Going part-time can improve your pension apparently

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What to read right now…

Inflation is high but here are the items that have gone up the most.

Record number of people are switching bank accounts to take advantage of switching offers (free cash and all that). 

If you’re thinking about switching too, here are some of the current deals – and some thoughts on whether or not it’s worth doing.

An interesting look at what having a bank, or lack thereof, in your area means.

And apparently the key to a bigger pension pot is to switch to working part time as you get older.

The deal that’s a steal…

Shop in Waitrose? Make sure you apply for a myWaitrose card if you don’t already have one.

It’s been pretty lacklustre for the last couple of years, especially when compared to loyalty cards from other supermarkets.

But from 7 November, Waitrose is bringing back its free coffee scheme* as part of a new partnership with Caffe Nero.

Actually you can get any hot drink – Americano, latte, cappuccino and tea are the options.

You have to bring your own reusable cup this time and make a purchase of at least 1p.

And an actual freebie…

The Telegraph launched its Money Makeover column this month, offering readers the chance to get free personalised tips on how to improve their finances.

Basically they’ll get a panel of experts to address your concerns, and you don’t have to pay a penny for what would otherwise be pretty expensive financial advice.

You do have to be pretty up front about your finances and be pictured for the column, though.

Apply for it here.

If you only do one thing…

Earlier this year I wrote about the fact that Royal Mail is phasing out its postage stamps.

Well, there are now less than 100 days to use your existing stamps or swap them out for the new barcoded ones.

Except you can’t just go to your local Post Office to do it – apparently there are security features that need to be verified before the swap.

Instead you have to fill in a form and send the stamps back to Royal Mail.

A bit of a faff but all the details here, including where to post your stamps.