{"id":611243,"date":"2026-05-30T00:50:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-30T00:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/611243\/"},"modified":"2026-05-30T00:50:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-30T00:50:38","slug":"summer-fuel-food-and-energy-costs-are-spiralling-how-the-experts-are-cutting-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/611243\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer fuel, food and energy costs are spiralling \u2013 how the experts are cutting costs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The cost of living<\/a> is going up again, with almost everything becoming more expensive this summer.<\/p>\n

Inflation<\/a> is expected to hit 4 per cent by the end of the year, with higher oil prices caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran affecting not just fuel but all kinds of goods because of transportation costs in their supply chains.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what experts recommend on how to save and prevent our spending from getting out of control.<\/p>\n

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NEWS<\/p>\n

Putin body double rumours reignite \u2013 what we know<\/p>\n

\"MOSCOW,Caption: MOSCOW, RUSSIA \u2013 MARCH 26: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Congress of Russian Union of Industialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), on March 26, 2026 in Moscow, Russia. President Putin Visited an annual congress of top national businessmen. (Photo by Contributor\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Contributor
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Contributor#8523328<\/p>\n

Talk of Vladimir Putin being shielded by a body double has circulated for years. <\/p>\n

But the rumour was reignited when a senior Russian official addressed the President as \u201cPal Laich\u201d in a video published by the Kremlin.<\/p>\n

So, who is Pal Laich?<\/p>\n

A not-so-Russian name<\/p>\n

\u201cPal Laich, thank you very much. I have prepared a presentation,\u201d Dmitry Patrushev, a deputy prime minister, appears to tell the Russian leader in the video.<\/p>\n

There is no such name in Russian. <\/p>\n

However, some social media users suggested that the name was perhaps short for Pavel Nikolaevich \u2013 the presumed identity of one of the Russian leader\u2019s alleged doubles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the official Kremlin transcript, Patrushev\u2019s comment was corrected to \u201cVladimir Vladimirovich\u201d, the correct version of Putin\u2019s first name and patronymic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Analysis<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

\nChanging names\n<\/p>\n

Pro-Kremlin newspaper Kommersant admitted confusion over Patrushev\u2019s comments. \u201cIt seems that no one can explain what it was. Maybe he got overstressed. Maybe he wanted to say something about something, but he caught himself,\u201d it wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"MOSCOW,Armed officers from the Russian Federal Security Service patrol the bridge over the Moskva River opposite the Kremlin in Moscow in a Tiger armoured vehicle (Photo: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"(FILES)Caption: (FILES) In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia\u2019s President Vladimir Putin walks down the steps to address troops from the defence ministry, National Guard, FSB security service and interior ministry gathered on the Sobornaya (Cathedral) Square from the porch of the the Palace of the Facets on the grounds of the Kremlin in central Moscow on June 27, 2023. Vladimir Putin\u2019s four-year-long invasion of Ukraine is the culmination of a quarter century spent tightening his grip on power, crushing opponents and trying to expand Russia\u2019s influence \u2013 and borders. (Photo by Sergei GUNEYEV \/ POOL \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: SERGEI GUNEYEV
Provider: POOL\/AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP<\/p>\n

Patrushev is not the only pro-Kremlin figure to have called Putin by another name.\u00a0 In 2023, Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, addressed Putin as \u201cVladimir Vasilyevich\u201d. It is still unclear why. <\/p>\n

Lookalike rumours over the years<\/p>\n

There have been unproven rumours for years that Putin employs lookalikes to ensure his personal security or to lighten his workload.<\/p>\n

In 2020, Putin said a plan was drawn up in the early 2000s, when Russia was fighting a war against Chechnya, but he rejected it.<\/p>\n

In 2022,\u00a0Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence at the time, alleged that Putin regularly makes use of lookalikes.<\/p>\n

Budanov claimed that Putin had at least three body doubles, and that it explained why Putin\u2019s height and ear shape fluctauted over the years. <\/p>\n

In 2024, facial recognition software used by Meduza, a Russian opposition website, failed to find any significant differences between photographs of Putin\u2019s suspected \u201clookalikes\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"UndatedCaption: Undated handout file photo originally issued on 30\/04\/26 by the House of Lords of Baroness Meta Ramsay of Cartvale. The former chief of MI6 has paid tribute to \u201ctrailblazer\u201d and \u201cproper spy\u201d Baroness Meta Ramsay, the woman once tipped to be the first female head of the service who died on Thursday. Lady Ramsay\u2019s 22-year career saw her become the most senior officer in MI6 and take part in the 1985 extraction of KGB double agent Oleg Gordievsky from the Soviet Union \u2013 one of the most audacious operations of the Cold War. Issue date: Friday May 29, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Chris McAndrew\/UK Parliament\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Chris McAndrew\/UK Parliament
Provider: Chris McAndrew\/UK Parliament\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

Tributes paid to MI6 \u2018trailblazer\u2019 Baroness Meta Ramsay<\/p>\n

Tributes for \u201ctrailblazer\u201d MI6 figurehead Meta Ramsay have poured in, following her death on Thursday aged 89. <\/p>\n

Baroness Ramsay served for 22 years, rising to become the most senior officer within MI6. <\/p>\n

What you need to know<\/p>\n

She was just one of two women to break into the senior ranks of MI6 in the 70s and 80s.<\/p>\n

In the 80s, she served as the head of MI6\u2019s Helsinki station and oversaw one of the most daring operations of the Cold War: the exfiltration KGB double agent Oleg Gordievsky from the Soviet Union.<\/p>\n

After retiring from MI6 in 1991, aged 55, she worked briefly as a consultant for a private security firm, before becoming foreign policy adviser to Labour leader John Smith, an old university friend. <\/p>\n

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POLITICS<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

Devoted to the spy life<\/p>\n

Ramsay devoted herself wholly to the spy lifestyle, never marrying or having a family. \u201cThere just wasn\u2019t the right man at the right time, or if the time was right, the men weren\u2019t,\u201d she was quoted as saying by PA. <\/p>\n

A lifelong socialist, Ramsay said her proudest achievement in office was helping to steer the 1998 Scotland Act \u2013 which established the Scottish Parliament \u2013 through the upper chamber.<\/p>\n

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Explained<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

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NEWS<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nTributes to \u2018proper spy\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\"UndatedCaption: Undated handout file photo originally issued on 30\/04\/26 by the House of Lords of Baroness Meta Ramsay of Cartvale. The former chief of MI6 has paid tribute to \u201ctrailblazer\u201d and \u201cproper spy\u201d Baroness Meta Ramsay, the woman once tipped to be the first female head of the service who died on Thursday. Lady Ramsay\u2019s 22-year career saw her become the most senior officer in MI6 and take part in the 1985 extraction of KGB double agent Oleg Gordievsky from the Soviet Union \u2013 one of the most audacious operations of the Cold War. Issue date: Friday May 29, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Chris McAndrew\/UK Parliament\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Chris McAndrew\/UK Parliament
Provider: Chris McAndrew\/UK Parliament\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

Sir Richard Moore<\/p>\n

The former MI6 boss, Sir Richard Moore, described Ramsay as a \u201ctrailblazer\u201d and a \u201cproper spy\u201d in his tribute. <\/p>\n

Sir Lindsay Hoyle<\/p>\n

Commons Speaker Sir\u00a0Lindsay Hoyle\u00a0said: \u201cMeta had an incredible life\u2026 She was a valued friend to my father, myself and my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"peakerSpeaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle makes a statement in the Commons after SNP and Conservative MPs walked out of the Commons chamber (Photo: House of Commons\/UK Parliament\/PA)<\/p>\n

\"LONDON,Lucy Powell has said that Starmer must continue as prime minister (Photo: Thomas Krych\/Anadolu via Getty)<\/p>\n

Lucy Powell<\/p>\n

Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell described her as \u201ca remarkable woman, who led an extraordinary life\u201d.<\/p>\n

London Aquarium owner pledges to phase out gentoo penguins\u00a0<\/p>\n

The owner of Sea Life\u00a0London\u00a0Aquarium\u00a0has pledged to\u00a0phase\u00a0out\u00a0gentoo\u00a0penguins\u00a0at\u00a0all of its\u00a0UK\u00a0facilities, following long-standing calls from campaigners. <\/p>\n

Merlin Entertainments said it would merge the 14\u00a0penguins\u00a0in London\u00a0with the 17 in Birmingham\u00a0into a single colony, with a new habitat that has natural light and more water space.<\/p>\n

\"UndatedCaption: Undated Born Free handout photo of the Gentoo penguins\u2019 enclosure at Sea Life London Aquarium. 250 people attended a demonstration organised by Freedom for Animals with support from Born Free and The Express newspaper, to protest against the captivity of 15 gentoo penguins at the Sea Life London Aquarium attraction in Westminster, London. Issue date: Sunday October 19, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Born Free\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Born Free
Provider: Born Free\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

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3 min read<\/p>\n

No fresh air or natural light<\/p>\n

The company has also committed\u00a0to permanently\u00a0ending its penguin breeding programme after holding two-days of talks last week.<\/p>\n

Campaigners from Freedom for Animals, the Born Free Foundation, alongside MPs, have long called on zoo bosses\u00a0to\u00a0provide better conditions for the\u00a0penguins.<\/p>\n

The penguins are housed in an indoor basement enclosure in\u00a0London,\u00a0without access\u00a0to\u00a0fresh air or daylight.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

A \u2018material difference\u2019<\/p>\n

While improved conditions can never resolve the fundamental ethical issue of captivity, we recognise that the proposed measures would make a material difference\u00a0to\u00a0the lives of these\u00a0penguins<\/p>\n

Laura Walton, co-director of Freedom for Animals<\/p>\n

\"PeopleCaption: People take part in the Free the Fifteen protest organised by Freedom for Animals with support from Born Free, who are calling for a group of 15 Gentoo penguins to be freed from their basement enclosure, at Sea Life London. Picture date: Sunday October 19, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady\/PA Wire
Photographer: Jonathan Brady
Provider: Jonathan Brady\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

Cause of deaths of sisters recovered off Brighton beach \u2018unknown\u2019<\/p>\n

\"BESTCaption: BEST QULAITY AVAILABLE<\/p>\n

Undated family handout photo issued by Sussex Police of sisters with their father Joseph, (left to right) Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32 and Rebecca Walters, 31, from the Uxbridge area of London, whose bodies were recovered from the sea off Brighton beach. Emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a person\u2019s welfare at around 5.45am on May 13, before three bodies were pulled from the water near Madeira Drive. Issue date: Wednesday May 20, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family Handout\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Family Handout
Provider: Family Handout\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

The cause of deaths of the three sisters recovered from the sea off\u00a0Brighton\u00a0beach\u00a0is yet to be ascertained, but police say they do not suspect foul play at this stage. <\/p>\n

On 13 May, emergency services were called after concerns were raised for a person\u2019s welfare at around 5.45am. Three bodies were later pulled from the water near Madeira Drive.<\/p>\n

No evidence of criminality<\/p>\n

The women were named by Sussex Police as Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, from the Uxbridge area of London. The sisters lived at the same address in Greenford, west London.<\/p>\n

Police said there is no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved in the incident, but detectives are still gathering the full facts.<\/p>\n

\"BRIGHTON,Caption: BRIGHTON, ENGLAND \u2013 MAY 13: Police guard the beach after the bodies of three women were recovered from the sea in Brighton on May 13, 2026 in Brighton, England. Police say the bodies of three women have been recovered from the sea in Brighton, after emergency services received calls for concern over their welfare around 5:45 this morning. Police are working to identify the women and investigate the circumstances of their deaths. (Photo by Bryn Lennon\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Bryn Lennon
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Choppy waves and windy conditions<\/p>\n

The inquest heard that \u201cmedical investigations are ongoing to finalise the cause of death\u201d for all three women.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what we know about the incident: <\/p>\n

The sea appeared choppy, with waves crashing against the marina wall in windy conditions on 13 May.<\/p>\n

Statements read to the inquest detailed that Adetoro was brought to shore by an RNLI crew and declared deceased by a paramedic at the scene.<\/p>\n

Christina Walters was recovered from the sea by an RNLI lifeboat and Rebecca Walters was washed on to the shore of\u00a0Brighton\u00a0beach. Both were also declared dead by paramedics.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage have been reviewed to try to track the women\u2019s last movements, the force has said.<\/p>\n

Cold water shock explained as 12 die during heatwave<\/p>\n

Temperatures remain above average for much of the UK after a record-breaking spell of hot weather saw 12 people die in open water and a yellow heat health alert remains in force.<\/p>\n

\"AnAn exceptional bank holiday heatwave is currently bringing record-breaking weather to England, with temperatures forecast to climb into the low 30s by Monday (Photo: Finnbarr Webster\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Warning over increased risk of drowning<\/p>\n

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) alert for eastern and South East England and London runs until 8pm on Saturday. Water-related incidents could increase during this time, with the agency warning of cold water shock and drowning.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

What is cold water shock?<\/p>\n

Cold water shock is the body\u2019s natural physical reaction to sudden immersion in cold water.<\/p>\n

The response is immediate and can lead to drowning, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.<\/p>\n

Anyone who suddenly enters cold water is at risk, and they may accidentally fall in or jump in.<\/p>\n

Cold water shock can affect anyone regardless of swimming ability.<\/p>\n

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3 min read<\/p>\n

What happens when you have cold water shock?<\/p>\n

It causes gasping, panic and loss of swimming ability, all of which can lead to drowning, the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) said. It also causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can result in a heart attack, even if the person is fit and healthy.<\/p>\n

\"PeoplePeople gathering in the river Thames in South Bank in London (Photographer: lorenzo grifantini
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStock Editorial)<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

\nHow cold is water in the UK?\n<\/p>\n

Many inland waters remain at 16\u00b0C or below even in summer. This temperature is considered hazardous for cold water shock.<\/p>\n

Even on a hot day water can be cold. Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are 12\u00b0C and rivers such as the Thames are colder.<\/p>\n

\"BillyMonger was brilliant in the water (Photo: BBC\/SBX Studios Ltd\/Daniel Weiss)<\/p>\n

Water can take many weeks to warm up. Sea water around the UK does not get to its warmest until late August or early September.<\/p>\n

NEWS<\/p>\n

Two adults and a child die in London after fall from building<\/p>\n

\"GeneralCaption: General view of the high-rise block of flats on Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, in south London, where a man, a woman and a child have died after a fall on Wednesday. Their deaths are being treated as unexpected. Picture date: Friday May 29, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Erik Olsson\/PA Wire
Photographer: Erik Olsson
Provider: Erik Olsson\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

A man, a woman and a child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in south London, the Metropolitan Police said.<\/p>\n

Officers were called to the Uncle building in Elephant and Castle at 7.29am on Wednesday to reports that people had fallen from a height.<\/p>\n

Emergency services arrived in minutes<\/p>\n

Our first paramedic arrived in around four minutes. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, three people were pronounced dead at the scene.<\/p>\n

London ambulance service spokesperson<\/p>\n

\"EmergencyEmergency ambulance on city street in London, UK \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Deaths treated as \u2018unexpected\u2019<\/p>\n

The deaths are being treated as \u201cunexpected\u201d and no other injuries have been reported, the force said. Their next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.<\/p>\n

The Met Police said officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service, London\u2019s Air Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade.<\/p>\n

\"GeneralCaption: General view of the high-rise block of flats on Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, in south London, where a man, a woman and a child have died after a fall on Wednesday. Their deaths are being treated as unexpected. Picture date: Friday May 29, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Erik Olsson\/PA Wire
Photographer: Erik Olsson
Provider: Erik Olsson\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

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Check your contracts and subscriptions<\/p>\n

News about inflation can \u201cfeel like an unending spiral of doom for many people\u201d, says consumer expert Martyn James<\/a>, \u201cand there will be an impact for the foreseeable future\u201d. He fears it could become \u201cthe most expensive summer ever\u201d.<\/p>\n

But he says people can often cut costs more easily than they expect. When trying to save, we tend to instinctively think about shopping habits \u2013 but the biggest savings are usually made by checking contracts and subscriptions.<\/p>\n

More than a quarter of Britons are out of contract with their broadband providers, making their bills \u00a37 to \u00a39 per month higher<\/a> on average, according to Ofcom. If you\u2019re one of them, \u201cyou could halve your broadband bill from \u00a3100 to \u00a350 or less,\u201d James advises.<\/p>\n

Similarly, check your mobile phone usage to pick the cheapest plan. \u201cWe might think we need 30GB of data every month, but actually we\u2019re using Wi-Fi most of the time,\u201d he says. \u201cYou can easily reduce your monthly phone bill from \u00a340 to a tenner overnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch out for insurance policies you don\u2019t need, too. \u201cSome people get new phones and forget to cancel the insurance policy that was sold to them last time,\u201d James says. If you need several gadgets insured, buy a single product to cover them all. <\/p>\n

\"TheThe consumer expert Martyn James says most people can make their biggest savings by checking their contract and subscription payments (Photos: Martyn James\/PA)<\/p>\n

For any form of insurance, set a calendar reminder for one month before it expires. \u201cThat\u2019s the best time to renegotiate,\u201d James says, observing that \u201cpeople are getting \u00a3200 to \u00a3300 off their car insurance four weeks before renewal\u201d.<\/p>\n

James also advises people to check the last 13 months of their bank and credit card statements for unnecessary subscriptions. Not only can you cancel them, you might even be able to claim some money back. Look out for regular e-payments on Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal accounts, too.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t rely on banking app filters to find these payments for you, James adds. \u201cYou have to do it manually because most subscriptions are not taken by standing order or direct debit, they\u2019re taken by a continuous payment authority.\u201d<\/p>\n

Follow timeless advice for cheaper groceries<\/p>\n

Dr Liliana Danila, chief economist at the Food and Drink Federation, forecasts that inflation on food could reach at least 9 per cent<\/a> by December. \u201cConsumers will see the prices of foods that are less manufactured, like fresh produce, rise first,\u201d she predicts. However, the most energy-intensive producers are likely to be hit hardest, affecting butter and pastries, for example.<\/p>\n

So what to do? Switch to cheaper supermarkets such as Lidl, swap from big brands to chains\u2019 own ranges, look for offers, use loyalty cards, set budgets in advance, and avoid shopping while hungry to reduce impulsive purchases.<\/p>\n

\"LidlLidl recently became the UK\u2019s fifth-largest supermarket chain with people switching to budget supermarkets (Photo: Dan Kitwood\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Drive \u2013 and fuel up \u2013 more efficiently<\/p>\n

Much like the tips for cutting supermarket bills, there are many ways of maximising fuel efficiency. Although you must stick to speed limits, modern cars are usually most efficient at 45 mph to 50mph<\/a>, and it\u2019s best to drive in the highest gear possible as that reduces engine revolutions.<\/p>\n

Lighten the weight of your car, such as by removing unused roof boxes and cycle racks, which will also eliminate aerodynamic drag \u2013 two things that burn more fuel.<\/p>\n

Use air conditioning only when it\u2019s really needed because it uses engine power, and make sure tyres aren\u2019t under- or over-inflated as that increases fuel consumption.<\/p>\n

But ultimately, \u201cthe best thing you can ultimately do is buy the cheapest possible fuel for your car,\u201d says the RAC\u2019s head of policy, Simon Williams.<\/p>\n

\"SupermarketSupermarket petrol stations are generally cheaper, while motorway services are more expensive (Photo: Mike Kemp\/In Pictures via Getty)<\/p>\n

\u201cMotorway services are the most expensive places to buy fuel,\u201d advises Williams. Supermarkets are generally several pence cheaper, but there are some independents that really pride themselves on having the best prices.\u201d<\/p>\n

He recommends checking his organisation\u2019s My RAC app<\/a> to find the cheapest station nearby. Data from the Government\u2019s Fuel Finder scheme<\/a> is also available on other trackers like DriveScore, MotorMouth and Fuel Spy.<\/p>\n

Check your energy tariff before it\u2019s too late<\/p>\n

If you live in one of the 33 million households in England, Wales and Scotland that have a standard variable energy tariff regulated by Ofgem\u2019s consumer price cap, 1 July is a deadline day (the Ofgem price cap does not apply to Northern Ireland).<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when the price cap rises by 13 per cent, meaning an average annual bill increase of \u00a3221 to \u00a31,862 \u2013 so, before the end of June, check on price comparison websites whether you can find a cheaper fixed deal. Although it\u2019s possible this could end up being more expensive if prices drop significantly in the coming months, experts think that\u2019s unlikely.<\/p>\n

How you pay makes a difference too, says James: \u201cIf you pay by direct debit, it\u2019s around about 8 per cent cheaper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ActAct before 1 July to beat the rising energy price cap (Photo: Anna Barclay\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Create your own discounts hub<\/p>\n

To take advantage of discounts and offers more strategically, James suggests setting up a new email account purely for newsletters. This avoids your normal inbox being swamped, and creates a go-to hub for the latest deals.<\/p>\n

Some people avoid credit cards for fear of overspending or incurring charges. But if you\u2019re confident about repaying bills in full every month, then cashback deals \u2013 offered by credit providers including Lloyds and American Express \u2013 can add up.<\/p>\n

Enjoy cheaper travel while it lasts<\/p>\n

There is some good news: flight prices remain surprisingly low<\/a>. Warnings about potential jet fuel shortages have suppressed demand, but the situation is now thought to be safe until at least late summer<\/a>, so some airlines have reduced prices. One-way flights to Spain in June are available on the price comparison site Skyscanner for as little as \u00a324, or for \u00a336 in August.<\/p>\n

Securing the cheapest prices relies on flying with little baggage at off-peak times, so if you can be flexible, travel on weekdays and plan ahead to avoid overpacking.<\/p>\n

\"CheapCheap flights to European holiday destinations including Spain can still be found for this summer (Photo: Nacho Cubero\/Europa Press via Getty)<\/p>\n

There are good hotel deals to be found, too. Across Europe, prices for June are actually 1.5 per cent lower<\/a> than they were last summer, according to Lighthouse, a hospitality data analytics firm. Compared with last year, hotel prices are down in places such as Finland, Albania, Jamaica and the Bahamas.<\/p>\n

If you prefer staying in Britain, the consumer group Which? has compiled a list of the best cheap beach towns<\/a> in the UK \u2013 naming Tenby in Pembrokeshire as the best \u2013 and travel firms have reported a surge in bookings<\/a> for the Lake District.<\/p>\n

For family days out, the Government has made bus travel in England free for children aged 15 or under throughout August. It is already free in Scotland for anyone aged 21 or under, while Wales has a \u00a31 cap on fares for the same age group.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The cost of living is going up again, with almost everything becoming more expensive this summer. Inflation is…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":611244,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[5360,84,3363,1294,5363,12251,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-611243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-economy","tag-bills","tag-business","tag-cost-of-living","tag-economy","tag-energy-bills","tag-money-advice","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=611243"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611243\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/611244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=611243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=611243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=611243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}