thinkmoney logo

The Blog.

We’re here to make money matters simple. From rent and mortgages to bills and benefits, find advice that works for you.

Autumn Budget 2026: Is your pint getting more expensive?

Autumn Budget 2026: Is your pint getting more expensive?

The Autumn Budget 2026 brings a rise in alcohol duty alongside business rates relief for pubs and support for small breweries. We explain whether your pint could cost more, why a 2p duty rise isn't necessarily a 2p price rise, and what the changes mean for your local.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingBills & PaymentsTopical
Autumn Budget 2026: Lifetime ISA penalty cut and new help for first-time buyers

Autumn Budget 2026: Lifetime ISA penalty cut and new help for first-time buyers

The Autumn Budget 2026 includes plans for a 2.5% deposit scheme and a new First-Time Buyer ISA to replace the Lifetime ISA. We explain what has been announced, what it means for existing savers, which rules still apply and what buyers need to know before making decisions.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingBills & Payments
Autumn Budget 2026: What it means for your money, wages, benefits and bills

Autumn Budget 2026: What it means for your money, wages, benefits and bills

The Autumn Budget 2026 includes a £100 winter energy payment, higher minimum wages, changes to Lifetime ISAs, new support for carers and an increase in the tax-free trading allowance. We explain the key announcements, who benefits, when they take effect and what they could mean for your household budget.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingTopical
Autumn Budget 2026: £100 energy payment confirmed for January 2027 - Who qualifies and how will you get it?

Autumn Budget 2026: £100 energy payment confirmed for January 2027 - Who qualifies and how will you get it?

The £100 energy payment starts in January 2027 for eligible homes in council tax bands A–D. Check who qualifies, how payments work and what other help is available.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingBills & Payments
Carer's Allowance changes in Budget 2026: New earnings rules and when they start

Carer's Allowance changes in Budget 2026: New earnings rules and when they start

The Autumn Budget 2026 confirms plans to end the Carer's Allowance earnings cliff edge, which can currently leave unpaid carers losing £86.45 a week for earning just 1p over the limit. We explain the new taper system, when it will start, the current £204 earnings limit and what carers need to know about historic overpayments.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingBills & PaymentsBenefits
Gas standing charges scrapped: Will your bills fall?

Gas standing charges scrapped: Will your bills fall?

The Autumn Budget 2026 has confirmed further energy bill changes, including extending the electricity VAT cut until July 2027 and plans to scrap gas standing charges for around 23 million homes. Here's what households could save, when the changes take effect and why some bills could still rise.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingBills & Payments
Help to Save changes confirmed in Autumn Budget 2026: Who can get the £1,200 bonus?

Help to Save changes confirmed in Autumn Budget 2026: Who can get the £1,200 bonus?

Budget 2026 confirms Help to Save reforms for 2028. Find out who qualifies now, how the 50% government bonus works and how to claim up to £1,200.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingGeneral FinanceTopical
Minimum wage rise confirmed in Autumn Budget 2026: How much extra will you take home?

Minimum wage rise confirmed in Autumn Budget 2026: How much extra will you take home?

Minimum wage rise confirmed in the Autumn Budget 2026. Find out how much hourly pay could increase, why frozen income tax thresholds matter and what it means for your take-home pay.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingGeneral Finance
3 Budget announcements that could hit your wallet this October

3 Budget announcements that could hit your wallet this October

The UK Budget will have a range of financial updates, but three specific changes could help everyday people make their money stretch further. These are the announcements to look out for.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingBills & PaymentsTopical
Autumn Budget 2026: 6 confirmed changes that could save you money

Autumn Budget 2026: 6 confirmed changes that could save you money

Six changes have already been announced ahead of the Autumn Budget 2026. From cheaper bus fares and parental pay to student loans and first-time buyer support, find out what's changing, who's eligible and how much you could save.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingGeneral Finance
How the 2026 Budget could change the future of PIP

How the 2026 Budget could change the future of PIP

Personal Independence Payments could see a major revamp in the next few months, with Chancellor John Healey’s first Autumn Budget expected to bring the first round of changes ahead of the Timms Review final report. Here’s what we know so far and what could be on the chopping block.

Read more
Tagged in:
BenefitsCost of living
University hardship funds 2026: extra financial help students can get

University hardship funds 2026: extra financial help students can get

Around £3bn in maintenance loans landed in student accounts in September, but some students are already struggling with living costs. Here’s how university hardship funds work and what extra financial help may be available.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingBudgeting
£150 Warm Home Discount 2026: who qualifies and what to do if your letter doesn't arrive

£150 Warm Home Discount 2026: who qualifies and what to do if your letter doesn't arrive

Who qualifies for the £150 Warm Home Discount in 2026? Find out when letters arrive, how to get your discount and what to do if yours is missing.

Read more
Tagged in:
TopicalCost of living
How to save money at Christmas 2026 without cutting out the fun

How to save money at Christmas 2026 without cutting out the fun

Christmas spending is set to hit £93.76bn in 2026. Vix Leyton shares practical ways to save on presents, food and festive plans without missing out.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingMoney Saving TipsChristmas
Can you charge an electric car at home without a driveway? New 2026 rules explained

Can you charge an electric car at home without a driveway? New 2026 rules explained

New EV charging rules could save drivers without driveways £300. Find out who qualifies, council permissions, installation costs and charging savings.

Read more
Tagged in:
TopicalGeneral Finance
Changes to parking fines: Drivers to get cap on mistakes and grace periods under new rules

Changes to parking fines: Drivers to get cap on mistakes and grace periods under new rules

New private parking rules will give drivers five minutes to decide whether to park, 10 minutes to leave and lower charges for genuine mistakes.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of living
How to save money at Aldi: 6 tips to cut your food bill

How to save money at Aldi: 6 tips to cut your food bill

Aldi has shared five ways shoppers can cut the cost of their grocery bill, including how to find products reduced by up to 75%.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of living
Pumpkin Patch Prices UK 2026: What a Family Day Out Costs

Pumpkin Patch Prices UK 2026: What a Family Day Out Costs

How much does pumpkin picking cost in 2026? We compared 12 UK patches: a family of four could pay £81.12, and busy days cost up to 88% more.

Read more
Tagged in:
Cost of livingMoney Saving Tips