4 Ways to Save Money But Still Have the Best Year

Looking to save money in 2026? Many people begin the year with goals of improving their finances, particularly in the current economic climate, with prices rising. So, how can you save money while still making sure that you have a fun and enjoyable year? This post will show you four ways to master your finances but still have a great year. Read on to find out more. 1. Smart Budgeting First, you should create a detailed budget for the year. This should highlight your needs (essential costs), occasional expenses, and annual treats (such as a holiday). You can use tools like the MoneySavingExpert Budget Planner to visualise where every pound goes and find easy ways to save, such as switching to better value utility providers. This can help you save money while also allowing you to feel more in control of your finances, helping to reduce stress (money is a huge cause of stress for adults in the UK in 2026). 2. Embrace a Frugal Lifestyle A frugal lifestyle does not mean never enjoying your......

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6 European destinations I would visit over and over again

I've travelled to over 26 countries and have been lucky enough to have the chance to live both the UK and mainland Europe (Netherlands and France), while also travelling extensively across it and I truly believe it offers some of the  best holiday destinations to be had. Destinations that I just keep going back to, whether it's because of the food, culture, history or the locals, here are 6 places I never hesitate to recommend.  1. Salzburg, Austria If you ask my youngest where his favourite places in Europe is he will tell you Salzburg and it's easy to see why with its UNESCO-listed baroque old town, stunning alpine scenery and the impressive cliffside Fortress Hohensalzburg (which is a must-visit for the views alone). Known as the setting for The Sound of Music, it also happens to be the birthplace of Mozart. This Austrian city is packed with music, history and culture and plenty of family-friendly museums to visit. On top of tha......

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The Importance of embracing Local Entertainment While Traveling Solo

Embracing local entertainment when travelling alone has many benefits beyond giving you something to do until your next departure. There is nothing like heading to a local eatery or tavern or embracing some live music that really adds to your whole travel experience. Travel is all about immersing yourself in culture and adding to your story. Here are some of the best examples that I've really enjoyed while exploring a new place. Keeping Yourself Social I've done many solo travel trip and while it may not be for everyone, it can be a lot of fun and I've always met people along the way and still have friendships with some of those people more than a decade later. I've found staying in backpackers (which have female-only dorms for safety) a great base for meeting others who are on the same page as me and enjoy heading to a local spot for a quick drink, some good food, and karaoke nights , which can help break the loneliness and can also provide a level of safety.  A Bit o......

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7 Tips to Be More Comfortable With Talking About Money

Even in this information age, where resources on personal finance are plentiful, money remains a taboo topic. Many still feel uneasy when the conversation turns to finances, whether it’s about savings, salary, assets, or debt. Mostly, people avoid these discussions due to modesty, shame, or envy, or perhaps because of a fear of judgment or lack of knowledge. However, eluding this subject may not be as harmless as you think. Since money is an essential factor for both survival and success, tackling this sensitive yet important topic is crucial. Having healthy discussions about money can pave the way for sound financial decisions and financial well-being in general. With that in mind, this article will present several practical ways to feel more at ease with money-centric conversations, whether with friends, family, or yourself, so you can gain confidence while supporting your financial health. 1. Accept that Feeling Uneasy Is Normal It’s common for people to feel hesitant about talking ......

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