The UK economy is looking pretty gloomy
Money Talk is intended to inform and educate; it's not financial advice. Affiliate links, including from Amazon, are used to help fund it. If you make a purchase via a link marked with an *, Money Talk might receive a commission at no cost to you. Find out more here.
What to read right now…
The UK economy is looking as gloomy as the weather has been for the last few weeks, with a big bond sell off kicking off the year.
It’s triggered in part by the lack of confidence over the Autumn 2024 budget.
But the result is that it’s made borrowing much more expensive for the government, and devalued the pound, which then saps further confidence from the economy.
Meanwhile, UK businesses have been cutting jobs at the fastest rate since 2021.
Is it all bad news? Well, for now it seems so.
The deal that’s a steal…
New year, new you? If getting fit is one of your new year’s resolutions then you might want to check out Decathlon’s sale*.
It’s still offering up to 50% off across everything from home gym equipment to outdoor clothes and shoes – although actually if you have a quick browse there are items with discounts as high as 92%.
I’ve personally got my eye on the ZONE3 open water dry bag*, which is basically a 30l backpack that’s completely waterproof.
It’s currently 60% off, selling for £35 instead of the usual £89.
One thing to be mindful of is that not all of the items on Decathlon’s website are sold and shipped by them.
It means that for some items there might be an additional shipping fee.
And an actual freebie…
Fancy some free beauty products?
Kiehl’s and Kérastase have launched a joint campaign offering samples of their various products.
You can choose one sample from each of the brands but there are only 40,000 available so you’ll have to hurry.
If you only do one thing…
The government is currently asking for evidence on whether the Lifetime ISA is still fit for purpose, as well as whether it should be abolished or reformed.
One of its big downsides is that if you’re using it to save for your first home, you’re limited to one that’s valued at less than £450,000.
In London, that’s incredibly hard.
I’m personally a fan of it as an alternative to a pension.
Anyway, if you do have strong opinions, you can share those with the government before 4 February 2025.
