The Expense of Having Children

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Everyone with children knows what an expensive and lengthy task this is – for a minimum of 18 years such a large portion of your salary goes to the children and all the related costs.  But does anyone actually have an insight into just how much this actually is?  A recent study has delved into this topic to tell us more!

The Centre for Economics and Business Research set their analysts the task of finding out how much it now would cost to raise a baby born in 2016 until they reach the age of 21.  The figure reached was a whopping £321,843! This is an incredible jump of 65% since the study was conducted in 2003.

Shockingly these figures are not based on a child attending private education – this is the cost of raising a child who attends a regular state school.  Obviously, this means parents with privately educated can expect their figure to be incredibly higher.  Nother thing to note is that this figure is based on only one child, so having multiple children would multiply this!

One thing to bear in mind bear in mind is how would you be able to continue spending this money raising your children if something happened to your partner?  This is where life insurance comes in and gives you a great peace of mind – it’s there to protect not only your future but your children’s future too. A lot of families take out a simple life insurance plan to make sure that should the worst happen, they can keep up the same standard of life and continue raising their children in the same way.

There are various kinds of plans out there, but the most common for protecting family is level term insurance – if there is a death during the life of the policy this would pay out a lump sum.  The plan’s term is flexible, but most families chose a term that covers until their children are expected to be financially independent, usually around 21.  Obviously, the plans can be made cheaper by choosing a shorter term.

With the dramatically increasing cost of raising a child, it’s becoming more important than ever to make sure your financial future is protected. With a joint life insurance plan, you can save money as it pays only when the first parent passes away – as opposed to two separate plans where each parent has their own policy.

A lot of people already have life insurance that guarantees their mortgage would be paid off in full should the worst happen.  What this doesn’t take into consideration, however, is the general day to day cost of having children and running a house.  A life insurance plan would ensure all this is covered with a lump sum going directly to your family.

The Protection People and World Privilege Plus have joined together to offer you free advice and policy recommendations.  Simply click here or alternatively call our team FREE on 0808 281 9393 today.

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Amazing Microsoft Back to School Offer!

Save 15% on the Surface Pro 4 m3 & i5 128GB device

That’s a saving of £144!

The versatility of a laptop and tablet

The versatility of a laptop and tablet

Surface Pro 4 runs all the desktop software you rely on, while being lighter than ever starting at 1.69 pounds (766g). The 12.3-inch PixelSense display has extremely high contrast and low glare. Go from laptop to tablet with the multi-position Kickstand and keyboard. And jot down notes and ideas with Surface Pen and improved Type Cover. When you need to connect to other devices and accessories, Surface Pro 4 has advanced wireless capabilities and all the ports you need.

Exceptional performance

Exceptional performance

The 6th Gen Intel Core m3, i5, and i7 processors inside Surface Pro 4 are not only more powerful, they’re quieter, run cooler, and are more efficient than before. It’s that kind of performance—plus impressive battery life of up to 9 hours1—that makes Surface Pro 4 your mobile workstation for running multiple professional programs simultaneously. And with the 5MP front-facing and 8MP autofocus rear-facing cameras, you can video conference with your colleagues from around the world with confidence.

Runs Windows & Office perfectly

Runs Windows & Office perfectly

Whether you’re using touch, a Surface Pen, mouse or keyboard, Surface Pro 4 runs Windows 10 Pro flawlessly. Create, edit, and share documents in Microsoft Office. Also, Surface Pro 4 runs all of the professional-grade software you need, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Citrix, AutoCAD or Visual Studio.

Microsoft advanced technology

Microsoft advanced technology

Writing with Surface Pen feels as fluid and precise as a ballpoint pen on paper. Use Pen to open a OneNote or to activate Cortana, your truly personal digital assistant. She offers time, people, and location-based reminders, and even books dinner reservations. Surface Pro 4 also packs the latest facial recognition camera technology. With Windows Hello, Surface Pro 4 knows you’re you, and will sign you in with no password required.

Business ready

Business ready

Surface Pro 4 can handle any task, while seamlessly pairing with your existing IT infrastructure. Built with a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip for security, your device is protected by enterprise level encryption. You can also use BitLocker, new Enterprise Data Protection, Trusted Boot and Windows Defender for malware protection and data privacy. IT can set up Surface like other PCs, by joining it to a domain and managing it using tools already in place like Active Directory, SCCM and Air Watch.

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Great Days Out With Virgin Experience Days!

To claim your 20% off use code AFF-WPP20

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Treat your loved one, or even yourself with an indulgent treat, fantastic day out, or once-in-a-lifetime experience! World Privilege Plus have teamed up with Virgin Experiences Days to offer you a fantastic 20% discount on all full priced experiences – that’s all 2000 of them!

So just what is a Virgin Experience Days voucher? It’s a gift the goes the extra mile to offer something memorable, different and fun, whatever you’re into. It’s a memory to make at your own convenience, packed stylishly in a Virgin gift pack so you know you’re receiving quality.

Take a look at some of our top picks below!

Double Supercar Blast for TwoWith this Double Supercar Blast for Two there’s no need for you to miss out on all the driving thrills, as both you and a friend will be able to get behin
d the wheel of two iconic superstars. With 12 different supercars and a rally driving experience to choose from it’ll be a tough decision, but no matter which you go with you’re sure of the drive of your life.

Behind the wheel you’ll each get to enjoy up to six miles of exhilarating driving, dependant on which of the 11 locations available you choose to go for. Whichever location and whichever two speedy monsters you choose to get to grips with you’re in for an exceptional thrill ride you won’t find down your local A roads, and an expert instructor will be on hand to guide you both through the best way to take on your chosen circuit.At the end of your day’s driving you’ll each be presented with a commemorative driving certificate, a great memento and reminder of your amazing experience.


Dine in superb style at ‘maze by Gordon Ramsay’. Overlooking the beautiful gardens of Grosvenor SquFive Course Tasting Menu with a Glass of Champagne at maze by Gordon Ramsay for Twoare in Mayfair, London, you and a friend or loved one will thoroughly enjoy this five-course tasting menu experience, along with a glass of stylish Champagne each.

You’ll receive excellent service and sample maze’s delightful French cuisine with Asian influences, which are innovatively presented in smaller dishes allowing you to sample more of the impressive menu. A fusion of taste and style this restaurant will allow you to take in the  stunning contemporary design as you are each served five tasting courses from a set menu, to include a glass of chilled champagne each and a delicate pre-dessert. Whether you decide to take this as a lunch time treat or a romantic dinner, you are sure to have a culinary experience to remember.


Tandem SkydiveGet into your jumpsuit, strap on those goggles and board the aircraft. This is a fantastic experience where you will feel the thrill of jumping from a plane door at a height of up to 12,000 feet. Enjoy the unique sensation of free fall before that all important moment when your parachute is deployed and it’s time to slow down and take in the spectacular scenery below you.

There’s not much to worry about, you will be strapped to a qualified and experienced instructor the whole time so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Bring along some friends so they can witness you take on this unusual opportunity to display your adventurous side.


Discover London’s ‘Theatreland’ with this fantastic experience that includes dinner and two tickets to a West End show. You’ll enjoy a memorable evening in London, beginning with a delicious pre-theatre two-course meal at a restaurant within walking distance from your chosen theatre. Once you have finished your tasty meal, it’s off to one of London’s fabulous West End theatres for the main attraction.

Upon entering the theatre you will admire the decadent architecture and stylish décor that make a trip to the West End so special. When the lights go down you will be transported to another world as the show begins and the talented ensemble take to the stage. There are a variety of performances to choose from, from long-running productions to successful new shows, and restaurants to suit every taste. So whether it’s comedy, horror, musical or drama that you’re into, this spectacular experience won’t disappoint.


Take a trip to northern Wales and spend a night with someone special in a Noble Room at the historic Ruthin Castle, with a full Welsh breakfast included to give you a full Welsh experience.

StOne Night Escape for Two at Ruthin Castleeeped in history, Ruthin Castle dates back from Arthurian legend through to the English Civil War, and was once owned by King
Henry VIII. During your stay you can walk among the old walls, take in the countryside or explore the nearby market towns and hunt for something quaint – assuming you don’t want to just spend your time enjoying the hotel’s Moat Spa Thermal Suite and Gym.

Your room includes 24-hour room service, hospitality drinks and complimentary Wi-Fi, so even staying in an ancient castle doesn’t mean you’ll be completely separated from the modern world. There are lots of restaurants around five minutes’ walk away in Ruthin, but if you’d rather stay on-site you can purchase gourmet pan-European dishes at the hotel’s Bertie’s Restaurant. On the morning after your stay you’ll be served a complimentary full Welsh breakfast to ready you for the journey home ahead.

To claim your 20% off use code AFF-WPP20

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How to save on roaming charges when travelling abroad

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Roaming is an area that lots of people are still confused about and we’d like to try to explain what roaming is all about and how you can avoid being handed a huge bill for calls, texts and data when you travel abroad.

Roaming…what exactly does it mean?  Well in simple terms, it means taking your phone abroad and using networks in the country you are visiting to enable you to use your phone as you would at home, so voice, SMS, email and the internet.  Your normal mobile provider would have agreements with many networks around the world, enabling you to continue to use your SIM card abroad.  The only downfall of this is the astronomical rates your normal provider charges for using your phone abroad.

So why is roaming so expensive? Well, to be quite honest, main network operators won’t and don’t reduce their roaming rates because most people won’t switch to an alternative provider when they travel abroad, and so seem to be happy to pay their astronomical rates!

A few years ago, the only way to avoid horrendous roaming bills was to simply switch your phone off and just check it occasionally to see what calls and texts you had missed.  Then if there was anything urgent you could respond to it.  Nowadays, it’s not necessary to switch your phone off completely. You can still make and receive calls and texts, and use data, but you just have to be a bit carefully and consider your options before you travel abroad.

Most of you will already be aware of the changes that have been happening in the EU over the past few years, and the EU Commission has managed to force MNO’s (Mobile Network Operators – such as Vodafone, EE, AT&T and Verizon) to reduce their roaming rates within the EU for voice, texting and data, and have capped rates with reduced rates coming into force every year for the past four years.  As of December 2016, MNO’s will not be able to charge a different rate to customers who are travelling within the EU, they will simply be able to take their SIM and bundle deal and use it wherever they like in the EU and not incur any additional fees.  All calls, SMS and data will be taken from their bundle.  However, that is no so for the rest of the World and customers will still have to look at their rates for the rest of the world and see what the best options are for them.

So what are your options?

 

240_F_70892516_bG7CuV8PjoUatFEDTDNaCOfUvj6bDymeKeep your normal SIM

You could continue to use your normal SIM card from home.  It’s convenient, you can continue to use the same number, it’s easy for people to contact you, you don’t have to spend time switching SIMs, copying contacts from your SIM to you phone, and you don’t have to look at alternative options.  However, there are downsides and they are going to always be that you cannot get away from paying extortionate rates.

 

Use VoiP

You could look at using a VoiP service for calling and messaging whilst you’re abroad. There are some fabulous services available and most people we know have an account with a major VoiP provider!  You can voice call and video call, so it’s like being in the same room as the person you are talking to. Great for both business and personal use. However, to be able to use the service you need to have a data connection.  When you’re on a free WiFi connection all is great, but beware of the data charges!  Unless you are connected to a WiFi, you’ll be looking at substantial data roaming rates (see below for WiFi pros and cons).

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Free WiFi Hotspots

Free WiFi hotspots are great, letting you catch up on all your communications, and are becoming increasingly common globally. Public places such as hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, exhibition centres and more offer free WiFi hotspots, but be mindful, for when you are out of range you can’t benefit from free data and could begin incurring roaming charges. Check your phone settings and if you are roaming, ensure you switch Data Roaming OFF in your settings to avoid any possibility of bill shock.

Buy a Local SIM

You could buy a Local SIM card with a local mobile number.  Obviously the major benefits of this are that you’ll get low local domestic rates for voice, SMS and data within the country you are visiting, and you won’t have to pay to receive any calls.  However, you will pay high rates to call internationally and each time you visit a new country you have to swap to a different SIM.  You’ll have to keep updating friends and family who may need to contact you that you have a different number, and any credit you might have left on the SIM when you leave the country will be lost when you leave the country.

ca7a607e-e9ec-4be7-bf90-2f01a05c72c0Buy a global roaming SIM

Many people are seeing the benefits of using a roaming SIM when travelling abroad.  Mobile/cell companies specialising in providing roaming service generally offer voice, SMS and data service on one SIM.  The coverage ranges from between 175 and 200 countries and network agreements are generally set up with multiple networks in each country that the service works in. This enables customers to use a service that remains active a lot of the time, with the SIM automatically switching to the strongest network at all times.

A roaming service provides a convenient solution to being able to remain in contact, at all times, without having to switch data off completely, and have peace of mind that you will not incur a horrendous bill for use of your phone when travelling abroad.  There is no more juggling of multiple SIMs and providing numerous contact numbers so people can call or text you!  One SIM, one account, one balance to manage and incredibly low call, text and data rates covering the majority, if not all, of the countries you would ever want to visit!

We have teamed up with Aether Mobile to offer you an amazing 20% off their SIM+credit packages and handsets!

Aether Mobile is a global roaming service provider, offering low cost solutions for voice, data and SMS in over 200 countries.  Why not take a look at their rates so you can see just how much lower theirs are than the main network operators?

Use code WPP20 to save 20%

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How Cycling became the new Golf + Exclusive member discount!

qOnce consigned to the pastime of choice for eccentric professors in tweed and bow ties, cycling seemed to morph into the sport of choice for professionals almost overnight.

You needn’t have paid much attention to the Rio Olympics to hear just how much UK cyclists have been dominating the sport. Much like the London Olympics in 2012, cycling has been thrust into the limelight with local heroes like Bradley Wiggins and Laura Trott becoming household names.

The commitment and dedication in these performances reverberates strongly with modern professionals. Setting off on a 100km ride on a Saturday morning with your friends, colleagues or business partners is a commitment that can’t be replicated by swinging at a golf ball & praying the wind sets it down roughly where you aimed for. And yet at the same time riding a bike is, well… as easy as riding a bike!

Cycling is so easy and so accessible, the same professionals out on the roads on Saturday can just as easily go for a bike ride with their families on Sunday.
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There are no drawn-out 18-hole games here:

  • You can ride for as little or as long as you like
  • Almost anywhere you like
  • Whenever you like.

Once you’ve bought your bike and cycle gear, there are no course membership fees to pay (although if the bug really bites you might run up a nice tab at your favourite coffee spot). You can bring the kids along too, thanks to brands like ‘Frog Bikes’ who have revolutionised children’s bikes, they’re much safer and easier to ride than the crude & bulky contraptions we rode around on as kids!

The final nail in the coffin for Golf? High quality performance bikes are no longer the reserve of financial bankers and oil barons. Not only can you get 0% Finance on a bike, priced from as little as £250 up to the most jaw-dropping & impressive ‘crafted-by-men-in-labcoats’ machine you set your heart on, we have teamed up with Wheelies.co.uk to bring you a 10% discount on over a thousand bikes until September 11th.

 

10% discount on over a thousand bikes

Use code: NEWGOLF10 before September 11th

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Things to do in Rio During the Olympics

One of our top travel companies Ticketbar is offering amazing excursions and attractions with an awesome 10% off with voucher code: 7A2FT2T3758J in Rio de Janeiro this summer.  Visit the Christ Redeemer Statue, Guanabara Bay, or Buzios The Classic City. Dance the night away at the Platforma Carnival Show or see the city from the sky with a helicopter tour. Travel into Rio’s Favela or discover the beauty of the rain forest with a Jeep Tour. Whatever you do, make your stay in the city exciting with a visit to one of the many top attractions. Ticketbar offers you discounts, group offers and the option to skip the line at all the major attractions!  Take a look at the top attractions below:

angra dos reis

Angra Dos Reis Cruise with Lunch

130km south of Rio lies the gorgeous paradise town of Angra dos Reis. The spectacular views of mountains covered in lush green rain forest and quiet coves with white sandy beaches are abundant – making this trip a spectacular occasion.

The cruise itself picks visitors up from the dock and takes them on a stunning journey to many islands, with stops along the way to swim in the crystal clear waters.
Included in the trip:

  • Round trip transfers to/from most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
  • Professional and knowledgeable tour guide
  • Schooner cruise
  • Delicious hot and cold buffet lunch

 Click here to book this trip

Corcovado with Christ the Redeemerchrist redeemer

This once in a lifetime trip begins with a journey to the Cosme Velho Train station which is located right at the bottom of the famous Corcovado Mountain. From this point, visitors begin the ride all the way to the top, through the dense Tijuca rain forest, all the way to the huge 125ft tall Christ Redeemer Statue.

Visitors are welcomed by amazing panoramic views of Rio, where you can stay for around an hour to take photos and soak up the breathtaking atmostphere.

Included in the trip:

  • Round trip transfers to/from most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
  • Professional and knowledgeable tour guide
  • Train tickets

Click here to book this trip

petropolis Petropolis The Imperial City

The city of Petropolis is located 60 km away from Rio and has been called the Imperial City since the times of the Emperor Pedro II. Petropolis keeps the memory of Brazilian history alive with its buildings and charming streets.

This tour starts with the visit to the Imperial Museum, which has been the summer residence of the Emperor D. Pedro II, and keeps furniture and objects such as the crown of gold, pearls and diamonds used by D. Pedro I and D. Pedro II.

Included in the trip:

  • Round trip transfers to/from most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
  • Professional and knowledgeable tour guide
  • Imperial Museum Entrance Ticket

Click here to book this trip

 

Make the best out of your stay in Rio and buy your discount tours & tickets at Ticketbar!

10% discount code: 7A2FT2T3758J

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Secret Escapes up to 70% off

Secret Escapes has just become our latest partner – offering up to 70% off holidays and trips away.

At Secret Escapes, we think booking a holiday should be an exciting, enjoyable and strsecretsalesess-free experience, so we decided to create a website where we hand-pick the best hotels and holidays and curate exclusive offers available only to our members. Our flash sale prices are better than anywhere else online during our sale, that’s our guarantee.

Every week we run short ‘flash sales’ lasting around ten days each – the time left is indicated on each individual sale. There may be as many as 140 sales going on at any one time, but we’ll email you to let you know what’s coming up during the week.

It’s worth noting that, although all of our prices are better than anywhere else online during a flash sale, the availability of our lowest advertised rates may be limited. Our offers are often available to book days, weeks or months in advance.

By hand-picking hotels and holidays for members, Secret Escapes acts as an agent for the suppliers, tour operators and hotels featured on the site.

Click here to join and access the sales instantly!

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Car Leasing Tips with Affinity Leasing

Leasing is a fantastic way to own a new car and change it every 2, 3 or 4 years without losing thousands of pounds in depreciation. The car is brand new, is covered by the manufacturers warranty, along with roadside and breakdown cover. The Road Fund License is even included – for the first year on PCP and HP, and for the duration of the contract on PCH and CH

Very few people have a lump sum available to buy a new car without some sort of finance. Even if you can afford to purchase a new car outright you will still lose a great deal of money as soon as you drive off the forecourt through depreciation. The other thing to remember is that we buy hundreds of cars a year and therefore can negotiate discounts from the dealerships AND the manufacturers, whereas individuals can only receive discounts that local dealers can offer.

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Pimm’s O’clock with Extra Savings!

Morrisons have an amazing offer on right now 1L Pimms for £12, saving you £8 – stock up for summer now!

Summer looks like it’s finally here as soon as the sun starts to peek from behind the clouds it’s only a matter of time before we start dreaming of lazy weekends spent outside enjoying the British weather with a glass of something cold and summery in hand. The go-to choice for years has been, Pimm’s No 1 and lemonade.

Everybody loves a glass of Pimm’s in the summer – and the classic recipe, with lemonade and fruit (see below), is always refreshing. But sometimes you need something just a little bit more exciting. Here is a slightly different recipe to try with the gin-based tipple.

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