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Smart Celebrations: How to Stretch Your Holiday Budget Without Sacrificing Joy

  The holiday season often brings cheer, but it can also strain wallets. With rising costs and endless temptations, keeping spending under control requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical strategies to help you celebrate without financial stress: Set a clear budget : Decide how much you can afford before shopping, and stick to it. Prioritize experiences over things : Shared activities like baking, movie nights, or volunteering can be more memorable than expensive gifts. Shop smart : Compare prices online, take advantage of seasonal sales, and avoid last-minute splurges. Give creatively : Handmade gifts, personalized notes, or “time vouchers” (like babysitting or cooking a meal) often mean more than store-bought items. Limit impulse buys : Make a list before hitting the stores—or browsing online—and resist adding extras. Plan ahead for next year : Start a small savings fund in January to ease the burden when the holidays roll around again. By focusing on tho...

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UK Bonds Experience Worst Start to a Year on Record

 


UK bonds have experienced the worst start to a year on record, following an unexpected surge in inflation. 

The Bloomberg Sterling Aggregate Bond Index is down over 3% this month, more than any other sovereign market. The UK isn’t the only place where investors are rethinking their aggressive bets on interest-rate reductions. Traders in the US and Europe have also moderated their expectations. 

The turbulence in the bond market has brought home how vulnerable markets are. The Bank of England is now caught between a rock and a hard place, as the clear path the market was painting for a steady reduction in interest rates this year may have to be re-visited .


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