Sophie Buchan

MoneySavingExpert, founded by Martin Lewis, highlights The Viewers research panel as one of more than 60 ways to earn extra income. UK residents aged 16 and over can join, complete surveys about their viewing habits and potentially take part in television research groups. Face-to-face or online focus groups pay at least £40, while online surveys typically pay £1 to £10, with payments made through bank transfer, PayPal or vouchers.

The NHS urges people to minimise sun exposure between 11am and 3pm due to high UV levels and highlights that sunburn increases skin‑cancer risk even in cloudy conditions. Guidance includes staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, using SPF 30+ sunscreen with adequate UVA protection, reapplying regularly, and taking extra care with children and vulnerable skin types. Additional advice covers proper sunscreen application, recognising higher‑risk groups, and understanding that all skin tones can develop skin cancer if not protected.

Some UK households face a £5 annual charge when paying for a TV Licence via quarterly direct debit because the fee is collected in arrears, a cost set by the Communications Regulations. TV Licensing advises that the charge can be avoided by choosing annual or monthly payment options. Licence fees currently stand at £180 for colour and £60.50 for black‑and‑white sets, following an April 2026 increase, and failure to hold a required licence can result in prosecution and fines.

Queen Camilla reportedly eats plain porridge with homemade honey every day during winter, according to her son Tom Parker Bowles. The British Heart Foundation considers porridge healthier for the heart than several common breakfast cereals because its beta-glucan fibre can help lower cholesterol. Experts recommend preparing it with water or low-fat milk and adding fruit rather than extra sugar or salt. Research suggests honey may also support cardiovascular health, although further studies are needed.

The UK Health Security Agency warns that carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless and potentially fatal risk in homes, particularly during colder months when heating is used and ventilation is reduced. Around 20 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales, while 68% of carbon monoxide deaths in England occur in autumn and winter. Residents are advised to install and test compliant alarms, service fuel-burning appliances annually, maintain ventilation and recognise symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness and confusion. Anyone who suspects poisoning should leave immediately, seek medical advice and avoid re-entering until receiving professional guidance.

UK banks are introducing tools that let customers verify whether an incoming call genuinely comes from their bank, amid frequent impersonation scams that pressure victims to reveal information, share security codes, grant remote access or transfer money. Monzo customers can check call status in the app’s security settings, while Revolut, Nationwide, Barclays and Starling offer comparable verification features. Customers whose bank lacks such a tool, or who want further confirmation, are advised to hang up and call 159, which connects them with their bank to verify the original call.

The NHS has advised parents on when children should stay home from school because of illnesses. Children with fever, chickenpox, impetigo, measles, or vomiting and diarrhoea should remain at home for specified periods, while conditions such as mild colds, conjunctivitis, head lice, hand, foot and mouth disease, and slapped cheek syndrome generally do not require absence if the child feels well. Children with mild COVID-19 symptoms may attend if they are well enough, but should stay home if they have a fever or feel unwell. The guidance also encourages hygiene, vaccination and infection-prevention education in schools.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady says Princess Anne preferred bananas that were almost black because they were easier to digest. The article also recounts Queen Elizabeth II's particular methods for eating bananas and pears with cutlery, while noting that overripe bananas retain nutritional benefits although their starch converts to sugar. Vega digestion may vary, particularly for people with digestive conditions.

Tom Parker Bowles has shared Queen Camilla’s four-ingredient “buttered eggs” recipe, a Boxing Day breakfast traditionally made in large quantities using eggs, salted butter, smoked salmon and bread. The eggs are cooked gently until slightly runny, folded with smoked salmon and served on buttered brown bread or toast. Nutritionist Helen Bell says eggs may support satiety and weight management because of their protein content, while cautioning that portions and added fats should be limited.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is warning learner drivers not to book an earlier practical test unless they are fully prepared. Its Ready to Pass? guidance says learners typically need about 45 hours of professional instruction and 22 hours of private practice, while the pass rate remains below 50%. Candidates are advised to postpone tests if necessary, avoid serious or dangerous mistakes, pass mock tests consistently, manage test nerves and follow their instructor’s assessment of their readiness. Booking while unprepared wastes time and money and contributes to longer waiting times.

Nationwide Building Society expects a sharp rise in Christmas shopping transactions in December 2025, including 20.6 million transactions on December 12 and 13 and 10.7 million on December 20. It is warning customers to avoid overpaying and falling victim to scams, particularly on social media platforms such as Snapchat and Telegram. Customers are advised to resist pressure tactics, use secure payment methods, avoid bank transfers unless certain, and report suspicious activity promptly. Nationwide says its 24/7 fraud line and Scam Checker service can provide additional protection, including a full refund in some circumstances.

Anecdotes from Tom Bower's biography Rebel Prince claim that King Charles III once shrieked and trembled when he first encountered cling film, with Camilla Parker Bowles reportedly calming him. The story was previously published in The Guardian, while Clarence House declined to comment, leaving its accuracy unverified. The report also describes Charles's highly regimented lifestyle, frequent outfit changes, large staff, strict schedule and meticulous personal preferences.

The King's Guard infantry role offers a minimum salary of £26,334 during training and after basic trade training, alongside subsidised meals, low-cost accommodation, and free medical and dental care. Applicants aged 16 to 35 years and six months need no formal qualifications but must pass physical assessments, including a mid-thigh pull, medicine-ball throw and beep test. Training typically involves a 30-week Combat Infantry Course at Catterick, with younger recruits beginning at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. Responsibilities include infantry combat skills, reconnaissance, weapons operation, leadership, overseas training and participation in state ceremonial duties.

Research into more than 3.4 million compromised four-digit PINs found that predictable combinations such as 1234, 1111 and 0000 are used most often, while 8068 was the rarest. Privacy specialist Trevor Cooke recommends using random or obscure combinations, word-based keypad mappings, modified personal milestones and longer PINs to make devices and accounts harder to access through guessing or brute-force attacks.

Experts warn that opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, certain antidepressants and other medicines may impair driving and could result in drivers being advised not to travel. UK government guidance states that driving with legal drugs is illegal when they impair driving, or when specified drug limits are exceeded without a prescription. Drivers taking medication as directed and experiencing no impairment may be allowed to drive, but are advised to consult their doctor and check the medicine leaflet.

Meghan Markle’s Netflix series highlights rose as an ingredient with culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses. Research cited in the story indicates that rose hips contain vitamin C and other compounds, while rose-derived treatments may have anti-inflammatory properties and aromatherapy may reduce anxiety and improve sleep. The NHS lists vitamin C’s roles in maintaining healthy cells, skin, bones and cartilage and supporting wound healing, although the article presents these potential benefits in a lifestyle-oriented manner.

Experts from Rainbow Rubbish Removals recommend using inexpensive natural repellents such as white vinegar, citrus scents, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil to deter spiders from entering homes. Homeowners are also advised to seal small gaps, inspect for webs and egg sacs, reduce indoor and outdoor clutter, and clean up food waste that attracts insects and, in turn, spiders.

Lisa Bernett, 44, from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, lost 10st 5lbs over two years, falling from 20st 5lbs and a size 24 to a size 8 without weight-loss injections or surgery. She changed her diet using the MyNetDiary calorie-tracking app, prioritised protein and fibre, and replaced crisps, cheesy pasta and frequent takeaways with more balanced meals. She also progressed from walking 10,000 steps a day to 20,000, gym workouts and Muay Thai. Bernett says learning sustainable eating habits and taking accountability were central to maintaining her weight loss.

HM Revenue & Customs warns people aged 16 and over not to share their National Insurance number unnecessarily because doing so can increase the risk of identity fraud. National Insurance numbers are usually issued shortly before a person’s 16th birthday and may be needed by employers, benefits agencies, councils, pension providers and other authorised organisations. The HMRC app allows users to securely view their number alongside tax, income, benefits and National Insurance records, using Government Gateway credentials, a PIN or biometric authentication.

Rachel Pashley, a 32-year-old mother from Brighton, lost 17 stone after undergoing a £12,500 gastric bypass in 2021. Her weight became a major barrier to family activities, particularly after she could not fit on a rollercoaster, while her son Jenson's intensive cancer treatment contributed to years of comfort eating and frequent takeaways. She now weighs 12 stone, exercises regularly, cooks healthier meals and says the biggest benefit has been regaining an active life with her sons. After further cosmetic surgery, she plans to complete her transformation with a tummy tuck and is sharing her experience to encourage others facing similar struggles.

Veterinarian Amir Anwary identifies the Beagle, Australian Shepherd, Chihuahua, Australian Cattle Dog and Basenji as dog breeds that are generally healthy and may incur lower veterinary costs. He highlights obesity and ear infections in Beagles, dental disease and luxating patella in Chihuahuas, and the importance of responsible breeding in reducing inherited conditions. The article also notes the RSPCA’s advice that a dog’s behaviour depends heavily on how it is raised and trained, rather than breed characteristics alone.

The Department for Work and Pensions has reviewed more than one million Universal Credit claims through its Targeted Case Review programme since expanding the team to nearly 6,000 staff in July 2024. The department says the reviews have prevented or corrected more than £1 billion in incorrect payments, including both overpayments and underpayments, while helping identify unreported changes and suspected fraud. It forecasts savings of £13.6 billion by 2030 and plans to accelerate reviews after reaching its staffing target. The Labour Government has also pledged to extend the programme for two years and is pursuing further anti-fraud measures through the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill.

Nutrition scientists Tim Spector and Sarah Berry warn that eating late at night, particularly after 8 or 9pm, is associated with greater hunger the next day and poorer metabolic indicators such as higher cholesterol, waist circumference and impaired insulin regulation. They attribute this to the body’s circadian rhythm and reduced nighttime insulin response. Intermittent fasting may help some people, but Spector and Berry caution against extreme six-hour eating windows, arguing that a sustainable schedule compatible with social and family life is more important.

People approaching retirement can increase their State Pension by deferring it. For those eligible for the New State Pension, delaying a claim raises weekly payments by 1% for every nine weeks, or nearly 5.8% per full year, potentially adding £694.20 annually based on the 2025/26 rate. People who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 can receive more generous terms, amounting to a 10.4% annual increase or a lump sum. A Just Group survey found that 25% of people aged 55–64 were unaware of deferral, with women and those aged 75 and over particularly likely to lack awareness. Deferral may suit people who continue working or have other income, but its reduced post-2016 benefits mean it is not appropriate for everyone. The article also outlines 2025/26 pension rates, projected Triple Lock increases and the tax implications of receiving additional income.

Travel experts warn that TikTok’s “Airport Theory,” which encourages passengers to arrive at the airport only about 15 minutes before departure, could cause them to miss flights. Netflights advises UK travelers to arrive three hours early for long-haul flights, two hours for European flights and one hour for domestic flights, while allowing for security queues, boarding times, gate distances and peak-season delays. Fast-track services may reduce queue times but cannot guarantee reaching the gate on time.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises British travellers against visiting 69 countries or specific regions because of risks including armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, political instability, border tensions and crime. The guidance covers destinations such as Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Haiti, Ukraine, Sudan and Syria, as well as restricted areas in countries including Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and Thailand. Travelling against FCDO advice may invalidate travel insurance.

Research analyzing more than 60,000 UK Biobank participants found that regular sleep and wake times may predict mortality risk more strongly than sleep duration. Participants with consistent schedules had up to a 48% lower risk of death than those with irregular routines, while sleeping fewer than six or more than nine hours was also associated with higher risk. Researchers suggest maintaining consistent sleep times may be a practical public-health strategy, while emphasizing that adequate sleep remains important.