Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Martin Lewis - latest: Money expert warns parents about getting into debt for Christmas

The Martin Lewis Money Show Live airs tonight from 8pm on ITV

Emily Atkinson,Liam James
Tuesday 15 November 2022 21:18 GMT
Comments
Rishi Sunak is 'ready to make difficult decisions' for the UK in his economic plan

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Martin Lewis has urged parents to avoid an expensive Christmas to avoid getting into debt.

“Christmas is one day. Do not ruin your lives for Christmas,” the money saving expert told viewers of his new programme The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.

Earlier, Mr Lewis issued a stark Black Friday warning to shoppers preparing to pile their baskets high with heavily discounted items in the pre-Christmas sales.

“This is my Black Friday memo...” he wrote on Twitter, alongside an image of a post-it note emblazoned with the advice: “If you were going to buy it anyway and it’s half price, you’ve saved 50 per cent. If you weren’t going to buy it, but do because it’s half price you’ve wasted 100 per cent.”

The annual consumer event is derived from the post-Thanksgiving US tradition. It often marks one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and sparks vehement criticism for its encouragement of over-consumption and potential to inflict severe environmental damage.

UK unemployment rises to 3.6 per cent as recession looms

In case you missed it...

The rate of UK unemployment rose to 3.6 per cent in the three months to September, up from 3.5 per cent in the previous three months, the Office for National Statistics said.

Darren Morgan, director of labour and economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said half a million working days in August and September were lost to strikes in addition to older people leaving the workforce.

The Office for National Statistics also published data on wages showing between July and September wages fell in real terms by 2.6 per cent for total pay when adjusted for inflation, and by 2.7 per cent on the year for regular pay.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

UK unemployment rises to 3.6 per cent as recession looms

Half a million working days were lost to strikes in August and September, the ONS said

Emily Atkinson15 November 2022 18:00

Sean O’Grady: Why the pension triple lock looks safe with worried Tories

If a government were operating purely on the basis of fixing the public finances, there’s no doubt state pensioners would be forced to endure a real-terms cut in their incomes, writes Sean O’Grady.

Why the pension triple lock looks safe with worried Tories

The need to hold on to a previously loyal and reliable base is not confined to right-wing newspapers, writes Sean O’Grady

Emily Atkinson15 November 2022 19:00

‘Great time to switch’ bank accounts, says Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis said it is a great time to switch bank accounts as banks are offering deals.

An audience member said she felt badly treated by her bank.

Mr Lewis said this was good enough reason to leave.

Liam James15 November 2022 20:10

Martin Lewis: Should I spend the same on all children at Christmas?

One viewer asked Martin Lewis whether parents should always spend the same amount of money on children at Christmas (or other holidays).

The money saving guru is running a poll on Twitter on the question.

Liam James15 November 2022 20:23

Junior ISAs best for uni savings, says Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis advises junior ISAs for parents trying to save money for their children to go to university.

He said junior ISAs allow up to £9,000 a year to be locked away until a child’s 18th birthday with decent interest.

Liam James15 November 2022 20:27

Martin Lewis issues Christmas debt warning to parents

Martin Lewis said parents should sacrifice an expensive Christmas to avoid getting into debt.

“Christmas is one day. Do not ruin your lives for Christmas,” the money saving expert told viewers of his new programme The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.

A woman in the audience told Mr Lewis she was worried about buying presents for her family along with food, drink and the other trappings of a festive period during the cost of living crisis.

Martin Lewis issues Christmas debt warning to parents

Martin Lewis said parents should sacrifice an expensive Christmas to avoid getting into debt.

Liam James15 November 2022 20:50

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in