Uswitch Power Hours free electricity offer

October 28, 2025

Get up to 25 Hours of Free Electricity with Uswitch’s ‘Power Hours’ Scheme

Nick Saving Money events, energy 0 Comments

If you’re looking for ways to ease the pressure of rising energy bills, here’s a scheme you might want to check out. The online price-comparison service Uswitch has launched a new offer giving households up to 25 hours of free electricity this November, via their app. Note that you must have a working smart meter to take part in this.

How the scheme works

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

Download the Uswitch app (available for Android and Apple phones) and connect your smart meter. It’s free to join.
Sign up for ‘Power Hours’ by the deadline (you must register by 31 October 2025 to take part in the November campaign).
Choose your free-hours slot: For each weekend in November you’ll select a time slot (either Saturday or Sunday), from 7 am–12 pm or 12 pm–5 pm.
Over the five weekends in November you’ll accumulate up to 25 hours of free electricity — i.e., 5 weekends × 5-hour slot = 25 hours.
After each slot, Uswitch will calculate your usage from your smart meter during that time and apply your ‘free electricity’ value based on your consumption.

Who can claim the free electricity?

The offer is open to anyone with an electricity smart meter in the UK, regardless of who your supplier is.
The key requirements: you must have your smart meter connected in the Uswitch app, and you must sign up by 31 October 2025.
Your supplier and tariff don’t matter — as long as you’re a UK domestic household, you can participate.

How much free electricity can you claim?

You can claim up to 25 hours of free electricity across the five weekends in November — that’s one 5-hour block each weekend.
During each chosen 5-hour slot, your actual electricity use will be measured. The equivalent cost of that usage is then calculated and becomes your ‘free electricity value.’
Importantly, this value isn’t just a notional saving — it’s credited directly to your account once Uswitch has confirmed and processed the data from your smart meter. You can then withdraw the money to your bank account.
The maximum payout is £25 per campaign, or up to £5 per weekend across the five weekends in November 2025.
In other words, the more electricity you use during your Power Hours (within the stated limits), the closer you’ll get to the full £25 benefit.

What does £25 equate to in electricity usage?

Under the current UK electricity unit rate (approx 26.35 pence per kWh for the period 1 October to 31 December 2025):

If electricity costs ~26.35p per kWh, then £1 would buy about 3.80 kWh (i.e., £1 ÷ £0.2635 = ~3.80 kWh)
Therefore, £25 would buy roughly £25 ÷ £0.2635 ≈ 95 kWh of electricity usage
Put another way: if you used 95 kWh during your designated free-hours slots, you’d roughly reach the £25 maximum value (assuming that usage is entirely within the scheme slots and eligible)
On a ‘per-weekend’ maximum of £5, that’s ~£5 ÷ £0.2635 ≈ 19 kWh each weekend.

So, as a rough guide, you’ll want to use around 19 kWh in each 5-hour weekend slot (or a total of ~95 kWh over the five weekends) to come close to extracting the maximum value from this offer. Of course, if you use significantly more or less in that slot, your credited amount might vary (up to the cap of £5/weekend or £25 total).

Why it matters

With energy costs still elevated and many households looking for ways to save, this offer from Uswitch is a timely boost. Even if the ‘free hours’ don’t cover your entire weekend usage, they can help absorb some of the higher-cost usage periods. Also, by signing up you may gain additional insights via the Uswitch app into your energy usage, which may be helpful for long-term savings.

Important things to bear in mind

Make sure your smart meter is already installed and that you have access to it (in-home display or via your supplier) so you can connect it to the app. Uswitch says the set-up takes less than two minutes, and I can confirm this was the case for me.
You must act before the deadline (31 October 2025) if you want to participate in November 2025. After that, you may miss out.
While 25 hours is a fixed maximum, your actual ‘free electricity value’ depends on how much you consume during your chosen slots. If you use very little, the credit will be smaller.
The maximum reward you can earn under this campaign is £25 in total (£5 per weekend).
This offer applies for November 2025 weekends only. It’s a limited-time seasonal offer tied to Uswitch’s ‘Power Hours’ programme. It may be repeated in future months, but that is not guaranteed.
Keep an eye on the terms and conditions for any exclusions or fine print (for example, whether only certain types of smart meters are eligible, deadlines for claiming, etc).

If you’re already in another scheme

If you’re already taking part in a scheme such as EDF Energy’s ‘Sunday Saver’, that does not stop you from joining the Uswitch Power Hours offer — you can take part in both.

However, when you sign up to Power Hours, you’ll also be automatically enrolled in Uswitch’s ‘Reduce and Earn’ sessions, which are part of the National Grid ESO Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) scheme. You can only be registered with one DFS scheme at a time. If you’re enrolled in multiple DFS schemes when a session takes place, there’s a risk you’ll be disqualified from earning money in both until you’ve opted out of all but one. If that happens, simply opt out of your other DFS scheme, and you should be able to rejoin the Reduce & Earn sessions the following day.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking to lighten the load on your energy bill this winter, this scheme is definitely worth considering. By choosing to run higher-usage appliances (washing machine, tumble dryer, hoovering, etc.) during a designated 5-hour block each weekend in November, you’ll get more bang from the offer. Signing up is free, the app is straightforward, and the benefit — a real cash credit of up to £25 you can withdraw to your bank account — is clear.

Plus: with the current unit rate of ~26.35 p/kWh, hitting that £25 maximum means using around 95 kWh across the five weekends, or around 19 kWh each weekend slot. That gives you a practical target to aim for if you’re going to maximize the benefit.

Overall, it seems to me that this scheme from Uswitch offers a range of benefits and no major drawbacks, so I have signed up. I will let Pounds and Sense readers know in due course (by updating this post and/or adding a new one) how it works out for me. If you decide to give it a try as well, don’t hang around, as the closing date to apply for the November scheme is Friday 31 October 2025.

Lastly, a quick reminder that if you switch to EDF Energy (my own energy supplier) via my link below you can get a free £50 credited to your energy account (and so will I). Terms and conditions apply. For more info, click on https://edfenergy.com/quote/refer-a-friend/sunny-koala-9462 [referral link].

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.

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October 27, 2025

How to Prepare for Winter Blackouts

Nick Everything Else property, energy 0 Comments

Unfortunately winter blackouts look increasingly probable in the UK.

There are various reasons for this. High among them is the transition away from fossil fuels to electricity. The latter will increasingly come from renewables like wind and solar. While they are (arguably) more environmentally friendly, renewables are less reliable than fossil fuels and produce significantly less power when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow.

In addition, the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps is adding to the overall demand for electricity, which current generation and distribution systems are struggling to keep pace with.

Finally, we live in an increasingly dangerous world. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East threaten our gas and oil supply lines, which in turn may impact on our ability to generate electricity. And – without wanting to sound unduly alarmist – if these wars were to come to Britain’s doorstep, via the actions of terrorists or hostile nations, then attacks (including cyber-attacks) on our energy infrastructure certainly can’t be ruled out.

For ordinary UK residents, it’s therefore vital to prepare for increasingly likely disruptions to the electricity supply. This applies especially if there are young children or older people in the house, as they may be more vulnerable in the event of blackouts.

So here’s a guide to ensure that you are ready and able to cope during outages.

1. Emergency Kit Essentials

Lighting: Invest in battery-operated torches and lanterns. Avoid using candles due to fire risks.
Batteries: Stock up on various types of batteries for your devices.
Power Banks: Keep portable chargers fully charged for your phones and other essential gadgets.
First Aid Kit: Ensure it’s well-stocked with basic medical supplies.
Manual Tools: Have a manual can opener and basic tools handy.

2. Heating Solutions

Layer Up: Wear multiple layers of clothing and use extra blankets to stay warm.
Hot Water Bottles: Fill these with hot water before a blackout for lasting warmth.
Have Alternatives: Beware of relying entirely on electricity for heating. That obviously includes heat pumps, as they need electricity to function.
Fireplaces: If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood and know how to use it safely. Some other non-electric heating options are discussed in this post.

3. Food and Water Supply

Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts and other non-perishable items.
Cooking: Have a camping stove or a portable gas cooker as a backup. Ensure you have adequate ventilation when using these indoors.
Water: Store bottled water in case of disruptions to the water supply. Aim for at least 2 litres per person per day.

4. Communication and Information

Battery-Powered Radio: This can be vital for receiving updates during a blackout.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and contacts handy.
Community Networks: Stay in touch with neighbours, especially the elderly or vulnerable, to offer and receive support.

5. Household Preparations

Insulation: Check your home’s insulation and draught-proofing to retain heat.
Surge Protectors: Use these to protect your electronics from power surges when electricity is restored.
Freezers: Keep freezers closed during a blackout to maintain the cold temperature for as long as possible. Group items together to retain cold.
Home Battery: If you can afford it, a home storage battery can give your home a backup power source.
Uninterruptible Power Supply: A UPS is a device that can keep your wifi router and other essential electronics operating for a limited period in the event of a power cut. You can buy one (such as this) for around £100 from Amazon. They will also help protect connected devices from power surges.
Diesel Generator: it may not be particularly ‘green’, but a diesel generator is another relatively inexpensive backup solution.

6. Health and Safety

Medication: Ensure you have an adequate supply of essential medications.
Medical Devices: If you rely on electrically-powered medical devices, discuss contingency plans with your healthcare provider.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: If using alternative heating methods, ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors.

7. Entertainment and Activities

Books and Board Games: Have these on hand to keep everyone occupied without the need for electricity.
Exercise: Stay active indoors to generate body heat and keep spirits up.

8. Transportation and Mobility

EVs: If you have an EV, keep it charged.
Fuel: If you have a petrol or diesel vehicle, keep its tank topped up (service stations need electricity to operate pumps).
Public Transport: Be aware that services may be disrupted, so plan accordingly and have backup options for essential trips if required.

9. Emergency Plans

Evacuation: Have a plan for evacuating if necessary. Know your nearest emergency shelter locations.
Pets: Make provisions for your pets, including food, water and warmth.
Priority Services Register: If there are old and/or vulnerable people in your house, be sure to add your details to the Priority Services Register. This is free, only takes a moment, and should ensure you’re prioritized in the event of blackouts and other emergencies.

10. Stay Informed

Weather Updates: Regularly check weather forecasts and be aware of any blackout warnings.
Government Advice: Follow advice and updates from government sources and energy providers.

Closing Thoughts

While the prospect of winter blackouts may be daunting, thorough preparation should mitigate many of the challenges. By taking steps now, you can ensure the safety and comfort of your household, no matter what the winter months bring. Stay prepared, stay informed, and support your local community.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.

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October 25, 2025

Winter Fuel Payment 2025/26 – What Pensioners Need to Know

Nick Pensions & Benefits benefits, retirement, events, pensions 0 Comments

As you doubtless know, one of the first acts of the new Labour government last year was to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) for all but the very poorest pensioners (those eligible for pension credit).

Such was the outcry they had to backtrack and most pensioners will now receive WFP this winter – but with one major catch. Here’s everything you need to know…

1. What’s changed this year

The good news is that the Winter Fuel Payment has been reinstated for most pensioners. Here’s how it works…

If you were born on or before 21 September 1959 and meet the usual residence criteria, you are eligible for the payment.
For winter 2025/26 a household will normally receive £200 if the oldest person is under 80, or £300 if someone in the household is aged 80 or over.
Payment is automatic for most people — you don’t need to apply, unless perhaps you haven’t received it before.

2. The income threshold – what it means

Although the payment is available again for most, there is a taxable income threshold of £35,000 a year.

If your taxable income is £35,000 or less for the tax year 2025/26, you keep the full amount of the payment.
If your taxable income is over £35,000, you’ll still receive the payment initially, but it will be reclaimed via the tax system (either through your tax code if under PAYE, or via Self Assessment) or you may opt out of receiving the payment. Note that the deadline for opting out of the 2025/26 payment has now passed.

It’s important to note that the threshold applies to each individual, not to the household income. So in a couple living together, if one person’s taxable income is over £35,000 and the other’s is not, the higher earner’s share will be clawed back while the other may keep theirs.

3. What counts towards that £35,000 taxable income?

This is probably the trickiest part, so let’s break it down simply.

What does count (i.e. taxable income elements):

Your State Pension (because this is taxable income).
Private pensions (occupational, personal, annuity income).
Earnings from employment or self-employment.
Interest on savings if it is taxable (e.g. outside an ISA) or dividends from investments (again depending on whether taxable).
Rental income or other taxable income streams.

What does not count:

Income from savings within an ISA (Individual Savings Account) is tax-free and does not count towards the £35,000 threshold.
Tax-free state benefits such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment itself is tax-free and does not count as income for this threshold.
Capital gains (e.g. profits from sale of property or shares) are not included.
Premium Bond prizes

4. What to do next

Here are some practical pointers for you (or your friends/family):

Check your estimated taxable income for the year 2025/26. If you expect it to be under £35,000, you’re fine for this payment.
If your taxable income is likely to be over £35,000, you’ll still receive the payment (it’s too late now to opt out) but will be required to repay it via the tax system. In future years you might want to opt out of the payment, though many may still prefer to receive it and repay the money later.
If you have savings, consider whether holding them in tax-free vehicles (e.g. ISAs) can help reduce your taxable income, as interest received outside an ISA may count.
Make sure you are receiving any other benefits you may be entitled to (e.g. Pension Credit) — even though Winter Fuel Payment is partly means-tested now, those on very low income will often qualify for multiple sources of support.
Be alert to scams: you do not need to apply for this if you’re eligible, and the government will not ask you by text or email for bank details to “claim” this payment.

5. Quick recap

You are eligible if you reached State Pension age by the “qualifying week” (15–21 September 2025) and meet residence rules.
The payment is worth £200 (if all under 80 in the household) or £300 (if someone 80+) for winter 2025/26 in England & Wales.
Taxable income threshold: £35,000 per person. Under that → you keep it; over that → it will be clawed back.
Taxable income includes pensions, savings interest (outside ISAs), earnings, etc. Doesn’t include ISAs, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance.
You don’t have to claim unless perhaps you haven’t received before; it’s automatic for most. Payments expected November/December 2025.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this blog post, do leave them below. Please be aware that I am not a qualified financial adviser and under UK law cannot give personal financial advice.

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October 20, 2025

How to Save Money on Your Heating Bills This Winter

Nick Saving Money events, benefits 9 Comments

For older people in particular, heating bills can be among their biggest expenses. And it’s especially important for older people to keep warm, as getting chilled can lower your body’s resistance to infection and – in the worst cases – lead to hypothermia.

In addition, as you doubtless know, gas and electricity bills have gone up considerably in the last year or two. Growing numbers of older people are literally finding themselves in a position where they have to choose between heating and eating 😮

So today I thought I’d set out some ways you may be able to save money on your heating and energy bills. Following these tips could save you hundreds of pounds in the months and years ahead.

Switch Energy Supplier

It’s important to check regularly whether you could save money by switching to a different supplier and/or tariff. The quick and easy way of doing this is via a price comparison website. There are a number of these available, including GoCompare and USwitch.

Just visit the comparison site and enter a few details, including your current supplier and tariff and how much you spend on gas and electricity in the course of a year (it doesn’t have to be exact). The site will then display the best deals currently open to you and how much you might be able to save by switching to them. In most cases you can also start the switching process by clicking on the relevant link. Before you do, though, it’s worth checking on cashback sites like Quidco and Top Cashback, as some energy companies pay cashback via these sites to people switching their supply to them.

If you are one of the 1.1 million households who use oil for heating, you can save money by shopping around for suppliers too. Check out the oil price comparison service BoilerJuice. Type in your postcode and how many litres of heating oil you’re looking to buy, and BoilerJuice will show you quotes from suppliers covering your area.

Switching energy suppliers is generally quick and easy, and can save you hundreds of pounds a year at a stroke. In these challenging times, it should be high on your list of potential money-saving strategies this winter.

Special Offer! If you switch to EDF Energy via my link, you can get a FREE £50 credited to your energy account. Terms and conditions apply. For more info, click on https://edfenergy.com/quote/refer-a-friend/sunny-koala-9462 [referral link].

Get Financial Help

If you’re in certain priority groups, you may be able to get cash payments to help offset your energy bills.

Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off annual payment of £100 to £300 which was previously made to everyone over state pension age. Last year the new Labour government took the decision to cancel WFP for all but the very poorest pensioners (those in receipt of pension credit). Such was the outcry that they had to back-track, so now everyone over state pension age will receive the payment this winter. The only catch is that if you earn more than £35,000 a year, you will be required to pay it back. See this article for more information.

In addition, those on certain welfare benefits (including Pension Credit, Income Support and Universal Credit) may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments. This is £25 for any period of seven consecutive days when temperatures fall below zero. More information can be found on this page of the government website.

You may also be eligible for £150 off your energy bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is run by some (not all) of the energy companies. If you get the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit you will qualify automatically. But if you’re on a low income and meet the energy supplier’s other criteria, you may also qualify. Contact your supplier directly for more information. The large energy companies such as EDF and British Gas all operate this scheme, but some of the smaller ones don’t. The Warm Home DIscount scheme for 2025/26 opens at the end of October 2025. More information can be found on the official website.

Finally, if you’re on a very low income, you may qualify for help from the Household Support Fund: This is money provided to councils by the government to assist pensioners and others on very low incomes. You will need to contact your local council to find out if you’re eligible.

More Top Tips

Here are some more ways you may be able to save money on your heating and energy bills.

Have your boiler serviced regularly, to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.
If you have an old boiler that keeps breaking down, the time may have come to replace it. The Energy Saving Trust say that you could save up to up to 40 percent on your gas bill by installing a new ‘A’ rated condensing boiler with a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator controls.
Upgrading your insulation can also cut bills by reducing the amount of heat going to waste. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get a free boiler and/or insulation under the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. You can apply for this via your energy company. Even if you’re not on a low income, you may be able to get a discount on home insulation, so it’s worth checking to see what’s available.
If your radiators aren’t heating up properly at the top, you may need to bleed them to release air in the pipes. Depending on the radiator, you may need a special key to do this or a flat-bladed screwdriver.
Turn down your thermostat by one degree - this can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%.
Ensure you don’t put furniture right in front of radiators, as this can block heat from entering the room.
Replace old light-bulbs with new energy-saving bulbs. The latest LED bulbs are just as bright as old incandescent bulbs and use a tenth of the energy. They last longer too.
Exclude draughts with heavy curtains and draught excluders by doors.
Turn off heaters in rooms you aren’t using and close the doors to keep heat in.
Place reflective foil behind radiators on exterior walls to bounce heat back into the room.
It can also help to clean behind radiators (using a brush such as this one) to remove dust and dirt.
Don’t leave electrical appliances on standby.
Wash clothes at 30 degrees and try to avoid using tumble driers. Hang washing outside whenever possible or place it over an airer.
Consider investing in a smart thermostat system such as Nest or Hive. This will give you precise, automated control over your heating system, allowing you to use just as much energy as you need and no more. See my blog post about smart thermostats for more information.
If your funds are limited and you have or develop a disability you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from your local authority to pay for adaptations such as stairlifts.

By taking these steps you should be able to cut your heating and energy bills significantly this winter.

If you have any comments or questions about this post, as always, please do leave them below.

This is a fully updated version of my original post on this subject.

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October 9, 2025

Annuity or Drawdown? Weighing Up Your Pension Income Options After 50

Nick Pensions & Benefits, Investing pensions, retirement 0 Comments

As you approach retirement, one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll face is how to turn your pension savings into a reliable income.

Two of the main options are buying an annuity or using a pension drawdown strategy. Both approaches have pros and cons, and which is right for you will depend on your circumstances, priorities and attitude to risk.

It’s also worth noting that annuity rates are currently more generous than they have been for many years, thanks largely to higher interest rates. That makes annuities a more attractive choice today than they might have seemed just a year or two ago.

What is an Annuity?

An annuity is a financial product you buy with some or all of your pension savings. In return, the provider guarantees to pay you an income for life (or for a fixed period). The amount depends on your age, health and the options you choose, e.g. whether payments continue to a spouse after your death.

You may also opt for payments to be fixed or rise in line with inflation. The latter will reduce the amount you receive initially but may be beneficial in the longer term.

For a ballpark estimate of how much income an annuity may generate for you, check out this free calculator. It will give you a rough figure based on your age and the size of your pension pot.

What is Drawdown?

With drawdown (also called flexi-access drawdown), your pension savings remain invested and you take money out as needed. You have control over how much you withdraw and when. This is the method I am using to generate an income currently from my Bestinvest SIPP.

Annuity vs Drawdown: Comparison Table

Here’s how the two main ways to turn your pension savings into income compare at a glance:

Feature	Annuity	Pension Drawdown
Income security	Guaranteed for life (or fixed term)	Depends on investment performance and withdrawals
Flexibility	Fixed once set up – limited changes allowed	Very flexible – you choose how much and when to withdraw
Potential for growth	None (income is fixed)	Pension pot remains invested and can grow
Risk level	Very low (no investment risk)	Higher (subject to market fluctuations)
Inheritance potential	Usually none unless special options chosen	Remaining funds can usually be passed to beneficiaries
Inflation protection	Optional – inflation-linked annuities start lower	Depends on investment returns and withdrawal strategy
Health impact	Poor health can mean higher income via “enhanced” rates	Health does not affect drawdown income directly
Ongoing management	None once purchased	Requires regular monitoring and possible financial advice
Best suited for	Those wanting guaranteed, worry-free income	Those comfortable with risk and wanting flexibility
Current appeal	Rates are now at their best for years due to higher interest rates	Still popular for flexibility, but requires careful planning

Which Option is Right for You?

If you value certainty and peace of mind, an annuity (especially with today’s higher rates) may be appealing.
If you want flexibility, growth potential, and the ability to leave an inheritance, drawdown could be the better fit.
Many people now choose a blend of the two – using part of their pot to buy an annuity for essential expenses, and keeping the rest in drawdown for flexibility and growth.

You Don’t Have to Decide All at Once

It’s important to remember that this isn’t necessarily an “either/or” decision. Many people begin their retirement with pension drawdown, giving them flexibility in the early years when spending needs can vary. Later on, when they want more security and less investment risk, they can choose to convert some or all of their remaining funds into an annuity. This phased approach offers the best of both worlds — flexibility when you’re active and security later in life.

And other things being equal, the older you are when you take out an annuity, the more generous the terms you are likely to get.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “one size fits all” answer. Your choice will depend on factors such as your health, whether you have other sources of income, your attitude to risk, and how important leaving an inheritance is to you.

With annuity rates at their most attractive in years, now could be a good time to revisit them as part of your retirement planning. But drawdown remains a strong option for those seeking control and flexibility and the potential for growth.

Before making any decisions, it’s wise to get independent financial advice to ensure you choose the strategy – or mix of strategies – that best fits your goals.

Disclosure: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this blog post should be construed as personal financial advice. I highly recommend taking professional advice about your pension options before committing yourself to a particular course of action. This article lists a number of reputable advisory platforms and services for pension advice. Bear in mind that all investing carries a degree of risk.

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October 6, 2025

Stay Healthy This Winter: The Best Supplements for Cold and Flu Season

Nick Everything Else events, health, families 0 Comments

We are currently heading into the peak season for flu and other respiratory viruses (including Covid). These infections can be a nuisance at least. And – in the case of older people especially – they can sometimes be life-threatening.

While a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep remain the cornerstones of good health, certain supplements can provide an extra layer of protection. Here’s a guide to the best supplements to support your immune system during the colder months.

1. Vitamin D

Why it’s essential: With limited sunlight during UK winters, many people experience a drop in their vitamin D levels. This nutrient plays a crucial role in immune function and helps reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

How to take it: Public Health England recommends everyone consider a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during the autumn and winter months. Higher doses may be necessary for those with deficiencies, but consult a healthcare professional first.

2. Vitamin C

Why it’s essential: Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to reduce the duration and severity of colds. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

How to take it: A daily dose of 500–1,000 mg is generally safe for most people. You can also pair supplementation with dietary sources like oranges, kiwi fruit and bell peppers.

3. Zinc

Why it’s essential: Zinc is vital for immune cell function and has been shown to shorten the duration of cold symptoms when taken early. It also helps your body fight off viruses more effectively.

How to take it: Lozenges containing 10–15 mg of zinc can be taken at the onset of a cold. Long-term supplementation should not exceed 25 mg daily unless advised by a healthcare professional.

4. Probiotics

Why it’s essential: A healthy gut microbiome supports immune function, and probiotics help maintain this balance. Some strains, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are particularly effective in reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract infections.

How to take it: Look for a high-quality probiotic supplement with at least 1 billion CFUs (colony-forming units). Yogurt and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut can also be excellent natural sources.

5. Elderberry Extract

Why it’s essential: Elderberries have been traditionally used to fight colds and flu. They are rich in antioxidants and may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

How to take it: Elderberry syrup or capsules are common forms. Follow the recommended dosage on the product label, and avoid taking it if you have an autoimmune condition without consulting a doctor.

6. Echinacea

Why it’s essential: Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy that may help prevent and reduce the severity of colds by boosting immune activity.

How to take it: Look for standardised extracts and follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines. Echinacea is best taken at the first sign of illness.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Why it’s essential: Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that support immune function and overall health.

How to take it: Aim for 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily. Vegetarian or vegan options include algae-based supplements.

8. Garlic Supplements

Why it’s essential: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. Regular garlic intake has been associated with fewer colds and flu.

How to take it: Opt for aged garlic extract supplements or incorporate fresh garlic into your diet for the best benefits.

Final Tips

Consult a GP or pharmacist: Always check with a healthcare professional before starting new supplements, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or on medication.
Choose quality brands: Look for products that are third-party tested for purity and potency. A wide range of supplements and vitamins is available from Amazon.
Maintain healthy habits: Supplements work best when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, good hygiene and adequate sleep.

By supporting your immune system with the right supplements, you can give yourself a better chance of staying healthy this cold and flu season.

This is a revised update of an annual post.

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October 4, 2025

My Investments Update – October 2025

Nick Investing events, reviews, property 0 Comments

Here is my latest monthly update about my investments. You can read my September 2025 Investments Update here if you like.

I’ll begin as usual with my Nutmeg Stocks and Shares ISA. This is the largest investment I hold other than my Bestinvest SIPP (personal pension).

As regular readers will know, in June I transferred most of the money in my Nutmeg Fully Managed portfolio (just under £25,000) to a new Nutmeg Income Portfolio. I discussed this in detail in this recent post, but basically money in this port is invested to generate an income from share dividends and other sources. This is then paid monthly. Capital appreciation is targeted as well, but these portfolios are aimed primarily at older people (and others) who want/need their investment to generate a regular cash income.

In September my Nutmeg income portfolio generated £78.72 of income, which was duly paid in to my bank account on 24 September 2025. That is down a bit on the £134.03 I received in August, but it means I have now received a total (tax-free) income of £212.75 to date. That is in line with Nutmeg’s projected annual return of just under 5% for income ports at my chosen risk level (five). Obviously it is too early to draw any significant conclusions from this, though.

My income portfolio also grew in value in September. It’s now worth £26,383 compared with £25,815 at the start of last month, a rise of £568. As the screen capture shows, the port has actually increased by £1,430.99 (5.73%) since I opened it in June. That’s good going, though I don’t suppose it will carry on like this indefinitely!

I still have a smaller, growth-oriented pot using Nutmeg’s Smart Alpha option. This is now worth £4,524 compared with £4,368 a month ago, a rise of £156. Here is a screen capture showing performance for the year to date.

And at the start of December 2023 I invested £500 in one of Nutmeg’s thematic portfolios (Resource Transformation). In March 2024 I also invested a further £200 from referral bonuses (something I no longer receive for reasons I won’t bore you with). As you can see from the YTD screen capture below, this portfolio is now worth £900 (rounded up) compared with £868 last month, a rise of £32.

Finally, I still have a small amount left in my original Nutmeg Fully Managed portfolio. I have kept this largely for comparison purposes. This has increased in value from £595 at the start of September to £617 (rounded up) now, a rise of £22.

As you can see, September was a pretty good month for my Nutmeg investments. Overall I was up by £778 or 2.46%. In addition I did, of course, receive £78.72 in income from my income portfolio.

Excluding income generated, the overall value of my Nutmeg investments is up by £1,996 since the start of 2025, so the April 2025 fall (caused largely by Trump’s tariffs) has now fully reversed. I am also up by £3,069 or 10.45% since the start of October last year, again excluding cash income received. All things considered, that’s not a bad result.

As I always have to say, some volatility is to be expected with stock market investments, but over the longer term they tend to even themselves out (and generally perform better than bank savings accounts, although that is never guaranteed). In general the worst thing you can do is panic and sell up when downturns occur (as happened in April this year). You are then crystallizing your losses rather than giving the markets time to recover. This is something I had cause to discuss in this blog post from earlier this year.

You can read my full Nutmeg review here. If you are looking for a home for your annual ISA allowance, based on my overall experience over the last nine years, they are certainly worth considering. They offer self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), Lifetime ISAs and Junior ISAs as well.

Moving on, I also have investments with P2P property investment platform Assetz Exchange. As discussed in this post, the company has rebranded as Housemartin.

My investments with Housemartin continue to generate steady returns. Housemartin focuses on lower-risk properties (e.g. sheltered housing). I put an initial £100 into this in mid-February 2021 and another £400 in April. In June 2021 I added another £500, bringing my total investment up to £1,000.

Since I opened my account, my HM portfolio has generated a respectable £273.80 in revenue from rental income. I have made a small net loss of £19.02 on property disposals. Capital growth generally has slowed, in line with UK property values generally.

At the time of writing, 16 of ‘my’ properties are showing gains, 7 are breaking even, and the remaining 17 are showing losses. My portfolio of 40 properties is currently showing a net decrease in value of £43.52. That means that overall (rental income minus capital value decrease and loss on disposal) I am up by £211.26. That’s still a respectable return on my £1,000 and does illustrate the value of P2P property investments for diversifying your portfolio. And it doesn’t hurt that with Housemartin most projects are socially beneficial as well.

The net fall in capital value of my Housemartin investments is obviously a little disappointing. But it’s important to remember that until/unless I choose to sell the investments in question, it is largely theoretical, based on the latest price at which shares in the property concerned have changed hands. The rental income, on the other hand, is real money (which in my case I’ve reinvested in other HM projects to further diversify my portfolio).

To control risk with all my property crowdfunding investments nowadays, I invest relatively modest amounts in individual projects. This is a particular attraction of Housemartin as far as i am concerned. You can actually invest from as little as £1 per property if you really want to proceed cautiously.

As I noted in this blog post, Housemartin is particularly good if you want to compound your returns by reinvesting rental income. This effectively boosts the interest rate you are receiving. Personally, once I have accrued a minimum of £10 in rental payments, I usually reinvest this money in either a new HM project or one I have already invested in (thus increasing my holding). Over time, even if I don’t invest any more capital, this will ensure my investment with Housemartin grows at an accelerating rate and becomes more diversified as well.

My investment on Housemartin is in the form of an IFISA so there won’t be any tax to pay on profits, dividends or capital gains. I’ve been impressed by my experiences with Housemartin and the returns generated so far, and intend to continue investing with them. You can read my full review of Assetz Exchange/Housemartin here and my article about the rebranding to Housemartin here. You can also sign up for an account directly via this link [affiliate].

In 2022 I set up an account with investment and trading platform eToro, using their popular ‘copy trader’ facility. I chose to invest $500 (then about £412) copying an experienced eToro trader called Aukie2008 (real name Mike Moest).

In January 2023 I added to this with another $500 investment in one of their thematic portfolios, Oil Worldwide. I also invested a small amount I had left over in Tesla shares.

As you can see from the screen captures below, my original investment (total value £888.36 in pounds sterling) is today worth £1,135.00 an overall increase of £246.64 or 27.76%.

Note: eToro now displays the value of investments in your native currency, although you can change this if you wish.

You can read my full review of eToro here. You may also like to check out my more in-depth look at eToro copy trading. I also discussed thematic investing with eToro using Smart Portfolios in this recent post. The latter also reveals why I took the somewhat contrarian step of choosing the oil industry for my first thematic investment with them.

As you can see, my Oil WorldWide investment is in profit, though at 9.80% it is nothing too exciting. My copy trading investment with Aukie2008 has been doing better, with an overall 60.79% profit. To be fair, I have held this investment a bit longer.

My Tesla shares, which I bought as an afterthought with some spare cash I had in my account, are up again this month. They are showing an impressive overall profit of 286.52% since I bought them. If only I had put a bit more money into this!

You might also notice that I have small holdings in Prosus NV, a Dutch internet group, and South Bow, a Canadian energy infrastructure company. To be honest I don’t understand how I acquired these, but I assume they are some sort of bonus I was awarded. In any event, I am happy to have them in my portfolio.

eToro also offer the free eToro Money app. This allows you to deposit money to your eToro account without paying any currency conversion fees, saving you up to £5 for every £1,000 you deposit. You can also use the app to withdraw funds from your eToro account instantly to your bank account. I tried this myself and was impressed with how quickly and seamlessly it worked. You can read my blog post about eToro Money here. Note that it can also serve as a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing you to send and receive crypto from any other wallet address in the world.

If you would like more information about setting up an eToro account, please click on this no-obligation website link [affiliate]. Don’t forget that you also get a free $100,000 virtual portfolio, which you can use to experiment with trading and investing strategies. I have certainly earned a lot from mine.

As an experiment, at the start of April this year I put £50 into an investment ISA with Trading 212. As mentioned in my recent blog post about dividend investing, I put it into the (Almost) Daily Dividends Portfolio, a ready-made portfolio or ‘pie’ on Trading 212. As you can see from the screen capture below, my portfolio is now worth £55.73, an increase of £5.73 or 11.4% over the six-month period. It has even accrued a grand total of 50p in dividends!

I am quite impressed with how this investment has been faring, despite the small amount I put in (which means I may be missing out on some smaller dividends). If I increased my investment I would almost certainly become eligible for more dividends, and even more the longer I remain invested. If I had any spare money at the moment, I would consider doing this. Of course, I do now have an income-focused portfolio with Nutmeg as well (see above).

Moving on, I published various posts on Pounds and Sense in September. I have listed below those that are still relevant.

In Get a Free Share Worth Up To £100 With Trading 212, I revealed that this popular offer had reopened. If you have never held an account with Trading 212, you can get a free share worth up to £100 just by signing up with them. You do have to open a Stocks ISA or (non-ISA) Invest account – a Cash ISA won’t qualify you for the free share. This offer is still open but it closes on Monday 6 October 2025 – so if you want to take advantage, you need to get your skates on now.

In Get Your Will Written Free of Charge in October, I pointed out that October is Free Wills Month. This event brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their wills written or updated free of charge using participating solicitors across the UK. Free Wills Month is now up and running, so see my blog post to find out how you can benefit.

And in Amazon Prime Big Deals Day Is Almost Here I spotlighted the fact that this annual promotional event begins on Tuesday 7 October 2025. This is a special event for Amazon Prime members only. Amazon say they will be offering members their lowest prices of the year on selected products across a wide range of categories, from consumer electronics to groceries. Personally I shall be looking for a new electric shaver this time 🙂

Finally, How Often Should You Really Be Washing Your Bedding? is a syndicated guest post by professional microbiologist Primrose Freestone. Dr Freestone looks at everything from sheets and pillowcases to blankets and duvet covers and even mattresses. Personally I found her expert advice quite eye-opening. I definitely need to do better in future!

I’ll close with a reminder that you can also follow Pounds and Sense on Facebook or Twitter (or X as we have to call it now). Twitter/X is my number one social media platform and I post regularly there. I share the latest news and information on financial matters, and other things that interest, amuse or concern me. So if you aren’t following my PAS account on Twitter/X, you are definitely missing out!

I am also on the BlueSky social media network under the username poundsandsense.bsky.social. Twitter/X remains my primary social media platform, but I also post details of my latest blog posts, third-party articles and other financial news and resources on BlueSky for those who prefer to follow me there.

As always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below. I am always delighted to hear from PAS readers

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this blog post should be construed as personal financial advice. Everyone should do their own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.

Note also that posts on PAS may include affiliate links. If you click through and perform a qualifying transaction, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will not affect the product or service you receive or the terms you are offered, but it does help support me in publishing PAS and paying my bills. Thank you!

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