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Six major pension changes coming in 2025 you need to know – including a pay rise
MILLIONS of pensioners will get a pay rise in April next year thanks to boosts to the state pension and Pension Credit.
Those are just two changes coming in next year that will impact people’s retirement funds.
Other key changes to be aware of include ongoing plans to change how pensions work for inheritance tax purposes and pension dashboards finally becoming a reality.
Here’s everything that is currently planned for next year for pensions, and what it means for your wallet.
State pension increase
The state pension will increase by 4.1% in April 2025, thanks to something known as the “triple lock” guarantee.
The triple lock guarantees that the benefit will rise by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth and 2.5%.
This year, earnings growth was the biggest factor, and so the government has confirmed that the state pension will increase from £221.20 a week to £230.25.
This amounts to around £470 extra a year for someone who gets the full amount.
Meanwhile, the full, old basic state pension for people who retired before 2016 will increase to £176.45 per week.
Currently, it is worth £169.50 per week, or £8,814 per year.
The additional state pension is an earnings-related entitlement consisting of the State Second Pension (S2P) or its predecessor, the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS).
This is not triple-locked and so will rise in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate of 1.7%.
Pension Credit increase
Pension Credit is the main means-tested benefit for pensioners.
For people who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016, it has two elements – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
This top-up benefit for pensioners on very low incomes will also increase by 4.1% from April 2025.
Currently, single people get their income topped up to £218.15 per week, while couples will be boosted to £332.95.
How does the state pension work?
AT the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 - but it's due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.
The state pension is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach State Pension age.
But not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record.
For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income, as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings.
The new state pension is based on people’s National Insurance records.
Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension.
You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit.
If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions.
To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits.
You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension.
From April 2025, this will rise to £227.10 and £346.60 respectively.
That means single retirees on Pension Credit will be £465.40 a year better off, while couples will get an extra £709.80.
People who retired before April 6, 2016 and receive savings credit will also get a boost.
The maximum award amount will increase by 1.7% in line with CPI inflation from £17.01 to £17.30 a week for singles, and from £19.04 to £19.36 a week for couples.
Pensions dashboard
The pensions dashboard project has been in the pipeline for several years now, but it’s now due to come into force from next year.
If it’s successful, it will allow you to see all your pensions savings – including your state pension – in one place.
This will help people to plan better, and should also reduce the problem of lost or forgotten pension pots.
All schemes and providers are legally required to be connected to the pensions dashboard and be ready to respond to requests for pensions information by 31 October 2026 at the latest.
However, the government has set target deadlines for larger schemes starting next year.
Every scheme with more than 1,000 members has a staging date in 2025, with medium schemes joining in 2026.
Inheritance tax changes
The government is planning to change the way that pension pots work for inheritance tax purposes.
At the moment, defined contribution pensions – where savers build up a pot of money for retirement – are typically not included as part of the estate when someone dies, which means that you don’t pay inheritance tax on them.
In the Budget, the government announced that it is planning to reform this by 2027.
This will involve some tricky untangling of trust laws, so there will likely be more updates around this over the next two years.
It could mean that some people are paying double tax on pensions through both income and inheritance tax, which would mean a tax rate of up to 67% in total.
It’s important to look out for further announcements next year if your pension could put you above inheritance tax thresholds, as it may change the way you plan your retirement spending.
Auto-enrolment changes
A pensions act passed in 2023, gave the government the power to reduce the lower age limit for auto-enrolment and reducing the lower earnings limit for qualifying earnings.
Currently, the age limit is 21, although younger employees can choose to opt in to schemes if they want to.
The lower earnings limit means that people do not contribute on income below £6,240, and removing it would mean auto-enrolment contributions are made from the first pound of earnings.
During the passage of the Act, the Government confirmed its intention to reduce the lower age limit to 18 years old.
In response to a written question in October 2023, then-Pensions Minister, Laura Trott, said that the Government will consult on the detailed implementation at the earliest opportunity and report to Parliament.
However, despite this, there has not yet been an announcement about when – if ever – the rules will change.
This could be something that’s announced or updated in 2025, potentially in the budget.
Pension superfunds
On November 14, Rachel Reeves delivered her first Mansion House speech in which she said that she wanted to introduce reforms that would create so-called “pension superfunds”.
The idea is to have fewer schemes that are bigger and can generate more income for savers because of their larger scale.
Two key measures have been proposed.
The first is to introduce minimum size requirements for multi-employer schemes and changing the rules to allow bulk transfers into schemes without individual savers’ consent.
These are significant changes, and the government is consulting on them.
The consultation closes on January 16, 2025.
New legislation could be included in next year’s Pension Schemes Bill.
One concern for the public may be the prospect of being moved from well-governed and high performing master trusts that do not meet the proposed size threshold, depending on outcomes of the consultation.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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Thousands of families can get FREE air fryers, washing machines and slow cookers for 2025 – how to apply
THOUSANDS of families across the UK could get emergency help to buy white goods and appliances.
The government has expanded its Household Support Fund (HSF) until March 31, 2025, allotting an extra £421million to help people in need with the cost of energy, food and essential items.
Councils and local authorities decide what they do with the funding, which means the support available is a lottery depending on where you live.
For instance, some councils explicitly say they will help with white goods and appliances, others say they might be able to help, and some exclude this kind of support entirely.
Each sets its own criteria. In some locations you may need to receive certain benefits, while other councils will help anyone who is vulnerable or on a low income.
Many have limitations on how often you can apply.
That might mean you can only get help once in a 12-month period, or you might be excluded if you’ve had support from the fund in the past.
The type and amount of help you get varies too.
Some will give you a cash grant up to a certain limit, while others might pay for the appliance direct from the supplier.
To find out what help is available, and how to qualify, you need to visit your local council’s websites.
However, we’ve rounded up some of the councils that say they help with appliances and essentials, so you can see what support is on offer.
Croydon
You can apply on a case-by-case basis for help getting appliances you need including:
- slow cookers
- microwaves
- cookers (gas cookers are only provided in exceptional circumstances)
- fridges
- heaters
You can only use the fund for one household appliance per application.
Tower Hamlets
The Resident Support Scheme can help with short-term living costs like credit, food and gas/electric prepayment metres.
It can also help in some circumstances with white goods and furniture.
Milton Keynes
This uses the HSF to help residents who are in financial difficulties and struggling to meet the cost of essential items including the repair or purchase of essential household appliances and the servicing and repair of heating systems.
Redbridge
Redbridge uses the household support fund to help people struggling to afford things like energy and water bills, food and essential items.
Each household can apply twice in the same period.
Essex
The Essex Essential Living Fund can help pay for:
- furniture
- household furnishings
- white goods
- clothing and footwear, including school uniforms in exceptional circumstances
- general living expenses such as groceries, nappies, toiletries and money for pay-as-you-go fuel meters
Hertfordshire
If you are struggling with buying essentials, you can apply for a welfare assistance payment to help.
This is a one-off payment to help you get through your crisis.
While the priority is to help people pay for energy bills and access food, the fund can also be used for purchasing essential household items like fridges, freezers, and ovens.
Only one item of white goods may be requested in any six-month period.
Crisis payments and community care grants are discretionary.
Each application is assessed on its individual merits and no two applications can be compared.
Coventry
Households who find themselves in financial difficulty can apply for a range of support; this includes households who have previously been ineligible following receipt of a Cost-of-Living Payment.
Applications for household essentials for example, kitchen appliances, beds etc are currently taking around 8 weeks to be assessed and awarded.
Haringey
The Haringey Support Fund can help residents who:
- have a low income
- are facing unexpected costs
- need help to meet their immediate needs
- need help to pay for essential items that are difficult to budget for
West Northamptonshire
Several organisations and projects have been provided with Housing Support Fund money to help with the cost of household essentials such as white goods and appliances.
The full list is available here.
Herefordshire
The Household Support Fund helps vulnerable households cope with the rising cost of living through fuel grants as well as grants for essential household appliances, such as cookers and washing machines.
The fund awards grants of up to £500. You can find out more and apply here.
To access a grant, an online application will need to be made on behalf of an individual/family in need by a referral organisation or care professional such as Citizens Advice Bureau, local food bank, social worker, debt advisor or employment coach.
White goods are purchased directly from the provider.
Wolverhampton
Priority is given to helping people access food and fuel, however other household essentials can be considered.
Additional support is available for the following:
- Essential household items (white goods, small appliances)
- Other essentials (warm clothing and bedding)
If you need support with essential household items or other essentials, contact Customer Services on 01902 290241 (option 2) who will refer you to the relevant Community Organisation.
Plymouth
Citizens Advice Plymouth will support households in need who meet the eligibility criteria and are experiencing financial difficulty.
This includes help with:
- White goods: eligible clients can apply for an essential appliance, including delivery, installation, and old appliance removal where applicable.
- Household essentials: eligible clients can apply for an essential household item or furniture. This will include delivery, but many items will require self-assembly. Vouchers for clothes may also be provided.
Households can only apply for this fund if they did not access support in the previous rounds of the Household Support Fund anytime between November 2023 and September 2024.
Only one application can be made per household, and you must live in Plymouth.
Medway
The fund can be used for:
- food and home essentials
- school uniforms
- energy
- water
- essentials linked to energy and water
- housing costs in exceptional circumstances, but not mortgages.
The fund is available to everyone who lives in Medway, including those who are not currently receiving benefits and who are not eligible for public funds.
West Berkshire
The council has allotted £40,000 for appliances and furniture such as white goods, cookers, beds, furniture, and more.
This is accessed through Newbury Community Resource Centre.
There is also a budget of £20,000 for discretionary assistance supporting those moving into accommodation without essentials such as carpets and curtains.
Hackney
Hackney says that it can offer help with household items and housing costs.
This includes payments to cover items such as:
- Essential appliances and white goods such as a cooker, fridge, freezer or washing machine
- Bedding, mattresses and furniture
- Flooring
- Rent in advance and deposits for new tenancies (where this is not met by discretionary hardship payments).
For advice and guidance, call the customer service line on 020 8356 3000 and ask to apply for “discretionary crisis support”.
Surrey
Financial assistance will be available for food, fuel, water and other essentials, and will be distributed via organisations within the county who become aware of those families that are in financial crisis.
Oxford
The Household Support Grant provides emergency cost of living support to help vulnerable people with immediate and essential needs.
This can include things like:
- accessing food
- household bills
- repairs to cooking or heating appliances
- other essential items
This grant scheme is open until all funds have been spent or 31 March 2024 – whichever is first.
Burnley
The types of short term support the fund can help with include:
- Utility bills
- Food
- Household appliances
- Other essential items
You are not eligible for funding from the application-based scheme if you or someone in your household received a household support fund payment or post office voucher from the council in the last 12 months.
Wirral
Financial support for individuals and families in crisis due to an emergency or disaster may be available from Wirral Council.
This may include help for those leaving a care home, prison, hospital or similar, to become established in the community.
Emergency financial support may be available for individuals and families who meet the criteria and who need help with household items such as: white goods; essential furniture and kitchen items; bedding and clothing.
Vulnerable residents who do not qualify under the council’s Emergency Financial Support Scheme can apply for white goods, including washing machines, cookers and fridges, and other essential household items from North Birkenhead Development Trust and St Vincent de Paul Society, Wirral.
Applications should be submitted via local referral agencies such as Citizens Advice Wirral and Involve Northwest.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The 45 bank branches closing in January including in London, Liverpool and Birmingham
NEXT year already spells bad news for Brits as hundreds of bank branches are expected to close.
In fact, 45 branches are planned for closure in January alone, according to data from Link, which tracks branch closures.
Banks and building societies have shut up shop on 6,214 since January 2015, with around 53 typically closing each month, according to research carried out by consumer champion Which?.
And next year looks to be no different, with plenty of closures already scheduled in.
For instance, Lloyds Banking Group plans to close 55 branches between January and September 2025, affecting 19 Lloyds branches, 4 Bank of Scotland branches, and 32 Halifax branches.
Which?’s research says that the NatWest group is the biggest offender for shutting down its branches, with 1,428 closing since 2015.
Barclays is the individual bank that has shut the most, with 1,228 closed to date.
It found that the South-East has been the hardest hit region so far, followed by London, Scotland, and the North West.
Even more concerning, Which? Found that there are 30 constituencies in the UK that now don’t have access to a single bank branch, including Liverpool Wavertree, North East Derbyshire, and Reading West and Mid-Berkshire.
Thanks to pressure from campaigners, including Link, some banks have agreed to create voluntary banking hubs, giving customers access to some face-to-face banking services.
These hubs allow you to pay in cash, withdraw cash, check your balance, pay utility bills and top up gas and electricity.
It doesn’t matter who you bank with – you should be able to use the services whatever.
Banks inform Link if a branch is closing so that it can assess whether a hub is needed.
It says it typically recommends banking hubs in local areas with at least 10,000 people and 70 shops.
It also looks at the average age and digital skills in the area, and even looks at bus routes to see which areas need services the most.
You can even lobby for a hub yourself – we recently revealed 57 towns where locals campaigned for a banking hub and won.
What services do banking hubs offer?
BANKING hubs offer a range of services to bridge the gap left by the closure of local branches.
Operated by the Post Office, these hubs allow customers to perform routine transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and balance enquiries.
Each hub features private booths where customers can discuss more complex banking matters with staff from their respective banks.
Staff from different banks are available on a rotational basis, ensuring that customers have access to a wide range of banking services throughout the week.
Additionally, customers can receive advice and support on various financial products and services, including loans, mortgages, and savings accounts.
A full list of running hubs is available on the Cash Access UK website.
If you don’t have access to a bank, you should still be able to carry out some banking at your nearest Post Office.
Services typically include cash withdrawals, balance enquiries, cash deposits, cheque deposits, bill payments, and topping up gas and electricity.
Here are all the closures planned for January.
Bank of Scotland: four planned closures
- Dunfermline: closing January 21
- Kirkcaldy: closing January 21
- Kyle of Lochalsh: closing January 21
- Barclays, Cockermount: closing January 17
Barclays: six planned closures
- London – West End: closing January 10
- Pickering: closing January 17
- Barclays: St Neots, closing January 30
- Tredegar: closing January 17
- BarclaysL Willesden, closing January 31
- Ystrad Mynach: closing January 17
Halifax: 24 planned closures
- Alnwick branch: closing January 15
- Birmingham, Shirley: closing January 9
- Eccles: closing January 7
- Hatfield: closing January 20
- Keynsham: closing January 14
- Leighton Buzzard: closing January 20
- Liverpool – Old Swan: closing January 8
- London – Baker Street: closing January 6
- London – Edgware Road: closing January 6
- North Shields: closing January 28
- Nottingham – Bullwell: closing January 21
- Port Talbot: closing January 29
- Palmers Green: closing January 9
- Stratford-upon-Avon: closing January 22
- Stoke-on-Trent – Longton: closing January 9
- Sutton-in-Ashfield: closing January 16
- Tonbridge: closing January 9
- Walton-on-Thames: closing January 27
- Wellington (Shropshire): closing January 7
- Wetherby: closing January 13
- Winchester: closing January 21
- Wisbech: closing January 22
- Whitby: closing January 14
- York – Acomb: closing January 15
Lloyds: 11 planned closures
- Alnwick: closing January 15
- Birmingham – Shard End – Timberley Lane: closing January 27
- Derby – Allenton: closing January 23
- Gorleston-on-Sea: closing January 20
- Hull – Newland: closing January 14
- Leeds – Harehills: closing January 8
- Macclesfield, closing January 28
- Sherborne: closing January 16
- South Elmsall: closing January 16
- Wetherby: closing January 13
- Wisbech: closing January 22
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Urgent warning for Brits with leftover Baileys after Christmas
REVELLERS have been warned not to make a potentially costly mistake if they have any leftover Baileys after Christmas.
The Irish cream liqueur is a staple across many households during the festive season as the nights draw in.
But with the 1L bottle sometimes being too much for people to finish off, you may be tempted to throw the dregs down the drain.
According to plumbing experts, pouring any of the remaining drink down the sink could result in blockages – potentially leading to a nasty plumbing bill.
Tradespeople at Mybuilder.com have warned that Baileys is classed as ‘fats, oils and greases’, or FOG, and should never be chucked down the plughole.
“This popular drink has a short shelf life even when refrigerated, so often ends up down the sink,” the company said.
“But creamy drinks such as Baileys are classed as a FOG, and can wreak havoc on pipes.
“Most blockages could cost upwards of £250 to fix – and it’s so avoidable.”
Baileys says that Baileys Original lasts two years from the day of bottling, opened or unopened when stored at the optimum temperature of between zero and 25 degrees celsius.
You can find a best before date printed on the back of the bottle, and Baileys advises people to drink it before this date.
If you don’t, cream liqueur should be disposed of like any other fats and oils.
You should seal it in a container then dispose of it in the bin.
What other things should you avoid pouring down the sink?
Anything which is in the same food category as Baileys – fats, oils and greases – should never go down the sink.
Things such as meat fat, cooking fat and gravy are all potential pipe blockers because when they cool, they solidify.
Custard can also be problematic because it causes a coating on the inside of pipes, which can cause them to block.
Similarly, you should always bin or compost any leftover pancake batter rather than wash it away.
The easiest way of disposing of all of these things is to put them in an old tub, bottle or jar and put them in the bin.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
What to do if your drain is blocked
The first thing worth doing is flushing the drain with lots of boiling water.
Do be careful when you do this, and make sure you pour a kettle of water in slowly.
If that doesn’t work, London-based BDS Drainage suggests that before you try any harsh chemicals or branded drain unblocker, you might be able to unclog your drains with products you already have.
It suggests using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to shift any clogs.
The fizzing reaction of the two things combined helps to remove any unwanted grime or waste that has built up over time inside the pipe.
You should let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight if possible and then flush with hot water.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Coronation Street rocked by horror knife crime as teen is left fighting for his life
CORONATION Street will be rocked by a knife crime horror as Mason Rafcliffe is brutally stabbed by his brothers.
The bully – who is played by actor Luca Toolan in the ITV soap – has been trying to escape his family’s life of crime for months, even going homeless to hide out.
But next week he makes a shocking discovery that proves his brothers were responsible for thee murder of Betsy’s mum Becky.
Mason makes plans to leave Weatherfield to escape his brothers.
When Abi catches Mason in Seb’s memorial garden stealing some heather for Betsy she tears a strip off him and sends him packing.
Betsy is scathing when Mason says he had nothing to do with Becky’s death and Sally tries to get through to Betsy about how hard it was for him to call the police on his own family.
Mason apologises to Liam for the bullying before heading back to the precinct with Dylan.
After being quizzed by Kit about the WWII Helmet, Matty and Logan come looking for their brother.
Finding Dylan and Mason the brothers give chase and catch Mason before viciously attacking him.
As Dylan makes his escape he screams at them to stop, but to no avail.
In horror scenes, Abi finds Mason bleeding from a stab wound in the children’s play area.
She pulls off her scarf and does her best to stem the flow of blood whilst shouting for help.
The ambulance arrives and Dylan explains to Asha how Mason has been stabbed by his brothers, Matty and Logan, using a zombie knife.
In the back of the ambulance, Betsy holds Mason’s hand as she and Abi do their best to reassure him that he’s going to be okay.
The stabbing is the talk of the street as news spreads that the police have found the knife, but Abi struggles to deal with what she witnessed and hearing a news report of the stabbing thinks it is about her murdered son Seb.
After hearing Asha telling Dev that a hoax call delayed them getting to Mason, Joseph walks into the police station and tells Kit that he made the call, sending the ambulance on a wild goose chase.
When Craig tells them about the hoax call to the emergency services, Chesney and Gemma are horrified. With Craig gone, Joseph admits that it was Hope’s idea. How will Chesney react?
Meanwhile, Abi is left struggling with what she witnessed and takes her eyes off Archie in the play area. Abi frantically searches the precinct for Alfie.
When she finally sees Toyah walking along with him she accuses Toyah of abducting him. Back at home Abi can’t tear her eyes away from Alfie and Kevin watches her with concern.
Later David Platt becomes embroiled in everything when he discovers Shona called Kit with a sighting of Matty and Logan.
Misunderstanding, David jumps in a car and races to find Kit – putting them both in harm’s way.
New Corrie boss Kate Brooks told The Sun: “It’s a really important story to tackle, because the statistics are so alarming.
“I think knife crime has gone up by 80% in the last ten years. We work really closely with the Ben Kinsella Foundation to make sure we’re telling the story right, and that the message is to not carry a knife out of fear, because that escalates everything.
“We know we’re tackling a sensitive storyline, and it’s going to be very hard-hitting.
Darkest soap storylines
Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…
“We just felt like it was a subject that we couldn’t ignore. It has big consequences for people going forward, and it isn’t a subject matter that we tackle lightly.
“It’s an important one to talk about and let young people know that carrying a bladed article is not the way. It’s a real community story and a shocking story.”
Ryan Reynolds could have Puskas Award winner on his books as Wrexham star Paul Mullin scores sublime solo goal
RYAN REYNOLDS could end up having a Puskas winner on his books after Paul Mullin netted a sublime solo goal for Wrexham.
The stunner came in the Welsh side’s 2-1 win over League One rivals Blackpool on Boxing Day.
Ashley Fletcher had given Steve Bruce’s men an early lead with a third-minute opener.
But Mullin ensured Wrexham fired back in style with a mouth-watering finish for just his second goal of the season.
Despite the Racecourse Ground being shrouded in mist, the 30-year-old striker managed to pluck the ball from the air while being outside Blackpool’s box.
Mullin used one touch of his thigh to control the football while driving into the edge of the penalty area.
And despite his body being side-on to the goal, Mullin did not let the ball bounce even once as he unleashed a screamer of a shot.
The football flashed diagonally across the box into the top corner of Blackpool’s goal.
And the strike sparked wild celebrations among the Wrexham faithful, who saw their side go on to clinch victory through Steven Fletcher’s 88th minute penalty.
One fan said: “Do they do Puskas awards for League One?”
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Another declared: “F*****g Welshpool.”
One noted: “Goal of the season… absolute tekkers.”
Another added: “Scores goals of top quality over and over.”
Wrexham owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be keeping their fingers crossed that Mullin’s effort is eventually recognised for the coveted Puskas award.
The global trophy is handed out once a year to the best goal from various levels of football.
Three years ago, Erik Lamela won it for an outrageous ‘rabona’ finish while starring for Tottenham against Arsenal.
In 2022, Warta Poznan star Marcin Oleksy became the first-ever amputee footballer to be nominated for the award before going on to win.
A year later, Botafogo’s Guilherme Madruga saw off competition from Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves, who netted from the half-way line against Arsenal.
While the 2024 recipient was none other than Alejandro Garnacho, who netted an amazing bicycle for Manchester United against Everton.
I’m a cleaning expert, here’s how to get the worst Christmas stains out of your carpet including red wine and chocolate
CELEBRATING Christmas is a joyous experience, but it is often a recipe for mess.
Unfortunately, accidents happen, and spillages such as candle wax, wine, and various foods can sometimes be inevitable.
To help Brits with any pesky spillages across the home cleaning experts at Online Carpets have revealed how to combat some of the most common Christmas stains from candle wax to chocolate.
Candle Wax
The key to getting wax off is to act quickly. The longer you let the wax set into the fibres of the fabric, the tougher the stain will become to remove.
Let the wax cool
It might be tempting to whip out a stain remover spray and clean the wax up while it’s still hot, but it’s actually much easier to remove the wax once it hardens.
You can wait until the wax cools naturally, or grab some ice from the fridge and place it in a zip-lock bag to apply to the spill. If you don’t have any ice in the freezer, pretty much anything frozen will do the trick – whether it’s a bag of frozen peas or a frozen microwave curry!
Scrape off as much as you can
Once the wax has solidified (you’ll know it’s solid when the colour becomes lighter), scrape off as much of the hardened wax as you can.
You can do this using something like a butter knife or bank card. If using a butter knife and you have a berber loop carpet, just be careful not to cause any hooks or pulls with the ribbed part of the knife.
Once you’ve scraped off as much wax as you can, bin the larger chunks before vacuuming up the remaining smaller bits.
Absorb the remaining wax
While scraping the wax should get rid of the top layer, there will still be wax left in the lower fibres of your carpet or upholstery.
To get rid of this, you’ll need to heat and transfer the wax onto something else.
To do this, cover the wax with a paper towel and then a slightly damp fabric towel that you’re not too attached to and don’t mind ruining.
Then, grab your iron and steam the spot through the damp fabric towel for around 10 to 15 seconds. The wax will begin to lift through and transfer onto your towels. You may need to do this several times.
Just be careful not to have the iron up too hot or keep it on the spot for too long, as this could potentially damage the upholstery or carpet – especially if it’s a synthetic material.
If you’re trying to remove wax from a more sensitive fabric, such as a velvet couch, and you’re not confident about using your iron on it, then you can also use a hair dryer.
Clean the area
Once you’ve got as much of the wax off as you can with your towel, you’ll want to clean the area. A simple, unscented dish soap and water mixture, or white vinegar and water mix should do the trick.
Repeat!
Depending on how deep the wax has gone into your fabric, or how big of a stain you had, you might need to rinse and repeat the above steps for best results.
Just be careful about over-treating your carpet or upholstery on any given day. If it’s starting to look a little tired from the cleaning, leave it to fully dry out again before cleaning up any more.
Chocolate
Scrape it and spray it
We all love an advent calendar – but they can prove problematic if you find some chocolate stains in your carpet or on a sofa.
Start by taking a plastic, or butter knife, and carefully scrape as much as you can off of the surface.
It’s handy to keep some paper towels next to you for this, so you can transfer the chocolate from the knife onto the paper towel to avoid applying more to the surface during scraping.
After this, apply some surface cleaner to the area, and gently swipe to lift away any residue.
If the stain is on a carpet, however, use some carpet cleaner to help remove any chocolate stains from the fibres.
Or, try a hydrogen peroxide solution
If the stain is a tough one to remove, try applying some hydrogen peroxide solution – look for a 3% mixture.
Cleaning and household chores in numbers
Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in!
Most Hated Household Chores
- Cleaning the oven – 34%
- Ironing – 15%
- Cleaning the toilet – 10%
- Washing the dishes – 5%
- Decluttering – 4%
Most Liked Household Chores
- Cooking meals – 21%
- Decluttering – 12%
- Hoovering – 11%
- Doing the laundry – 9%
- Tending to pets 8%
Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In?
Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning.
Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning.
To do this, simply dampen the stain with the solution, cover it with a paper towel, and let it sit for 1 hour. After this time, blot the stain, again working from the outside first.
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective stain remover, but it can sometimes take a few goes. If the stain doesn’t disappear after the first application, repeat the process until the stain starts to vanish.
Red Wine
Use baking soda
An easy way to remove red wine stains from carpets is to use baking soda, and this is a common ingredient you may already find in the kitchen cupboards.
To do this, mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a thickish paste, and apply it over the area with the spillage. Wait a few hours, and once it has dried, vacuum the paste off the carpet and the red colouring should come with it.
Or, use a steam cleaner
Another way to remove red wine stains from carpets is to use a steam cleaner, and Online Carpets have previously tried this red wine removal hack themselves.
To do this, spritz carpet cleaner over the stain and cover it with a cloth. Then, grab a steamer and steam over the top of the cloth for a few minutes. Afterwards, remove the cloth and clean away any leftover residue.
Only those with 20/20 vision can spot Saint Nick in this festive brainteaser – but you have to do it in under 17 seconds
SANTA’S already visited the town, but if you’re still in the festive spirit you can find the jolly man in a new brainteaser.
A festive image shows cars surrounded by decorated fir, snowflakes and prezzies.
But somewhere in the colourful brainteaser is St Nick waiting to be discovered.
Car retailer Motorpoint created the image that features hundreds of cars driving home for Christmas alongside other seasonal items.
Discussing what motorists need to be aware of when travelling to see their loved ones on high-traffic days, Tim Rodie, Motorpoint’s resident driving expert, said: ”It’s no secret that driving during the festive season can be stressful.
”This is particularly true for drivers who aren’t used to making long journeys or spending lots of time in their vehicles.
”For anyone planning longer journeys to visit friends and family this Christmas, my biggest piece of advice would be to do as much as possible to reduce stress on the day you are travelling.
”For example, filling your car with fuel a couple of days before you travel might seem simple, but it can mean you start your journey much more relaxed.”
However the main goal of the image is to test how good your vision is.
If you struggle to locate Santa amongst the traffic, fear not, as you are not alone.
Just a mere nine percent of people can beat this brainteaser in under 17 seconds – which might seem like enough time but is actually more challenging than you’d imagine.
Try to focus your attention on the bottom right of the brainteaser, but do not worry if you cannot see Santa right away – only 68 percent of people could see Santa hidden within the festive scene.
”It takes most people almost a minute to solve this tricky brainteaser, so don’t worry if you didn’t crack it this time,” Motorpoint shared.
As an early Christmas present, Motorpoint has revealed exactly where Santa was hiding within the image.
Seeing as time is already up, you should’ve found St Nick by now.
If not, scroll down to the bottom of the article to find the answer, as we’re about to spoil it.
How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me?
Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions.
Some benefits include:
- Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility.
- Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function.
- Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes.
- Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus.
- Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.
Keep practicing and you’re sure to become a better problem solver over time and soon you’ll be able to spot the odd one out in no time.
Regularly solving brain teasers will help keep your mind sharp, enhance your ability to tackle complex tasks and provide a satisfying mental workout.
What’s more, the enjoyable nature of these puzzles can also act as a form of relaxation and stress relief – what better way to enjoy the weekend before returning to work?
Have a go at these brainteasers to test your ability to spot things at speed.
Try figuring out what’s wrong with this image of smiling women as you count their legs in 11 seconds.
Or you might want to prove you have a 20/20 vision as you search for a strawberry in this carnival scene.
Mel C looks loved up on romantic Christmas walk with model boyfriend Chris Dingwall – as pair wear matching rings
SPICE Girl Mel C looked all loved up on a cosy Christmas stroll with her boyfriend – with the duo even showing off their matching rings.
The 2 Become 1 songstress stepped out with Aussie model Chris Dingwall and their dog – dressed in a festive Santa jacket – as they enjoyed quality time together over the festive period.
Mel, 50, nicknamed Sporty Spice during her time in the iconic British girlband, donned a matching black tracksuit top and joggers while she was out and about in north London.
She added a splash of glam with a red manicure – yet fans were quick to note the silver ring around the index finger of her left hand.
Chris, who kept snug in a khaki-coloured coat and joggers, wore the same band on his hand.
The ring is an Oura ring – worn by the likes of Molly-Mae Hague – which is dubbed as a “smart ring” to track everything from fitness to health and wellbeing.
Mum of one Mel went official with her new man in June as they strolled around Glastonbury music festival.
In August 2022, The Sun on Sunday previously revealed that Mel was single again after she split from her boyfriend of seven years.
The Sun later revealed that she was back on the market and looking for love on the exclusive celeb dating app Raya.
OPENING UP
Speaking about love recently Mel shared: “I think being a successful woman makes things more complicated.
“But who knows the reasons why some people find a soulmate and stay together for ever and then other people don’t.
“I’ve never, never wanted to marry.
“Maybe marriage works for some people, but maybe to think it works for the majority is an old-fashioned notion.
“I’ve decided that life is a series of chapters. I think that’s a good way to not have regrets.”
The former Jesus Christ Superstar performer shares daughter Scarlett, 15, with ex Thomas Starr.
Mel first shot to fame as an integral part of the world famous girlband, The Spice Girls in 1997.
Alongside Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, Mel Brown and Victoria Beckham, they achieved international success.
Away from fame, the Wannabe hitmaker was recently left floored when her criminal family history came to light.
