A COUPLE were shocked after a trip to their local shop saw them charged nearly £70 for a pizza.

Angela, 65, and Graham Harrington 66, went to the Broadcut Sainsburys in Fareham, Surrey, on Saturday to grab some wine and a few other items when they were handed the massive bill for more than £170.

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The pair then saw a 14in veggie pizza had cost them a whopping £69.82.

The couple, both retired with 10 grandchildren, were doing a “smart shop” on Angela’s phone, but Graham said, “it wasn’t so smart”.

When they got to the checkout, they were baffled at the £170 bill.

Angela said: “We’ve only got 12 bottles of wine at £10.50 each, with a 25% discount, and a few other items which went through fine.”

A 14” deep pan veg pizza drove the price up with its £69.82 price tag. “Where that came from we’ve no idea. We would never buy a vegetarian pizza. It was really really strange”, said Angela.

She added: “We didn’t buy any pizzas whatsoever. We called the staff member over and said ‘this doesn’t seem right.’”

The staff member quickly fixed it, but “everyone was looking amazed because they don’t sell pizzas at that price,” she said.

“It seems to be the talk of Sainsbury’s now, and when we went in there again today, they said, ‘Oh, here she is’.”

Angela said the staff “were astonished” and “had no idea what could have gone wrong; there was no explanation for it”

The couple were also astonished at the pizza’s price tag, adding: “How many people is that for?”

Angela warned: “If we hadn’t have looked to check that bill or if anyone else was doing their weekly shop, they could easily have paid the bill.

“You don’t know what else could have been added to your shopping without your knowledge.

She added: “When I told friends and family they thought it was quite funny and weird.

“But I have been warning people to check their shopping before they pay for it because you don’t know what might be on there”.

Angela confirmed the event hadn’t deterred them from Sainsbury’s.

The Sun has contacted Sainsbury’s for comment.

It comes after Sainsbury’s stunned shopper once again but this time, due to the arrival of iconic Christmas food on the shelves.

Sainsbury’s shoppers couldn’t believe their eyes when it appeared that mince pies were already on sale.

They took to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their discovery.

One customer wrote in the caption: “Stock up on your mince pies (take in Sainsbury’s a few days ago, so it was actually August!!!!).”

Another shopper who also took to X, wrote: “On Sept 1 I walked into my local Sainsbury and what did I see on the shelves?

“Mince pies – freaking…minced…pies.

“Bloody hell Sainsbury’s it’s not even October yet.”

Sainsbury’s is currently selling a pack of six 320g mince pies for £1.70 online.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a popular and convenient way to invest in mutual funds. But how do you decide how to allocate your investment across different asset classes? Enter the 70:20:10 rule, a powerful framework for asset allocation within your SIP strategy.

Understanding Asset Allocation

Asset allocation refers to the strategy of dividing your investment portfolio across different asset classes like equity, debt, and real estate (though SIPs typically focus on the first two). This helps diversify your risk and potentially improve your investment returns.

The 70:20:10 Rule Explained

The 70:20:10 rule is a simple yet effective asset allocation strategy for SIP investors. Here’s how it breaks down:

70% in Equity SIPs

This portion of your investment goes towards equity funds that invest in stocks. Equity funds offer high growth potential but also come with higher risk due to market fluctuations.

20% in Debt SIPs

This allocation goes towards debt funds that invest in bonds and fixed-income instruments. Debt funds offer lower risk and provide stability to your portfolio.

10% in High-Risk SIPs (Optional)

This is the most aggressive portion and can include investments in sectoral funds, thematic funds, or even a small allocation to gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). This segment has the potential for high returns but also carries significant risk.

Benefits of the 70:20:10 Rule for SIPs

Diversification & Risk Management

By allocating across asset classes, you spread your risk and potentially mitigate losses if one asset class underperforms.

Balance & Growth

The 70:20:10 mix offers a balance between potential growth from equity and stability from debt, catering to your long-term goals.

Flexibility & Customization

This rule is a starting point. You can adjust the percentages based on your risk tolerance, age, and financial goals.

Important Considerations

Risk Tolerance

Are you comfortable with market volatility? A higher risk tolerance might allow for a higher allocation to equity.

Investment Horizon

The 70:20:10 rule is generally suitable for long-term investors. As you approach your goals, you might want to increase your debt allocation for stability.

Financial Goals

Align your asset allocation with your goals. For example, a more aggressive allocation might suit a retirement plan decades away.

Beyond the 70:20:10 Rule

While the 70:20:10 rule is a valuable framework, remember:

Market Conditions

Consider current market conditions when allocating assets.

Professional Guidance

Consult a financial advisor for personalized asset allocation advice based on your unique financial profile.

SIPs and the 70:20:10 Rule: A Winning Combination

The 70:20:10 rule offers a structured approach to asset allocation within your SIP strategy. By combining this framework with the discipline and convenience of SIPs, you can potentially build a well-diversified portfolio and navigate your path towards achieving your financial goals.

Start Your SIP Journey Today!

Don’t wait! Embrace the 70:20:10 rule and the power of SIPs to embark on a confident and informed investment journey. Consult a financial advisor to craft a personalized plan and start building your wealth for a secure future!

Scared. Nervous. Anxious. Confused. Excited.

When I meet with clients, I always ask how they are feeling about their planning, and these are some of the words we hear.

A large part of our job is helping support those emotions. In fact, I believe it’s more important than the actual products we recommend.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure in my role than seeing a client who was originally nervous leave our office calm and with an understanding of how we can support them with their finances.

I have seen a lot of talk recently about AI in our industry – particularly whether it will replace advisers.

My view is that it will support our work, streamline our processes and automate some aspects that haven’t been previously. But, because of emotions, it will never replace us all together.

AI doesn’t understand the nuances of our upbringing, the habits (good and bad) we learned from our parents, the relationships we have with money, societal pressures and how we deal with all that.

The same can be said for do-it-yourself options.

To plug the advice gap, it is important self-service options are available in some scenarios, and for some advice products. However, they will never replace a trusted human adviser – because of emotions.

Does clicking some buttons on a laptop give you peace of mind? Does it take away any nervousness you are feeling? Does that process understand you as an individual and what you are feeling while you select those options? No.

Our role as advisers is far more than a selection of products and funds. It’s almost therapy. Taking the time to listen to people’s experience.

Indeed, feelings is one of the reasons I got into this job.

I come from a working-class background – Isas, Oeics and bonds weren’t commonplace in our house. In fact, they aren’t words I had heard or understood until I was an adult.

The brilliant people I grew up with were concerned with making sure the lights were on and the fridge was full, not what to do with the extra £30,000 they had amassed in savings. People like that have a completely different set of emotions.

Whoever walks into our offices, it is vital we take the time to understand how they are feeling, listen to their experience with money and tailor our approach to suit the varying responses.

The client may need more time to mull things over, they may need more time spent on the premise of investing, they may need a certain loved one present or they may just need to verbalise what they have been feeling and have that accepted as valid.

Looking after people and their finances is a huge privilege. I hope advisers keep that, and the emotions attached to financial planning, at the fore of what they do.

AI can’t do that, nor can self-service options. Personable advisers that listen, empathise and take the time to connect on a human level are invaluable.

Tarnia Elsworth is director at TP Financial Solutions 

FANS have been left fearing an iconic fizzy drink brand is set to be axed following a huge social media campaign.

Old Jamaica has uploaded a series of cryptic posts and videos online appearing to announce the end of its famous ginger beer beverage.

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A clip on the brand’s website shows an actor pretending to be a shelf-stacker revealing “it’s time for our beloved Old Jamaica Ginger Beer to bid farewell to its beloved drinkers”.

Multiple posts on its Instagram account also call on shoppers to “enjoy it before it’s gone” and stating “farewell Old Jamaica”.

The series of mysterious posts has left some customers convinced the classic fizzy drink is set to axed imminently.

One said on X: “They’re apparently discontinuing the Old Jamaica Ginger Beer… haven’t we suffered enough as a people?!”

“Old Jamaica discontinuing their Ginger Beer? I have nothing left to live for,” said another.

A third commented: “Old Jamaica ginger beer is being discontinued??? This is criminal.”

However, others have taken to X questioning whether the social media campaign is all a ruse to gain the brand some traction.

“So this Old Jamaica Ginger Beer farewell thing is just some fancy clickbait marketing campaign right?”, said one fan.

Another added: “‘Old Jamaica ginger beer ending better be some marketing gimmick thing because I can not go the rest of my life without the number one top tier soft drink!

“Worst thing to ever happen on this date if so.”

The Sun has approached Refresco, which manufactures the beverage in the UK, and Beliv Company, which owns the brand, for comment.

We have asked both companies to confirm whether the Old Jamaica brand will indeed stop being sold in the UK or whether it is undergoing a rebrand.

However, Hernán Cerdeiro, chief coordinating officer and campaign lead from SAMY Alliance, the creative agency behind the social media Old Jamaica campaign, told Media Shotz: “The chance to ‘retire a brand’ was something that we relished, simply because as far as we can work out, it had never been done before so publicly.

“We wanted to give Old Jamaica’s loyal customers one last chance to say goodbye, to take that final sip, and see the can ride off into the sunset.”

Multiple supermarkets are still selling the classic 330ml can of Old Jamaica Ginger Beer so it doesn’t appear the product has been axed yet.

Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s all have the can available to buy, although Tesco says it has run out of stock.

Old Jamaica Ginger Beer first launched in the UK in 1988 and is currently available in a range of flavours including Pineapple Soda and Grape Soda.

Old Jamaica joins list of axed drinks

Old Jamaica Ginger Beer is not the first drink to bid farewell to customers in recent months.

Brands and retailers often discontinue products if they aren’t selling well or to freshen up their ranges.

Ribena fans were left distraught last month after finding out it had axed sparkling blackcurrant drinks.

A spokesperson for Ribena said it was “always reviewing and evolving our drinks to make sure our range is right for our consumers”.

In Spring, Lidl confirmed it had axed popular sparkling mixer Freeway from shelves much to the disappointment of customers.

One said on X: “Why on earth have you discontinued the best drink EVER?!?! I am beyond gutted.”

And Tesco fans were left “gutted” after finding out a popular boozy drink was to be culled from shelves.

Fans posted on X disgruntled upon discovering the Finest salted caramel liqueur had been discontinued, with one saying “this really upsets me”.

In March, fans were left begging for the return of Pepsi Max Raspberry after it was discontinued to make way for other flavours at the end of 2023.

One said: “Why have you stopped doing the Raspberry Pepsi Max!? That was the best flavour!”

Meanwhile, another added: “After you discontinued Pepsi Raspberry, I stopped drinking Pepsi. I’m drinking Aldi’s Twisted Fruits.”

Why are products axed or recipes changed?

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ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.

Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.

They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.

There are several reasons why this could be done.

For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.

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Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.

They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.

For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.

It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.

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Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.

Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.

While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.

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

Remote work offers an undeniable appeal for new business owners, including benefits like flexibility, access to endless markets, and virtually no overhead.

But as many new entrepreneurs quickly discover, running a remote business comes with its own set of hidden costs. And if you don’t plan for them, they can quickly drain your budget and disrupt your operations.

Let’s take a closer look at the hidden costs of remote work that new business owners tend to miss, and how you can plan for them upfront.

Business formation costs

As a new business owner, one of the first things you need to consider is how to structure your business. 

A common choice for remote startups is an LLC (Limited Liability Company) — but forming one (or choosing another business entity) comes with a range of state-specific requirements and costs.

For example, setting up an Illinois LLC involves more than just filing paperwork. While Illinois has one of the largest economies in the world (with a GDP of approximately $3.5 trillion), it also imposes relatively high taxes and fees. 

As an aspiring business owner, it’s essential to factor these in before planning your launch date.

Learning about business formation costs and details also helps you fully understand your tax obligations so you can remain compliant with state regulations. This is a foundational step that can save you from unexpected expenses down the line.

Website creation and maintenance fees 

A commonly overlooked cost of remote work is the fees involved when creating your own website. 

As a new business owner, your website will help you establish an online presence, showcase your products or services, and facilitate customer interactions.

But your expenses don’t stop at domain registration and initial design. 

Ongoing costs include website hosting, regular updates, security measures, and SEO optimization.

It’s also important to factor in the costs of hiring professionals for technical support and content creation. Since you’ll depend on your online presence to attract and retain customers, investing in these services is an invaluable routine expense. 

SaaS subscription fees 

You’ll also need a tech stack to help you run your remote business operations.

But endless SaaS (software-as-a-service) options are available on the market — from communication tools to team collaboration software to time trackers and beyond. This makes it easy to overspend on options you may not need.

That’s why it’s important to be mindful when building your tech stack. Choose tools that make the most sense for your specific business. 

For instance, if you are hosting or attending virtual meetings often, investing in AI meeting note-takers could help you record what’s discussed so you’re always on the same page with your clients and employees. 

Or, if you are running a remote team, having employee monitoring software can help you understand your employees’ work patterns so you can help them level up where needed.

Our advice? 

Outline your core work activities and operational scaling goals — and then find tools that can help you manage them as efficiently as possible. 

From there, look to G2 or Capterra for product reviews and ratings. Then, sign up for free trials to see how these SaaS products work in the “real world.” This can help you ensure they’re worth the cost before signing up for a monthly or annual plan.

Cybersecurity fees  

You may not have a large office building with equipment to protect, but as a remote entrepreneur, a lot of your sensitive company data will live online. 

Plus, if you’re running a team, your remote workers will also access sensitive company data from personal devices in various locations. This setup increases your exposure to cyber threats, data breaches, and system vulnerabilities. 

And cybersecurity breaches can be incredibly costly to resolve.

Enter Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM). CSPM helps secure cloud environments by automatically scanning for security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. 

For startups, this tool is a lifesaver. By catching and fixing security issues before they escalate, you can prevent costly breaches that can result in both financial losses and reputational damage.

Unfortunately, many startups fail to set aside money in the budget for cybersecurity from the start — mistakenly thinking they’ll deal with it later. However, proper cybersecurity measures are essential for any remote business, and neglecting them can lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the line.

Consider these from the get-go so you can start your business with peace of mind.

Home office setup costs

Finally, don’t forget about your home office setup costs. 

You’ll need to set aside funds for a comfortable and functional workstation at home (or pay for a setup at a coworking station or private office). The costs for a quality chair, large desk, and computer can quickly add up — and you don’t want to skimp on these and create a setup that’s not comfortable. Or have a laptop that doesn’t give you what you need. 

Be sure to also factor in the cost of reliable high-speed internet and any upgrades you might need if you’re in an ultra-remote area. 

If you travel often, you may also need to consider paying for portable WiFi so you can work from anywhere worldwide.

Wrap up 

While remote work offers many advantages, it also comes with a series of hidden costs that a new business owner may overlook. 

The costs can stack up from business formation fees to cybersecurity expenses if you’re not careful.

Planning for these upfront and making strategic investments in the right tools and services is key to creating a more sustainable remote business model.

To get ahead of these hidden costs, list them out, review your initial business budget, and decide if you need to set aside more money beore launching. Be realistic about what you can afford. 

*Pro Tip: Set up informational interviews with other entrepreneurs in your target industry. Ask them how much their costs were when they first got started. (And what their monthly, quarterly, and annual expenses look like now.)

And if you find that you need to build up more of a savings first — that’s okay! 

It’s better to start your business when you have all of the cash you need to set it up just right. 

For more money resources, check out finance-monthly.com. 

Advise Wise has upgraded its platform to enable advisers to input clients’ medical information using metric units for height and weight.

Additionally, advisers can now view clients’ Body Mass Index (BMI) directly within the system as an indication of whether it will affect rates.

The later life lending platform said entering accurate medical details is crucial in getting individual base pricing and in identifying the best plans for clients.

Common health conditions such as high blood pressure can impact potential interest rates or allow for a larger release amount.

Currently, over 40% of advisers use the platform to enter client medical information, highlighting that nearly 60% of customers may be missing out on better plans by not including their health data.

Advise Wise said the updated feature aligns with its mission to empower advisers in reaching more by simplifying the client assessment process.

Benjamin Wells, head of product and development at Advise Wise, said: “We’ve seen first-hand how providing detailed medical information can significantly affect the financial outcome for customers.

“Interest rates can drop by over 1% for certain medical conditions, and some customers can release more than 10% extra of their property value. Our goal is to make the journey as seamless as possible, using technology to deliver the best outcomes for advisers and their clients.”

Last month, Advise Wise introduced its latest API integration with Canada Life. The partnership allow users to connect to Canada Life’s portal through their Advise Wise account.

The integration will save advisers time by not having to log into the lender’s portal and re-key all the client case details for each KFI request and application submission.