Almost two thirds of over 55s are retiring early

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What to read right now…

Bad news for renters: average rents in the UK have reached an all-time high.

Meanwhile, house prices have fallen again.

For workers, this analysis shows a rather bleak picture of working life in Britain.

At the other end of the working life, almost two thirds of over 55s are retiring early according to a new survey.

Finally, the cost of prescriptions has gone up again – here’s how you might be able to get discounted and free prescriptions.

The deal that’s a steal…

If you have your eye on a Smeg stand mixer, now is the time to snap one up at a fraction of the normal price.

AO.com is offering the red Smeg (SMF02RDUK) stand mixer with a 4.8 litre bowl for just £199 – or £169 if you’re a member.

Considering the RRP is £449, you’re getting over 50% off.

As for AO membership*, it’s only worth getting if you’re buying multiple items as annual membership costs £39.99, which is more than the savings you’ll make here.

And an actual freebie…

Hargreaves Lansdown* is currently offering £100 back in trading charges – and the offer is open to both new and existing customers.

You can only get the money back on trades between 1 May 2024 to 21 June 2024.

However, it applies to trades in UK and overseas shares, investment trusts, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), gilts, bonds and any listed security.

It’s probably not one for you if you’re new to investing, but well worth considering if you already have an account with them.

As ever with any kind of investing, do your own research. 

And past performance does not necessarily mean future returns – as I experienced in 2021 when the value of my LISA plummeted.

If you only do one thing…

Have a look at Virgin Money’s new switching deal.

Instead of a straightforward cash bonus, you get a bump on interest rate – and it’s a market leading one.

If you open an M, M Plus or Club M Account by 31 May 2024, you’ll get a 10.47% AER (fixed) bonus interest rate on balances up to £1,000 for a year.

You have to use the Current Account Switch Service to do a full switch by 26 June 2024, which means your old account will be closed.

You can’t be an existing or recent customer, and you have to transfer at least two direct debits too.

If you have some savings, it could be a nice place to park it for a year.

Before you switch, make sure you understand how it can impact your credit score.

Also check out some of the other bank switching deals available right now.