Faulty smart meters are pushing people into debt

What to read right now…

Billionaires are, predictably, exiting the UK after the changes to non dom taxes in April.

On the other end of the scale, faulty smart meters are pushing people into debt.

Leasehold reform has finally become law. 

It was one of the last pieces of legislation to be pushed through ahead of the July 4 elections, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

And finally, something fun: parents are switching from handing out pocket money to paying their kids to do chores. I guess even kids are affected by the cost of living crisis.

The deal that’s a steal…

ID Mobile* are currently offering a great deal on the Google Pixel 8.

For £29.99 a month, you’ll get a brand new device, plus a 24-month plan that includes unlimited data, minutes and texts.

There’s no upfront fee, and you get to choose between a Google Pixel Watch 1 or a pair of Pixel Buds Pro for your free gift.

If you have an existing phone that you’re looking to trade in, you might get an additional discount too.

Do bear in mind though that ID Mobile has mid-contract price rises.

This is currently implemented each April, with the rate determined by the CPI rate published in February plus a +3.9% fixed rate.

Also if you’re an existing customer, this offer might not be available to you.

I had this issue when I got a new phone two years ago – I ended up using double porting to switch to the deal I wanted.

If you only do one thing…

Do a savings review in the next couple of weeks.

A few different banks, including Marcus, Virgin Money and Santander, are reducing the interest rates on their popular savings accounts in the near future.

There are still plenty of savings products offering a decent interest rate though, especially if you’re happy to go down the regular saver route.

I’ve compiled some of my favourite savings accounts here.