Our Money Spots of the Week!
- 1 hour ago
- 7 min read
Money Spots Of The Week: What Did We Find This Week?
Every week on Instagram, we share our Money Savvy Spots of the Week, a quick snapshot of updates, deals and policy changes that could affect your budget.
The challenge is space! Instagram lets us flag the headline, but the space we have rarely allows us to explain what it actually means or who it affects. So we’re now publishing the same weekly roundup here on the blog, with more context, clearer explanations and links to official sources where it matters!
Here are this week's money-savvy spots!
Energy Bills Could Finally Ease
After months of stubbornly high energy costs, there may be some relief ahead.
Industry forecasts suggest the energy price cap could fall by around £117 from 1 April 2026. If confirmed by Ofgem, that would bring the typical annual dual fuel household bill down to roughly £1,641 from £1,758.
That represents about a 7% drop.
It is important to understand what the price cap actually does. It limits the maximum unit rate, and standing charge suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs. It does not cap your total bill. Your overall cost still depends on how much gas and electricity you use.
The Government has previously referenced an average £150 saving, but that does not mean everyone will see exactly that figure. Savings vary depending on usage, property type and tariff.
If the forecast proves correct, bills would sit at their lowest level since July 2024. That is not cheap by historical standards, but it is at least a movement in the right direction!
For official updates, Ofgem publishes the confirmed cap levels each quarter. If you are unsure what tariff you are on, MoneyHelper offers clear, non-commercial guidance.
Energy FAQs
Are energy bills definitely going down in April 2026?
It is still a forecast. Ofgem confirms the official cap level shortly before it takes effect. If approved, the average annual bill would fall to around £1,641.
What does the energy price cap include?
It covers the maximum unit rate and standing charge for standard variable tariffs. It does not limit how much you pay overall, as that depends on your usage.
Do fixed tariff customers benefit from the price cap drop?
No. If you are on a fixed deal, your rates stay the same until your contract ends.
London Travel Costs Are Rising From March 1st
While energy bills may ease, London commuters are facing higher travel costs.
Tube and TfL rail fares are increasing by an average of 5.8%. One of the most noticeable changes is the Elizabeth line between Zone 1 and Heathrow, which rises from £13.90 to £15.50.
However, not everything is going up!
Bus and tram fares remain frozen at £1.75 under the Hopper fare, which allows unlimited journeys within one hour. Daily and weekly caps are also frozen.
For people who use contactless or Oyster, those caps matter. They limit the maximum you pay each day or week and are usually cheaper than buying individual paper tickets.
Transport for London publishes full fare tables and cap details on its website if you want to check your specific route.
London Travel FAQs
Are bus fares increasing in London?
No. Bus and tram fares remain frozen at £1.75.
Why are Tube fares rising but buses are not?
Rail fares are increasing broadly in line with inflation measures, while bus fares are being held steady through funding decisions.
Is contactless cheaper than paper tickets?
In most cases, yes. Contactless and Oyster apply daily and weekly caps automatically.
Supermarket Easter Egg Price War!
The Easter price battle has begun, and medium-sized eggs are where the competition is sharpest.
Using the 181g Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter Egg as an example: ➡️ Asda £2.32 (Rollback)
➡️ Morrisons £2.45 (More Card)
➡️ Tesco £2.45 (Clubcard)
➡️ Sainsbury’s £2.75 (Nectar)
That is a 43p difference for the same product.
It highlights how much pricing now depends on loyalty cards. Without a Clubcard, Nectar or More card, you may pay noticeably more. Even with one, it is still worth comparing across supermarkets.
Retailers often use Easter eggs as competitive products to draw shoppers in early. Post-Easter reductions can be significant, but stock disappears quickly.
The Competition and Markets Authority provides guidance on promotional pricing to help you understand how discounts should be displayed.
Easter FAQs
Why are Easter egg prices different between supermarkets?
Loyalty pricing and competitive promotions create noticeable price gaps.
Are loyalty card prices always the cheapest option?
Often they are, but not always across the whole market. Comparing retailers remains important.
Are Easter eggs cheaper after Easter?
Usually yes, but popular products may sell out before heavy reductions appear, so you take your chances by holding out for a bargain!
National Lottery Open Week Returns
If you are looking for a lower-cost day out in March, this year The National Lottery Open Week runs from 7th to 15 March 2026.
During this period, Lottery-funded venues across the UK offer free or discounted entry when you show a valid National Lottery ticket or scratchcard. The ticket does not need to be a winner.
Some attractions offer free entry. Others provide two-for-one tickets or reduced admission.
It can make a meaningful difference to the cost of a family day out, particularly at heritage sites and museums.
Participating venues and full details are listed on the National Lottery Good Causes website, and we have a blog post about the National Lottery Open Week.
National Lottery FAQs
Do I need a winning ticket to qualify?
No. Any valid ticket or scratchcard qualifies.
Do I need to book in advance?
Some venues require advance booking, especially where free entry slots are limited.
How much can I save? Savings vary by venue and offer type.
Rent Payments Can Strengthen Your Credit Profile
Many renters do not realise that their monthly rent can potentially support their credit history.
Rent is not automatically reported because it is not a loan. However, rent reporting services such as Credit Ladder can verify payments and share them with credit reference agencies, including Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
There is a free version that reports your rental payments to one credit agency, or you can pay as little as £5 a month to have them reported to multiple agencies, which can be well worth it if you're trying to prove your creditworthiness to lenders.
That can help demonstrate consistent payment behaviour, which may support a future mortgage application.
It does not guarantee approval. Lenders assess income, deposit size and affordability alongside credit history, but it can only help!
MoneyHelper and GOV.UK provide free, impartial guidance on improving your credit score and preparing for a mortgage.
Rent and Credit FAQs
Is rent automatically included in my credit report?
No. You must use a rent reporting service for payments to appear on your credit file.
Will reporting rent guarantee mortgage approval?
No. It can strengthen your profile, but lenders still assess income and affordability.
Is there free help for renters planning to buy?
Yes. MoneyHelper offers free guidance and GOV.UK lists government-backed schemes.
The Deposit Return Scheme Is Coming
Another change worth knowing about is the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme, which will launch in England and Northern Ireland from October 2027.
Under the scheme, shoppers will pay a small refundable deposit on certain single-use drink containers made from aluminium, steel and PET plastic, ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
When you return the empty container to a participating retailer, you’ll get your deposit back.
The deposit amount has not yet been confirmed, but the system is designed to encourage recycling and reduce litter. Retailers will be required to charge the deposit, and most supermarkets will have return points.
It does mean drinks will cost slightly more upfront. However, the extra amount is refundable if you return the container.
It is worth noting that you cannot start stockpiling cans now and cash them in later. Only in-scope containers sold after the scheme begins will qualify; shame right!
Deposit Scheme FAQs
Will all drink containers have a deposit?
No. The scheme applies to certain single-use plastic bottles and metal cans within specific size limits.
How do I get my money back?
You return the empty container to a participating retailer and receive the deposit refund.
Does the deposit increase the overall price?
Only if you do not return the container. The deposit is refundable.
Tesco 25% Off Household and Clothing
Tesco is currently running a 25% off promotion across selected household cleaning products and F&F clothing, but there is a catch.
For household cleaning, the discount applies when you buy 5 qualifying items in a single transaction. The reduction is applied automatically at checkout.
As always with multi-buy offers, the key question is whether you would have bought those items anyway. Buying five products to trigger a discount only works if you genuinely need them.
Also, check pricing for the products you're interested in buying elsewhere; I saved £5 by buying my detergent from Amazon, rather than Tesco, this week!
For F&F clothing, the 25% discount applies to selected adult-only items and can be a useful way to refresh the wardrobe without blowing the budget!
It is also worth remembering that Tesco promotions often require a Clubcard to unlock the full benefit.
You can better the deal by paying via a cashback gift card from the likes of JamDoughnut as you'll earn cashback on your purchase, and that soon adds up!
Tesco Deal FAQs
Do I need a Clubcard for the 25% discount?
Many Tesco promotions require a Clubcard, so it is worth scanning one at checkout.
Does the 25% apply to everything?
No. Only selected household and (adult) clothing items qualify. Always check shelf labels.
Is buying five items always cheaper? Only if the individual price and your need for the product make sense. Multi-buy does not always mean best value.
Bill’s £5 Pancake Offer
If you are looking for a lower-cost treat, Bill’s is offering pancakes for £5 during its promotional period, which ends on Friday, 27th March 2026.
There is also an option to get unlimited pancakes with any drink purchase. That makes it a potentially good value meal compared to standard restaurant pricing, especially when you factor in that the cheapest stack of pancakes is normally £9.95 and this deal means you can get that stack for £5, or if you buy a drink (Pepsi is £3.60), you can get unlimited pancakes for 90 mins, for £8.60!
Eating out remains one of the quickest ways to stretch a budget, so limited-time promotions like this can soften the impact if you were planning to dine out anyway, or they're a great excuse to meet up with friends for a cheap meal!
As always, check your local branch for availability and any booking requirements.
Bill’s Offer FAQs
Is the £5 pancake deal available nationwide?
Most Bill’s restaurants participate, but availability can vary by location.
Do I have to buy a drink for unlimited pancakes?
Yes. The unlimited option requires the purchase of any drink. The cheapest we found was a Pepsi at £3.60.
Is it genuinely good value?
Compared to standard menu pricing, it can be, particularly if you would normally order multiple dishes.
Thats it for this week, more next week!
