ONE MILLION workers could be set for a pay cut under Rachel Reeves’ budget “painful” budget plan.

The Chancellor could extend the freeze on income tax thresholds in this month’s Autumn Statement.

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In a bid to fill a £40billion black hole in the public purse, Rachel Reeves may be considering pushing the freeze beyond its current expiry date of 2028.

The move could raise £7billion , according to reports by the Financial Times.

Labour’s manifesto promised not to increase rates of income tax, but included no mention of tax thresholds.

Other measures reported to be under consideration include:

The Treasury has so far declined to comment on Budget speculation.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank said that extending the freeze would pull 400,000 more people into paying income tax, according to The Times.

Plus, another 600,000 could be dragged into paying higher and additional rates by 2029-30 as wages rise.

This means a total of one million workers could be dragged into paying higher rates.

Freezing thresholds is a form of stealth tax – and helps governments generate higher tax revenue in a way that isn’t as obvious as a threshold change.

A person earning £50,000 a year now, who gets annual pay increases of 2%, will be earning about £55,000 by 2029-30.

This will have pulled them into the higher-rate tax band, making their income tax bill nearly £1,000 higher than if they paid the basic rate on their income, the newspaper said.

When asked about possible tax changes during a press conference in Berlin, Sir Keir Starmer said: “We are going to keep our manifesto pledges.”

He added: “I’m not going to pre-empt the individual measures that will be outlined by the Chancellor in due course.”

He went on: “This is going to be a Budget that will fix the foundations and rebuild our country.”

How do I calculate tax?

If you earn £12,570 or less, you currently pay no income tax.

On earnings between £12,570 and up to £50,270, you pay the basic income tax rate of 20%.

Wages of £50,271 and above are taxed at the higher rate of 40%.

And the additional rate of income tax, which applies to earnings above £150,000, is 45%.

The thresholds for income tax generally rise each year so that people can earn more without paying more tax.

However, the thresholds are now frozen until 2028, but this could be extended in the Budget.

What else could be revealed in the Budget?

The Autumn Statement will take place at around midday on Wednesday, October 30.

Multiple changes to inheritance tax are being considered by ministers.

It is not certain how many people will end up paying more money, nor how much more they might pay.

The levy does not affect the vast majority of the public at the moment, with only 4% of deaths resulting in an inheritance tax charge as the threshold for the 40% charge is an estate above £325,000.

The Chancellor is also expected to honour the previous Tory government’s plans to make around £3 billion of cuts to welfare by reforming work capability rules in the Budget.

Ms Reeves is also said to be considering bringing a stamp duty discount introduced by the Tories to an end, the Times reports, which is expected to raise £1.8 billion a year by 2029.

Other reports suggest a tax on vapes could be raised, and that fuel duty could be hiked for the first time in 14 years.

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

SHOPPERS are “absolutely gutted” as a fashion chain with 345 branches shuts a beloved store for good today.

Fans of the budget retailer cried “nothing will be left” as their County Durham high street waved goodbye to another shop.

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The Peacocks store, located in Consett, sadly announced their closure date last month.

A message plastered to the window read: “As of September 22 there will be no further refunds done at this store.

“This is due to store closure on October 19, 2024.”

They went out with bang and offered a 30% discount on all goods before the shutters were permanently pulled down.

For those who still want to shop at Peacocks after the closure, their nearest outlet can be found in Bishop Auckland.

It appears a Farplace charity shop will be moving in to take the place of Peacocks.

News of the closure prompted huge reaction on social media, with many expressing their disappointment.

One member of the Facebook group ‘The Consett Chatterbox’ stated: “Absolutely gutted loved Peacock’s especially with Christmas coming up.

“They always had lovely stock in, ridiculous that Consett’s losing yet another good shop.”

Another local questioned the decision saying: “Absolutely crazy it’s been there forever, love Peacocks, why can’t they just move somewhere else in Consett?

“There’s plenty of empty shops?”

Someone else added: “Nothing going to be left. Our high street now is so very run down.”

“Unfortunately another retailer going. Use it or Lose it’ springs to mind,” another member replied.

“What an absolute shame,” agreed a fourth.

“Another to bite the dust,” penned another.

One member added: “They went into administration a few years ago and were saved. Nothing going to be left in our high street not just Consett everywhere is suffering.”

In July earlier this year Peacocks announced they would be strategically closing stores as they launched a new website.

The fashion retailer revealed an annual turnover of £238million for the year to February 2023, with £14.65million in profits for the same period. 

The company said the hike in profits was due to an investment in its store estate, which saw the opening of new stores in “key retail locations” and the strategic closure of stores on high streets where ”the impact of the pandemic has been irreversible”.

Group CEO Steve Simpson said: “In the last two years, we have been focused on a strategy of offering our customers exceptional quality and value for the whole family.

“With the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, we have been committed to offering our customers even better products than we have done before, still at low prices.

Retailers closing stores in 2024

RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.

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Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.

Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.

We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:

• Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
• B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
• Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
• Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
• Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
• Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
• Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
• M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
• Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
• WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.

“We have welcomed into the Peacocks family our stylish celebrity ambassadors of Louise Redknapp and Michael Owen.

“Their style credentials have resonated strongly with our customers and helped improve our style perception, delivering strong growth in their ranges across ladieswear, menswear and lingerie.

“As we celebrate our 140th year we remain focused on expanding our product offering to our valued customers.”

Peacocks was originally bought out of administration in 2021, saving 2,000 jobs.

The brand was saved by investors led by Edinburgh Woollen Mill’s chief operating officer Steve Simpson.

It comes as closures have rocked high streets across the UK in recent years.

Devastated shoppers cried “what a tragedy” as a beloved shop of 33 years is set to pull down the shutters for good.

Czerwik Fine Wines & Cheeses, in the Brighouse town centre, West Yorkshire, has been a hailed part of the high street for decades.

Fans were saddened to learn the store would be waving goodbye forever on December 31.

Elsewhere, a much-loved tea room is being forced to close having been in business for 34 “happy and successful” years.

The family-run Two Hoots Tea Room is situated in one of Wales’ most-visited tourist spots and they say they are devastated after they were ordered to pull down the shutters for good.

Meanwhile, customers were left devastated after a family-run clothing shop was forced to close after 144 years.

And, closures are affecting various industries across different sectors as a historic city brewery, with a legacy spanning 150 years, is also set to close.

The Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has confirmed plans to close Wolverhampton’s Banks’s Brewery.

Why the high street still rules!

Fabulous’ Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts.

I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan.

Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls’ day out we would look forward to all week.

My mum’s favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes.

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I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam’s little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high street fave River Island.

I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on.

Frilly Ra-Ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter.

Fashion wasn’t so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams.

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At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined.

Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop.

I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me.

One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won!

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That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous.

It’s not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When ‘Cool Britannia’ hit in the Nineties, they all turned up in one big store.

‘Designers at Debenhams’ was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson to name a few.

This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer’s signature style.

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Years later I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me.

In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs.

Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself!

Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London’s Oxford Street.

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I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show.

I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush.

At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki’s legendary brand Biba from Topshop?

High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week.

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Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING!

A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed.

Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop’s Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon “Kollection” for Dorothy Perkins.

I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars.

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Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn’t look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback.

Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels.

The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop.

The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30!

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CONDENSATION and mould can cause serious health issues but there are ways of keeping them both at bay.

The pesky vapour occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.

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Left alone, it can create mould and mildew which is both a pain to get rid of and can cause havoc with your health including worsening asthma, eczema and allergies.

Luckily, there are several ways you can tackle condensation to save yourself issues further down the line, and you don’t need to invest in a dehumidifier.

While they’re handy at removing moisture from the air and preventing mould, but they can cost up to £150.

Luckily, there are cheaper ways of keeping your home mould-free, and they can cost as little as 2p.

Cat litter -2p

It may sound not sound like something you want around your house, but cat litter can be used to to remove moisture from the air.

Cat litter is created to absorb liquid, so it makes sense that it’s good DIY dehumidifier, says Stephen Day, heating engineer at iHeat.

“Non-clumping, unscented cat litter is a far more effective desiccant than salt for absorbing moisture as it will not leech moisture or become ‘soggy’ and can help deal with damp odours,” he said.

“The best type of cat litter to use is silica crystal cat litter which can be used for weeks at a time before needing to be replaced.”

You can fill an old sock with cat litter and place it near the affected area.

Many cat litters are fragranced so you won’t have an unpleasant smell around your home.

You can pick up a 10kg bag of Just Essentials cat litter from Asda for £2.19.

This works out at just 2p per 100g.

However, it’s a good idea to keep cat litter out of reach of children so they don’t eat it.

Salt – £1.25

Salt has the power to draw in moisture – and there’s plenty of internet folklore that suggests bowls of it around the house can dry out the air.

Ordinary table salt works, but rock salt can be more effective in large spaces at clearing condensation.

“Salt is a desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture in the air,” Mr Day explained.

A container of rock salt from Sainsbury’s is currently going for £1.25 online, though prices may vary in store.

However, Mr Day cautioned that salt can only absorb a limited amount of moisture before becoming “saturated and ineffective”, so you will need to use much larger amounts.

“The moisture can leach out from the bowl and leave salt deposits on your surfaces which can cause irreparable damage and be hard to clean,” he said.

Make sure to keep a regular check up on any salt bowls and empty them if they begin soaking up moisture.

Keep your home well-ventilated – free

As the weather gets colder, you might warm up by having hotter showers.

To avoid steam clinging to your bathroom walls, make sure you open any windows and turn on any extractor fans, Nicholas said.

Keep the bathroom door closed after you’ve showered as well, to stop any excess steam escaping into the rest of the house.

Use the trickle vents on windows or keep a quarter light open for background ventilation.

Trickle vents are small vents that can be added to the tops of windows and allow a constant stream of air in and out.

Dry clothes outside – free

Hanging your pants and socks up inside can create condensation as the moisture from them escapes into the air.

Instead, hang your clothes up outside, even if there’s a slight chance of rain.

Alternatively, dry clothes using a tumble dryer or in a closed room with the window open.

Silica Gel packets from Amazon – £3.75

These are probably a lesser known damp remover.

The little sachets that come in shoes and clothes – could end up protecting your walls and window sills.

That’s because they’re designed to prevent moisture from damaging a product – so they’re ideal for keeping dampness at bay around your home.

You can currently get them on Amazon for £4.95 although they do come for free within packaging of certain products – so keep an eye out.

In the review section, one shopper said: “These are perfect for what I wanted them for.

“My cupboard, where I store all our shoes, is very cold and was starting to feel damp in places. I bought these to pop in the shoes.”

Chalk and clove oil – £5

Another low-cost method involves using mega chalk and clove oil.

If you have children, you may be familiar with them using chalk for arts and crafts activities.

What you might not realise is that it’s also a very absorbent material.

Clove oil, meanwhile, has anti-fungal properties which can kill spores, and effectively prevent the growth of mould.

The chalk will remove condensation and the clove oil prevents it from returning. Both items are relatively inexpensive

You can, for example, pick up a 12-pack of chalk from Hobbycraft for £2 and a 10-ml bottle of clove oil from Boots for £2.99.

All you need to do is dab a few drops of the oil onto your chalk.

Once this is done this, simply place the chalk in any affected areas to help keep it dry.

You might, for example, want to put the chalk in the corner of your bedroom, or in your drawers or wardrobe.

The key is to place a stick or two around the house wherever you need moisture to be absorbed such as windowsills.

You can then return to those pieces of chalk every month or so, and add a few more drops of clove oil.

If you spot small areas of mould, clove oil is a great product you can use to clean these up before the fungus spreads too far.

Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould

Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.

Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor 

Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.

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To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.

Not turning on the fan 

An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom. 

When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

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An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth. 

Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.

Ignoring small leaks

Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive. 

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Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring. 

Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.

Keeping shower curtains or doors closed 

Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth. 

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Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long. 

To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.

Storing too many products 

Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed. 

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Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing. 

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

CHATTING to a neighbourhood friend, Chloe Godland, 30, starts her pre-winter preparation.

She grabs some lengths of bubble wrap and a water bottle and starts working around the windows of her three-bed home. 

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“Have you lost the plot?” her friend asks – but it’s a comment Chloe isn’t bothered by. 

Her wacky use of bubble wrap is actually a bill busting method to keep her house warm this winter.

“I’m super scrimper – I save around £3k in winter with all my tricks, which cost almost nothing,” she told The Sun.

BUBBLE WRAPPING WINDOWS

Chloe estimates that “bubble wrapping” her windows has saved her around £900 on her bills over the past three years.

“Bubble wrap is a cheap option for double glazing,” she explained.

“The bubble side stays on the window sealed with just water and captures heat from the sun, and at night time, it stops heat getting out.

“It’s upping the temperature of the room by two degrees and we don’t have to turn the heating on as much.”

Former receptionist Chloe, who lives in Leicester with her fiance, gym instructor Jack Gordon, 34, and their two and half year-old daughter Clemmie, isn’t alone with this trick.

Experts say bubble wrapping your windows is a proven winter heat saver.

The howtogosolart.org website reveals bubble wrap on windows can cut your energy bills in that area of the house by 50%.

This is money Chloe’s family really needs to save. 

Jack earns just over £29,000 a year and the family pays £800 a month to rent a three bedroom.

“Once our bills are paid, we are left with £50 a month in the emergency fund,” Chloe said.

RICE AND SOCK TRICK

Chloe’s second winter hack involves a bag of own-brand rice, costing around 50p.

“I don’t cook rice – I collect all the long odd socks I can find and fill them with rice. They make great draught excluders along doors and windows.”

The Energy Saving Trust says draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you between  £40 to £50 a year.

This isn’t the only way she used the rice.

“On cold nights I pop a rice-filled sock into the microwave with a little lavender or nice smelling essential oil for one and a half minutes. 

“I put one into Clemmie’s bed so it’s warm when she gets in.  Jack and I use them as lap warmers while watching TV. Bargain rice retains the heat.”

CHEAP DOOR CURTAINS

Chloe’s third winter warmer tip is using cheap curtains to hang over doors, creating a second layer. 

“I buy the thick-double layered old-fashioned curtains in the home furnishings section for between five and ten quid,” she said. 

“Doorways are some of the worst places for heat to escape, so adding an extra layer of insulation helps the heat stays in.”

According to University of Salford researchers drawing your curtains at dusk can reduce heat loss by around 15-17%. 

“I have saved more than £630 on heating bills in three years doing this,” Chloe said. 

BLANKETS ON WALLS

Chloe also hangs blankets around the walls in rooms she is in as an extra layer of insulation.

“The heat is trapped in the room and doesn’t get lost through the wall,” she said. 

“I did it during the big freeze last December. The room temperature went up two degrees using my blanket hanging tip.”

The energysavingtrust.org.uk says 35% or more that a third of heat is lost through walls, so this trick could be a big energy saver.

LEAVING OVEN OPEN

Finally, Chloe always leaves her oven door “Whenever I use the oven in winter, I leave the door open when I turn it off,” Chloe said.

As a result, all the hot air flows out into the kitchen and other rooms – raising the overall temperature.

“It is heat that would have stayed in the oven and been lost.”

SAVVY shoppers can bag huge savings on their Christmas gift-buying with a few key dates in the run up to December 25.

The festive season is just around the corner and can leave a big dent in budgets.

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The cost of extra food, decorations, and of course, presents, can quickly rack up.

At the same time, retailers are competing for customers and special promotions can help you save cash.

A little careful planning and knowing the best times to shop can help ease the financial pain of Christmas.

Here are the dates for your diary to mark out

BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY

This is traditionally an American shopping event which has now been adopted by many retailers in the UK.

Black Friday is the day after the American bank holiday Thanksgiving which is always on the fourth Thursday of November.

This year it will be November 28 so mark it down.

You can bag savings across a range of categories including technology, appliances, fashion, beauty and food.

Some retailers offer a blanket percentage off all items while others mark out special savings on selected items.

You don’t always have to wait until November 28, some stores have deals in the lead up.

And many promotions will last the weekend following Black Friday until Monday. This is known as Cyber Monday as it’s thought to be when a lot of people start their online Christmas shopping.

In the past, big stores including Argos, Boots and John Lewis have dropped prices for the event.

High street and online fashion brands such as New Look, H&M and more slash prices too.

Beauty retailers and brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora UK and Boots, will likely deals on skincare, makeup and fragrances products on offer.

Even holiday firms offer special deals during this time if you are thinking about booking a trip away.

To get savings during the event, it’s a good idea to make a list of the items you want to buy and prices ahead of Black Friday.

The on the day, you can check if they have been reduced.

Websites like PriceRunner and CamelCamelCamel can help you check the price history too and if you can get a deal cheaper elsewhere.

SUPERMARKET TOY SALES

If you need to buy gifts for children, most supermarkets hold major promotions on toys in the run-up to Christmas which can be a great time to tick off your shopping list.

Some of these sales have already started.

Morrisons is currently offering up to 50% off toys in-store with savings of up to £33 until October 27.

You’ll need to be a member of the supermarket’s loyalty scheme to get the deals, which include the Barbie Dollhouse Playset down from £50 to £25, or a Barbie Best Friend Fairy Doll which is £15 down from £30.

There are half price offers for More Card holders on a selection of must-have Hot Wheels toys including the Hot Wheels Power Shift Raceway, £28 down from £56, which pairs perfectly with the Hot Wheels City Stunt Garage, £20 down from £40.

Tesco’s toy sale is also in full swing, running until November 3 in 270 stores.

Again, you may need a Clubcard to get some of the better deals.  

Brands that feature in the sale include Barbie, Peppa Pig, Early Learning Centre, Paw Patrol, Hot Wheels, and Fugglers. 

Sainsbury’s is also expected to shortly launch a sale on toys that will also feature great saving for parents.

EARLY BOXING DAY SALES

Post-Christmas and January sales usually feature a ton of bargains. But some brands actually start the discounts BEFORE Christmas meaning you can get great deals on gifts and other items for the big day.

Retailers will typically reduce items early if they haven’t shifted stock as well as they thought they might have.

The exact dates vary from shop to shop and year to year.

If there’s something in particular you want, you might be left disappointed if you try to wait for early Boxing Day sales.

However, if you’re not too particular it can a good time to pick up bargains.

Several major retailers including Ikea, The Range and Amazon shave dropped prices ahead before Christmas in previous years.

Amazon’s Last Minute Deals have previously gone live in early December, and included offers on fragrances, tech, beauty and clothing.

TIMING SINGLE PURCHASES

Shopping events are not the best time to buy all items, however.

If you have a wishlist of items, knowing the cheapest time to buy individual products is another way to save a stack of cash.

Costs typically fluctuate throughout the year often based on demand.

Knowing what you need to buy and acting when prices are low means you can save simply keep the item stashed away when you are ready to use or gift it.

Price comparison site Idealo has looked at the best – and worst – time of year to buy popular items for Christmas.

Shoppers can typically pay £604.73 for a tablet on October 20, whereas buying the gadget just a month earlier means an average price of £643.95.

This is a saving of almost £40 simply by tweaking your shopping dates.

On the other hand, Capsule coffee machines are cheapest on November 17 at a typical £135.92 buying them at the earlier date of October 24 would mean paying around £30 more at £165.67.

The best price on kids bikes can be found on November 30 at an average £271.71. Waiting until just before Christmas on December 20 will see you stung with a cost of £301.52.

However, waiting until close to Christmas can pay off laptops when they work out as an average £1,267.05 on December 19 compared to £1,357.91 a month earlier on November 19.

Trainers are also best bought last-minute with prices £69.73 on December 24 compared to £74.62 on November 30.

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If you bought everything on the list at the right time, you’d end up with more than £260 in savings.

Katy Philips, senior brand, and communications manager at price comparison site Idealo, said: “For those looking to get a bargain throughout the year, we would recommend using our price comparison app, which allows you to search for the best prices across a range of products and set price alerts to get the best deal.

“At a time where saving money is paramount for some, being able to check multiple retailer costings at once can prove a hugely helpful resource.”

Q) MY Land Rover’s engine failed on the motorway and the firm will only pay £3,000 of the £21,000 repair cost.

When I bought the car in December 2022 for £36,000, I also bought an extended warranty that says I can claim up to the value of the car.

I have now been told the warranty will only pay £3,000 maximum per claim, and that my car is too old to warrant a gesture of goodwill. 

As the engine failure was no fault of my own, surely Land Rover should cover all the costs of fixing my car?

Anne Butcher, Norwich

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A) YOU were thrilled when you bought your 2017-plate Land Rover discovery for £36k in December 2022 with just 44,000 miles on it. 

You got the car through a Land Rover dealership and bought the best warranty available, which said it would cover up to the full value of your car.

But then in May this year, your vehicle’s engine suddenly failed on the M11 motorway, nearly causing a very serious accident.

There had been no warning signs on the dashboard in advance and you have no idea what caused it. 

But that was only the start of your problems.

When you reported the incident to Jaguar Land Rover and tried to claim on your warranty, the firm said it would pay £3,000 towards the repair costs.

But now you’ve have been quoted £21,000 for the repairs, meaning you need to top up the remaining £18,000.

You’ve checked your warranty small print over and over and can’t figure out why you aren’t covered in full. 

You don’t believe the engine failure was caused by anything you did. In fact, a number of drivers with the same Ingenium 2.0 engine have reported problems similar to yours.

You attempted to complain to the motor ombudsman, but it said wait times were over six months and you can’t wait that long without a vehicle.

Thankfully, when I spoke with Jaguar Land Rover, it immediately agreed to investigate your case and reopened it.

It has been a lengthy investigation, but I’m pleased to say the firm has now agreed to cover your whole repair cost and has now provided a courtesy car until yours is fixed. 

The firm has been in touch to confirm this and said it’s pleased to provide this resolution – and you’re thrilled. 

Our Squeeze Team has won back a total of £201,310 for readers.

How to contact our Squeeze Team

Our Squeeze Team wins back money for readers who have had a refund or billing issue with a company and are struggling to get it resolved.

We’ve won back thousands of pounds for readers including £22,000 for a man asked to pay back benefits to the DWP, £2,800 for a family who had a hellish holiday and £635 for a seller scammed on eBay.

To get help, write to our consumer champion, Laura Purkess.

I love getting your letters and emails, so do write to me at squeezeteam@thesun.co.uk or Laura Purkess, The Sun, 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF.

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