
Should you buy a PAYG or contract for your teen at Christmas?…..
I was posed this by an Express journalist writing a story the other day. It’s an interesting question. On the whole call and text charges on the best contract mobile packages are substantially cheaper than the best Pay-As-You-Go packages (see mobile cost cutting article), afterall do it right and you can pay virtually no monthly fee –...

Credit Card companies could learn a lot from McDonald’s
I was passing by McDonald’s the other day, when, near the straws and napkins, I happened to spot its brochure on nutritional explanations. Ok, when I say passing by, I mean passing by via the counter with my large fillet-o-fish meal, but let’s move swiftly on. I found this little, printed brochure fascinating. In it, there were...

I couldn’t help advertising on Vaginica!
Now I can’t say I’m proud of this, well that’s a lie, it’s making me smile at the thought this morning. Last night I watched the end of I’m a Celebrity, and on it they discussed the fact that David Gest claims his maid is called Vaginica Seamen (my guess at the spelling). Now as I was...

Dear X-Factor Contestants, you cannot give more than 100% effort!
I’m probably going to seem like a rabid pedant, but this is one of my major bugbears. While watching X-factor this weekend young crooning contestant Ray promised to give 210% and later Robert promised 150%. Does this mean Ray is going to put out more effort than Robert? No, it means both of them are talking nonsense....

The most wasteful press release ever: “Chancellor to target CO2 emissions”. Shame on you MacIntyre Hudson
I’ve just received a six-page press release posted to me from chartered accountants MacIntyre Hudson, predicting new green tax measures in the next budget. MSE Dan received the same release, so did MSE Archna, MSE Jenny, MSE Andrea and MSE Brendan. All printed out, all on six sheets of paper, and all talking about CO2 emissions. To...

And now the MSG is setting up in competition!
There I am, happily having blogged away since my very first “Tony Blair warmed my seat??? blog entry in early 2005. Then, all of a sudden the MSG comes along and starts doing the same thing. I’m not happy with the competition. Five News has asked her do a blog of showbiz stories (see the MSGs first...

My worst ever on air slip….
I’m so embarrassed, it’s the first time I’ve ever blushed on the radio. I’ve had a nightmarishly busy day: made a speech, done countless interviews, got asked to write a major article for the Sun in only two hours, been dealing with the weekly email. Excuses over…. on to the tale… I was on LBC radio (London...

Grrrr….. If I hear ‘renting is just throwing money away’ from another interest only mortgage holder
I was speaking to a friend the other day who’s just about to buy a house, using an interest only mortgage, maxed out to the hilt. When I asked why he is buying, his answer was, “because renting is just throwing money away isn’t it, I think it’s time to own my own property!” I find this...

Gu Puds Squashed!
Now some of you may know Gu Puds as the rather upmarket decadent pudding brand (see this) seen in the supermarket, but they have another, more sinister role. They dared challenge the MSE Towers team with overt bravado in a pool tournament. You see Gu Puds also has an office in the complex where MSE Towers is...

750,000 thank yous and a tiny tiny wee confession
Today we hit 750,000 people who’ve opted to receive the weekly e-mail. Three quarters of a million people, it really is quite staggering. The site is now a healthy three and a half year old and I can’t believe how big and bonny it is. Thanks to all MoneySavers who’ve recommended it to friends and family. I’m...
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Recent Blogs
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Martin Lewis: Is it time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents?
5 December 2022Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: The one thing everyone aged over 66 needs to know
29 November 2022It is a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners, many of whom have been paying into the system for years, are missing out on a critical boost to their income. It's called pension credit, and this year it also means you get an extra £650 to help with energy bills.