled screen, a notch.

Looking back at the history of protection products, I see a similar pattern. In 1996, Scottish Provident introduced the innovative ‘Menu of benefits’ product.

The concept of added-value services was initially met with scepticism, but these are essential complements to the insurance elements

Predating Apple by over a decade, it put three products into one and let advisers and their clients choose any combination to suit their needs. At the time, people used words like “revolutionary” and “innovative” as true descriptors, rather than cliched marketing buzzwords.

In the early 2000s, another company introduced what we now call added-value services to the protection market. The concept of added-value services was initially met with scepticism, but these benefits are essential complements to the insurance elements.

When will the next game-changer emerge in the smartphone and protection markets? Because it seems we are now locked into a cycle of gradual improvements rather than stand out differences.

Don’t get me wrong, we should welcome continuous improvements, especially anything that benefits the customer. But do gradual improvements change customer behaviour in the way we would like?

Are the improvements more motivated by keeping the provider towards the top of the rankings?

Consider the news reports that Vitality has improved its income protection offering. It says it will “…expand its range of deferral periods for a further 280 occupations” and will “…also be moving 349 manual roles and skilled trade occupations to an ‘own occupation’ definition of incapacity, replacing its ‘special definition’ that was previously used.”

These are good improvements but it feels to me like the Apple equivalent of adding more megapixels to the main camera, or giving a choice of wide-angle lens sizes.

Every year we see another round of additions and refinements to the list of critical illnesses. Better definitions and therefore improved cover. We can say the same about added-value benefits.

Again, these are all great but do any of these improvements make it easier to sell protection to people on the street? Or are the improvements more motivated by keeping the provider towards the top of the rankings on all the various comparison engines and product analysis tools?

Will cost of being a first mover in a low margin environment always stifle true innovation?

In my last article, I said: “We know GenZ use TikTok as a search engine. We know they have short attention spans. We know they don’t like complexity. We know they don’t like filling in forms.

“And yet we expect them to get excited by our extremely complicated, generic protection products that have 30 page application forms and that we don’t talk about on TikTok.”

Will our current cycle of product improvements ever start to appeal to new audiences unless we come up with something genuinely revolutionary? Or will cost of being a first mover in a low margin environment always stifle true innovation?

Will we ever see one of the chief executives of protection providers step, Steve Jobs like, onto a stage and make a presentation that’ll be quoted for years to come about a revolutionary protection product that will appeal to a new generation of customers?

Roger Edwards is managing director of Roger Edwards Marketing Ltd and marketing director of Protection Review

HUNDREDS of thousands of workers will get a pay rise as the Real Living Wage increases today.

Employees of companies including Nationwide, Oxfam and Ikea will all see their hourly rate increase to almost £14 an hour.

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As of today, the real living wage will rise by 60p to £12.60 an hour across the UK or by 70p to £13.85 if you live in London.

The real living wage is different from the government-set minimum wage – it is the only UK pay rate based on the cost of living.

Employers have the right to choose whether they want to offer the real living wage to workers – they are not legally required to do so.

The government’s national living wage is based on recommendations from trade unions and small businesses, and is set this year at a minimum hourly rate of £11.44 for workers over the age of 21.

Across the UK there are over 15,995 companies which pay the real living wage following a campaign on workers’ rights in 2001 by Citizens UK.

Big and small companies across the charity, public and private sectors have pledged to pay the Real Living Wage to their employers.

Here are some well-known examples:

• Nationwide
• Burberry
• Chelsea Football Club
• Everton Football Club
• Liverpool Football Club
• Ikea
• Lush
• The Royal Albert Hall
• ITV
• Saga
• University of Cambridge
• Transport for Greater Manchester
• Thames Water
• Scottish Power
• Ring Go
• Jamie Oliver
• National Express
• Insignia Technologies
• Santander
• Unifrog
• Which?

More than 100 independent businesses, such as coffee shops, pubs and restaurants are also signed up to the fair pay scheme.

For example:

• Twenty Coffee Company, Bristol
• The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye
• The Swan, York
• St Canna’s Ale House, Cardiff
• Brixton Blend Coffee Shop, London

If you want to browse the full list of companies and find out more, you can visit the Real Living Wage Foundation website.

Here you can use searching filters to sift through the companies by region, industry and sector.

There is also an interactive map which you can use to find out which ones on the list are near you.

Just type in your postcode or the type of business you are looking for and it will show you local employers which are on the scheme.

Katherine Chapman, director of the Real Living Wage Foundation said low-paid workers have been “hardest hit by the cost of living crisis.”

She said: “The real living wage remains the only UK wage rate calculated based on actual living costs, and the new rates announced today will make a massive difference to almost half a million workers who will see their pay increase.”

What is the difference between the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage?

The National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage are two different things.

They are both set by the government – so are separate from the Real Living Wage.

The National Living Wage is the legal minimum employers have to pay workers aged 21 and over and is £11.44 an hour.

Before 1 April 2024 the National Living Wage was for those aged 23 and over and was £10.42 an hour.

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum amount that workers under 21 are entitled to.

Exactly how much you get depends on how old you are.

So if you are 21 or over you are entitled to at least £11.44 an hour.

While if you’re 18 to 20, the minimum wage is £8.60 an hour.

And if you’re under 18 or an apprentice this is £6.40 an hour.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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Walmart’s Affordable Two-Story Tiny Home: The $5,497 Housing Solution

As housing costs continue to rise, more people are looking for affordable alternatives that don’t sacrifice comfort or functionality. Tiny homes are a booming trend, offering a compact and efficient living solution. Walmart is joining the movement with an exciting and budget-friendly offering—a two-story tiny home priced at just $5,497. This could be your ticket to owning a home without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer struggling to enter the housing market, someone seeking a minimalist lifestyle, or just looking for a cost-effective rental property, Walmart’s tiny home could be exactly what you need. Its simple yet versatile design makes it an excellent option for a variety of uses—from a guest house, Airbnb rental, or even a home office or studio space.

On the outside, the small house resembles a straightforward but functional garage shed.

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Tiny Living, Big Benefits

Tiny homes like Walmart’s Best Barns Geneva 12×16 Wood Shed Kit offer more than just a place to live—they’re a lifestyle choice. Embracing tiny living allows homeowners to minimize their carbon footprint, reduce energy consumption, and save money on utilities. For those tired of the burden of large homes and hefty mortgages, a tiny home provides a refreshing alternative.

This specific model is perfect for those who need extra space on their property, whether it’s a single-car garage, a place to store tools, or a cozy living space for guests. From the outside, it resembles a high-quality garage shed, but inside, it’s built to maximize space with a second-floor loft, adding valuable storage or an extra sleeping area.

What’s more, tiny homes are customizable. The Best Barns Geneva model comes pre-primed, so you can easily paint it in your preferred color, making it truly your own. And if you’re a fan of DIY projects, this tiny home provides a hands-on opportunity to enhance your skills, as assembly is required.

In fact, Walmart’s priciest tiny home currently stands at a whopping $29,990. So, if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious option, this $5,497 model offers fantastic value.

Related: Top 3 survey platforms to earn extra cash 2024!  

A Quick and Easy Purchase

One of the standout features of this tiny home is its ease of purchase and delivery. Walmart offers delivery in less than a week, meaning your tiny home could be on your property in just a few days. The current listed price is $5,947, slightly above the $5,497 price point, so be sure to check Walmart’s website for up-to-date pricing, availability, and potential promotions.

While the home is available online, availability may vary between in-store, online, and app purchases. Walmart is currently offering free shipping for this product, with a delivery date as early as Tuesday, October 29. However, stock availability is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check back regularly if the item is out of stock.

Who Should Consider Buying Walmart’s Tiny Home?

• First-time buyers: Entering the housing market can be tough, but Walmart’s tiny home offers an affordable alternative to skyrocketing home prices.
• Airbnb hosts: For those interested in generating rental income, a tiny home is a low-maintenance option that can serve as a cozy retreat for travelers.
• Homeowners needing extra space: Whether it’s for guests, storage, or a home office, this tiny home offers additional living space without the hassle of a major home renovation.
• DIY enthusiasts: If you love working with your hands, assembling this home could be an exciting project that adds value to your property.

Additional Considerations

While Walmart’s tiny home is an appealing choice, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind before purchasing. First, although the home is designed to be a cost-effective housing solution, it doesn’t come with flooring, so you’ll need to budget for this separately. Second, because it’s sold as a shed kit, you’ll need to be comfortable with a DIY assembly or hire a contractor to help put it together.

Moreover, while the home can handle wind speeds of up to 90 mph and snow loads of up to 45 lbs per square foot, it’s important to check local zoning laws and building codes to ensure the structure is compliant in your area. This will help avoid any legal complications and ensure that your tiny home is built to last.

Fast Delivery, Lasting Value

One of the best features? Walmart offers delivery in under a week—meaning your tiny home could arrive in just a few days. The current price is listed at $5,947 online, but it’s always a good idea to double-check Walmart’s website for the latest pricing and availability. While shipping is free at the moment, this is subject to change, so act fast if you’re ready to dive into tiny home living.

Ready to make a move? Visit Walmart’s website to see if this tiny home is in stock and to explore delivery options in your area.

Product Specifications:

Best Barns Geneva 12×16 Wood Shed Kit

The success of AHR Group is due to the “transparency of the whole business” while the financial sector has been “historically opaque”, which has given the international financial advice firm a “USP”.

This is what AHR Group managing director & co-founder William Burrows told Money Marketing when explaining how the firm first came about.

AHR Group was founded in 2020 following the merger of UAE-headquartered Arlo Wealth and Harrison Rowe, an international advisory business.

Founders Burrows, Tyla Phillips, Asad Sheikh and Daniel Waterman were at Harrison Rowe, while Daniel Dickinson and Marc Beattie were at Arlo Wealth.

Phillips is AHR Group executive director, Sheikh is AHR Group chief commercial officer, Waterman is AHR Group executive director and Dickinson is AHR Group CEO. Beattie is now Wealth Management Partners director, which is also based in the UAE.

AHR now has a significant presence in the UAE and offices in Mauritius, Malaysia, Cyprus, the UK and Australia.

Burrows recalled how in just eight weeks the two companies became one: “We realised Harrison Rowe was missing something that Arlo Wealth had and Arlo Wealth was missing something that Harrison Rowe had.”

Despite financial advice being very well established in the UK, “there are a number of nuances that change advice abroad”.

Burrows added that the perception of the international advice space has always been of concern in the UK as there have been international advisers “who have bent the rules”.

The main client base of AHR Group is British expats, with it being more likely when someone from the UK moves to another country, they will stay there, Burrows said.

He said that being an expat has a “huge impact on the advice given”. Once someone moves to another country, it usually means they have money saved in another jurisdiction, which adds another layer of “complexity” to the client.

For every five advisers AHR Group has, it also has a specialist working in a certain area.

In August and September this year, AHR Group received both International Professional Partner Firm (IPPF) recognition from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) chartered status.

AHR Group is the first and only international financial advice firm in the Middle East and Central South Asia regions to receive IPPF recognition from the CII.

AHR Dubai is the second firm in the Middle East to receive CISI recognition.

Burrows said “we are the only international firm that has both [CII &CISI] recognition”, which is “more meaningful” for British expats.

Also in July 2024, Titan Wealth announced it had bought AHR Group.

Burrows said this started with a conversation in early 2023.

He said: “We were happy to be bought by Titan as we believe in the objective of Titan, the firm is on a clear mission and wants to deliver better outcomes.”

The Titan acquisition “means we can fast track our business goals from 10-15 years to two or three”.

Upon completion of the acquisition, AHR will be rebranded as Titan Wealth International, which Burrows said will happen this side of the year (2024).

As Burrows added: “We want to evolve, and a name change and a rebrand is the way forward.”

MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to millions of households who are missing out on vital benefits to make a claim.

Every year, people lose out on an estimated £23 billion in benefits and support due to stigma or the assumption that they are not eligible.

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In the MoneySaving Expert newsletter Martin Lewis said: “Billions in benefits goes unclaimed each year – most by workers or pensioners who have paid into the system for yonks and are in need of help.

‘Even some with higher incomes are due – don’t assume ‘it’s not me’.”

The consumer champion has rounded up seven benefits that are massively underclaimed.

Here we explain whether you are eligible.

Universal Credit

Around 1.4 million people miss out on an average of up to £5,800 in Universal Credit each year.

The monthly benefit is a “catch-all” for those of working age who have low or no income and living and housing costs.

Households with incomes of up to £35,000 a year are the most likely to be missing out.

But if you have kids then high childcare costs and rent could mean you may still be eligible if your household income is up to £60,000 a year.

You can make a claim through the Government’s website or by calling the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Attendance Allowance

Up to 1.1 million pensioners are missing out on at least £3,778 a year in Attendance Allowance.

This benefit is not mean-tested and gives a fixed payout of £3,778 a year, or £5,644 a year to cover some of the cost of providing care to someone who needs it.

Those who needed help with day to day tasks such as washing or eating and have done so for more than six months could be missing out.

You can make a claim if you need this support during the day or at night.

If you have a condition such as Parkinson’s, dementia, terminal illness or blindness then you could be missing out.

You can apply for Attendance Allowance through the Government’s website or by post.

For help with your application, contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.

Council Tax Support

Up to 2.25 million people miss out on up to £1,500 a year in council tax support.

Each council runs its own scheme, so the amount you can get will depend on where you live.

In some regions it can cut your Council Tax bill by up to 100%.

If you qualify for means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit then you are often due a Council Tax reduction.

But these are not made automatically and you must apply, which is why so many people miss out.

To apply you will need to contact your local council.

You can find your local council here.

Carer’s allowance

Approximately 530,000 carers miss out on up to £4,250 each year.

Carer’s allowance is a specific payment for people who act as unpaid carers.

This can include a family member, spouse, child or even someone that you are not related to.

You are likely to be missing out if you care for someone who usually gets Attendance Allowance, a Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance.

You may also be eligible if you spend more than 35 hours a week helping with everyday tasks such as washing or cooking and earn less than £151 a week or have a low State Pension.

If you care for someone for less than 35 hours a week then you may be able to claim Carer’s Credit, which helps build National Insurance years to give you a greater State Pension.

You can also back-date it, which could boost the amount you receive even more.

To apply visit the Government website.

Pension Credit

The Government estimates that around 760,000 pensioner households are missing out on Pension Credit, which is worth £3,900 a year on average.

Pension credit tops up your income.

It is still worth claiming even if you are only due 50p a week as it opens the door for other support such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Reduction and free TV licence.

It’s worth checking if you could claim it if you are aged over 66 and have a weekly income of below £235 (£350 if you are a couple and are both State Pension age).

You can apply through the Government’s website or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Housing Benefit

Around 294,000 pensioners miss out on an average of £4,400 a year in help with their rent.

For those who are eligible and aged under 66 support for housing costs forms part of Universal Credit.

This is not the case with those of State Pension age.

Renters who are eligible for Pension Credit and are on a low income are likely to be missing out.

When you apply for Pension Credit you can usually make an application for Housing Benefit at the same time.

You can apply for Pension Credit online or contact the Pension Service to claim.

You can call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.

The Pension Service will then send details of your claim for Housing Benefit to your council.

If you already get Pension Credit you can apply through your local council.

Free School Meals

Approximately 470,000 families are missing out on free school meals, which are worth £490 a year.

Free school meals are served to eligible under-18s who are still in school or college.

Many people on Universal Credit with very low or no income are missing out as they do not realise they can only apply once they have received their first benefit payment.

Others lose out as they do not know they may need to re-register at the start of every year for each one of their children.

You can check if your child can get free school meals in England here.

To apply you will need to contact your local authority.

Can I get other support through my benefits?

Claiming benefits often opens the door to other discounts such as broadband social tariffs.

If you are successful in claiming any of these benefits then you should check if you are eligible.

If you are on a low income but do not qualify for benefits then help is still available.

You may still qualify for a water social tariff, so check with your supplier.

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