Money & Work / Tips & Advice
How to build your house-buying dream team
Thinking of buying a new home? In this article for Elder Freedom, Michael Longsdon looks at which professionals you’ll need on your house-hunting journey, how to find them, and what red flags to watch out for: The ProsHere are some professionals you should work with...
Reasons to be cheerful after England’s Euro 2020 defeat
Dispel your post-match gloom with bright spots such as an improving squad and Atomic Kitten’s return If you are still feeling glum about what now feels like an inevitable defeat on penalties for England last month, here are a few reasons to brighten your step. 1. It...
Romantic love most often starts out as platonic friendship, study finds
Love at first sight may be the story told in rom-coms, but reality is different. It is the well-worn conceit of films and novels alike: strangers meet across a crowded room and romantic sparks fly. But a study has found the reality is perhaps a little more mundane -...
Linford Christie: Open water swimming is so peaceful
The former runner talks about getting older, exercising for mental benefits, and making a late transition from track to pool. Linford Christie’s Olympic and World Champion days might be behind him, but that isn’t stopping the 61-year old from breaking new sporting...
“One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure”: How to make money from your clutter
Decluttering is a great way to clear your head as well as your house, and many people say that it can be a liberating experience. It’s amazing how much simpler life becomes once you remove all the stuff you no longer want or need from your life. The trickier bit can...
Old gold: Why are we all so obsessed with nostalgia?
Prudence Wade speaks to a psychologist to find out more. If you get together with a group of old friends, chances are you’ll spend a large chunk of time reminiscing about the past. Shared memories from bygone times are comforting and can make you feel warm and fuzzy....
Don’t forget your best friend! 7 dog-friendly UK holiday ideas
If you have a pet in your family, you probably already know how hard it can be to leave them behind when you go on holiday. So if you’re thinking about booking a break, why not take your furry friend with you this time? Not only can this save on pet-sitting fees and...
How to plan a holiday that benefits everyone involved – including the planet
Once the world opens up again, it will be vital to travel more responsibly and sustainably. Sustainable travel is not one genre of travel, nor is it a set of criteria; it is a mindset that can be applied to every trip. Having a positive impact could mean being more...
Let’s cook! 9 of the UK’s best cooking classes
Whether you consider yourself a dab hand in the kitchen or you rarely make anything more complex than beans on toast, everyone can benefit from attending a cooking class. Cooking is just as relaxing as it is rewarding - and now that we’re able to see friends and...
Al fresco dining to become the norm on nation’s high streets in Boris Johnson’s bid to level up the UK
Pavement café culture is to become a permanent fixture in a raft of measures announced by the Prime Minister. Inews reports that pavement café culture is to be at the heart of a bid to level up the country and breathe new life into the nation’s high streets, the Prime...
Euro 2020 and warm UK weather drives 40% summer spending increase in pubs and bars
Total consumer spending grew 11.1 per cent in June compared with the same period in 2019, as restrictions eased and Britons socialised more in public settings. Inews reports that spending in pubs and bars rose by almost 40 per cent in June as people flocked to watch...
Vine and dandy: Alan Titchmarsh on growing grapes in your garden
You don’t need a garden bathed in Mediterranean sunshine for grape growing. Find a warm, sheltered spot and it’ll be a vintage year. The Romans cultivated vineyards in Britain 2,000 years ago and today’s warm summers are again making vine-growing a very practical...