Free Walkers crisps, 20% off Family & Friends Railcard, A-level results day help and 2for1 at London attractions - just some of Martin Lewis' Real Deals.
The nature of deals is they move fast – prices, terms and stock levels can change rapidly, even while Martin’s on the programme (16 August), as so many people are checking them out. So go quickly, always double-check before spending or making a special trip, and check the terms and conditions.
Plus, while we hope these are cracking deals and save you cash; as Martin always says, if a specific deal involves spending and you can’t afford it, don’t need it, or won’t use it, please don’t do it.
Remember, deals can change quickly...
Web exclusive: Free pack of Walkers crisps
Until 19 August, go to the Premier Stores website and click on the Walkers crisps promotion on the right of the screen. Enter your email address and you'll be sent a voucher for a free packet of Walkers crisps (usually 49p) which can be redeemed at one of 2,700 Premier convenience stores nationwide. One voucher per person and selected flavours only.
A-level results - don’t panic
It’s been a nerve-wracking wait, but results day is here. Whether it’s good or bad, the message is don’t panic.
Results didn’t quite make the uni grade? The doors are far from closed. You can check out options for clearing places (see the useful links). Also, it’s worth considering taking a year out. Student finance in 2013 isn’t planned to change from this year, so for that reason delay isn’t a problem. Also, take a look at part-time courses. For the first time student loans are available to pay part-timers’ fees, plus courses may be available that are different to full-timers.
Got the grades? Congratulations. Now’s a good time to sort out your student bank account. The key is to head for the biggest 0% GUARANTEED overdraft. My top pick is Co-op bank, which ranges from £1,400 - £2,000 over the three years – though Santander is only a little less and gives £50 sign-up cash.
One note to parents at this point; if you’ve been scrimping, saving or even borrowing so your child doesn’t need a student loan for tuition fees, be careful. They will onlyrepay 9% of everything earned above £21,000 after graduation. This means many on low or middling salaries will, in real terms, repay less than they borrowed. So paying upfront may be throwing cash away. Do your numbers before embarking on this.
20% off Family & Friends Railcard
Enter the code OFFER20 on the Family & Friends Railcard website to get the card for £22.40 (usually £28). The code's valid until 11.59pm on 2 September. Alternatively, if you've a Tesco Clubcard you can get it for £14 of Clubcard vouchers.
The railcard saves 1/3rd on adult ticket prices, and 60% on kids' tickets. To be eligible, at least one cardholder and one child age 5-15 must travel together. However, up to four adults and four children (they don’t need to be related) can all travel on one card. Under-fives travel free anyway.
Martin’s quickies
Report spam PPI texts: Forward spam messages to your network provider on 7726 (it spells spam) – Vodafone customers should add an 8 to the start. If lots of reports are received about a number it could get blocked.
£20 spa day including treatments: From 10am next Monday until 10am on Wednesday, Lastminute.com has a sale for spa days, including treatments such as massages, facials and afternoon tea for £20. Vouchers are valid for up to six months, depending on the spa – but book quickly if you can’t be flexible with dates.
2for1 London attractions with Oyster cards: Until 9 September go to the Visit London website where you can print off 2for1s for attractions including the London Dungeon, the London Eye and tickets to West End shows just by presenting an Oyster card.
20% off B&Q voucher: Sign up to the B&Q Club (its free online newsletter) from Saturday and you'll be emailed a voucher with a unique membership number. From Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 August, take the voucher to your nearest B&Q to get 20% off when you spend £20 or more.
See top right for useful links on all these stories.