Scammers have always been around, but now that we have so much technology at our fingertips, fraudsters can target people in so many more ways than before.

It’s completely understandable to be worried, especially if you’ve been reading stories in the news about the countless people who have lost their money to criminals. But don’t worry, there are lots of things you can do to protect yourself and your personal information. After reading this blog, you’ll hopefully feel much better and in control. One of the first steps to tackling scammers is feeling confident enough to challenge them and their tactics.

Be wary of unknown numbers

Not all unknown phone calls will be scams, but any one of them could be. Rather than answering a call from a number you don’t recognise, use a service like unknownphone.com to determine whether other people have had a negative experience. If you don’t check who the caller is beforehand, you might end up paying a premium rate after answering. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll be safe to call back after checking this service, you’ll have a much better idea of who is on the other end. Don’t forget to have your wits about you anyway just in case.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links

Another way that lots of people fall victim to scams is through links in e-mails and text messages. While the sender might have a name you recognise, the link could be taking you to a website full of viruses. It’s important to check the e-mail address of the sender and hover your mouse over links before following them to check the address. Sometimes web addresses will be subtly different from the one you expect, so be sure to look closely. If you do happen to accidentally land on a scam website, don’t input any of your personal details into forms or boxes. Close the window and report the e-mail you received straightaway.

Don’t give anyone access to your computer

Lots of scammers will call you claiming to need access to your computer to fix a problem or save your personal information. By doing this, you’ll give them permission to steal all your files and potentially even install damaging software. These types of scams are often used to target older people who might know less about technology, so make sure any of your elderly relatives are aware of the risks.

Be suspicious of offers that are too good to be true

For years criminals have been targeting people with scams that tell them they’ve won a competition or can receive a high-value item for free. Whether it’s the lottery or the promise of a new car, avoid engaging with these types of e-mails and calls. Unless you’ve recently entered a competition and know to expect communication, it’s likely that a scam artist is trying to get their hands on your money.

Even the most streetwise people have fallen victim to scams, but you’ll be less likely to get stung if you remember not to trust everyone for who they say they are.

A recent study revealed that COVID-19 is the top financial concern amongst high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and as result of the pandemic, they are reassessing what they believe it’s worth spending their money on.

According to the Saltus Wealth Index — an extensive survey conducted by Saltus, a financial planning and investment management firm — almost a third of respondents believe that the pandemic, and its potential long-term effects, are the greatest threat to their wealth.

But how does this view vary between age groups, and what other factors are HWNIs concerned with? Perhaps, most importantly, how has the coronavirus crisis affected their spending habits?

Read on to find out more.

Identifying the biggest financial risks

The Saltus Wealth Index revealed the attitudes of HNWIs towards the UK economy, their own wealth, as well as what matters most to them personally. It surveyed over 1,000 respondents with investable assets over £250,000.

As previously mentioned, the coronavirus crisis came out on top as the greatest concern for HNWIs. However, the research found just 19% of those aged over 65 were worried about COVID-19 when it comes to their wealth. In fact, this age group was more concerned with inflation (50%) – in comparison to the younger generation, where just one in five under 35s cited this factor as their most significant worry.

According to the survey from the wealth management firm, other significant worries amongst HNWIs included:

• Low interest rates and financial returns
• Brexit
• Climate change

These factors, and the ongoing uncertainties they inflict, are causing some HNWIs to become nervous about their own position and wealth. However, this does not falter their confidence in the future of the UK economy (80% of respondents think so), and in particular, London’s place as the financial capital of Europe. 

Again, this varies between age groups.  As little as 5% of over 65s say they have confidence in the UK’s economic future, while, 37% of those aged between 18 and 54 feel very confident about the future.

Views differ across regions too. The most confident HNWIs reside in Northern Ireland, with 91% of respondents being positive about the state of the UK economy over the next 6 months. On the other hand, 36% of respondents in Wales are not confident about the UK’s economic prospects.

Those living in Greater London (41%) are more than twice as likely to feel confident about the UK economy over the same period than those living in the West Midlands (18%).

The impact of COVID-19 on spending and lifestyle

Those surveyed were not just asked about their thoughts on the economy, and how the pandemic has financially impacted the UK. The HNWIs were also questioned on their own personal circumstances.

It seems that the pandemic has also caused a shift in attitude towards lifestyle choices, as one in four respondents stated they have become more charitable as a result. This is most apparent in those aged 35 to 44, where one in three stated they are now more philanthropic.

Relationships are also at the forefront, valued more so now than before the pandemic, as the research revealed that 24% of individuals are spending more time with their children and grandchildren, and 28% are more attentive to their spouse.

When it comes to finances, COVID-19 has also driven HNWIs to reassess their expenditure. As a result of the pandemic and recurring lockdowns, more than a third of those surveyed said they have spent money on products and services that improve their experience at home.

The research also found the most money was spent on experiences, such as holidays, dining out and going to the theatre, whereas only one in five said that owning property was their biggest splurge.

Although it can be assumed the pandemic has influenced the way HNWIs value experiences over assets when it comes to their lifestyle, from an investment point of view, only 3% of respondents valued experiences and intangibles, compared to 81% ranking physical assets as better use of their money.

Disclaimer: Information is correct to the best of our understanding as at the date of publication. Nothing within this content is intended as, or can be relied upon, as financial advice. Capital is at risk. You may get back less than you invested.

Ah, Christmas, the season to be jolly, drink too much and try to get as many mince pies down you as you can. As a nation, Britain is adept at over-consuming during the festive season.

In 2016, The Independent reported that the average Brit consumes 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone. This might actually show the nation is improving though. A BBC report from 3 years earlier stated that the nation was eating an average of 7,000 calories on the big day. So, pat yourselves on the back for shaving off those unnecessary extra 1,000 calories.

Not surprisingly, after all the fun of the festive season, many people take a look at their waist and decide to get fit in the new year. This is the time that gyms sell most of their memberships, and off-licences take a dip in takings.

Could there be an easier way to lose weight? Is the answer in your kitchen already? 

What is the best way to lose weight after Christmas?

It could be said that there are two basic rules of weight loss. These are generally accepted to be exercise and eating healthily.

If you exercise you will burn off calories, and tone up. You will be fitter, have less body fat, and look better. Eating healthier is also important. Reducing calories and fat in your diet will also help you to shed a few pounds.

The problem with the diet part of this equation is that people get bored easily. They may also be strapped for time and so they resort to convenience food instead of cooking.

This is where an Instant Pot, or a multi-cooker with a pressure cooking function, may be able to help. 

Breaking down the Instant Pot

One thing to realise before getting too excited is that this appliance doesn’t cook food instantly. The name could be a little misleading there. However, the Instant Pot is capable of producing cooked food far quicker than through traditional methods such as baking.

The reason for this is that the cooker uses very high temperatures to produce steam and build up pressure. This means that essentially, the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker. Yet, the appliance also has many other functions and can cook rice, saute food, and slow cook too.

The appliance has been around for over ten years now and has sold tens of millions of units in the US. It has proved very popular in the UK too, and if you don’t already have one, you may be interested to know whether it could help with weight loss. 

Could the Instant Pot help you lose weight?

It must be said that no appliance can make you lose weight unless you use it appropriately. If you are using your multicooker to saute bacon for every meal then you probably won’t see any results.

Nevertheless, the Instant Pot has great potential for helping someone who is dieting to continue. The reasons that the IP may help are to do with the cooking method, a couple of its functions, and the online resources available.

Starting with the latter, there is a wealth of resources on the internet for the Instant Pot. Boredom is the enemy of anyone dieting, but there is a huge range of recipes on websites such as Corrie Cooks, and other Instant Pot bloggers. This means that you can have an almost endless supply of diet-friendly recipes to try out.

The way the Instant Pot cooks, and its functions can also help you to diet. 

Why is the Instant Pot’s cooking method diet-friendly?

If you keep making cheesecakes in your IP then it won’t matter how the appliance cooks. However, the cooking method lends itself to making healthy food.

A pressure cooker works by cooking with steam. This means that you rarely ever need to put any oil in the cooker. Therefore, you will reduce the number of calories and fat in your diet if you stick to cooking this way.

Pressure cookers are said to make food more digestible and yet retain more nutrients. So, there could be hidden benefits to pressure cooking your food.

Yet it isn’t just the ability to cook food quickly that is appealing to dieters. Slow cooking can be just as useful to someone who wants to have a hot meal ready in the evening but doesn’t want to spend ages preparing and cooking it. A healthy stew can be made by throwing all the ingredients in the pot before work and then switching the machine to slow cook.

Using the slow cooker could be a good way to avoid the temptation of picking up a takeaway on the way home. Knowing you have a meal already cooked might help with your willpower. 

Is the Instant Pot useful for maintaining a healthy diet?

Again, it will depend on what you put in the pot, and how you use it. Typically though, a pressure cooker might be used for stews, soups, broths, and other dishes that lend themselves to lots of vegetables and lean meats.

Because of the lack of oil, you will be eating a lot of lower-fat dishes if you use an IP this way. There may be a few hidden health benefits too.

Cooking under pressure means that food retains more water, and is, therefore, more moist and succulent. This is very good for tougher cuts of meat and means that you can digest them easier.

But, there is also something else to be gained from cooking with steam. Certain food can end up producing carcinogens when cooked at high temperatures. Many people like blackened meats, and even toast. There is a belief though that this can be carcinogenic. Even food that doesn’t go black but still reaches high temperatures may end up producing some of these compounds.

Pressure cookers such as the Instant Pot do not produce these compounds. It is believed that there is little risk of acrylamide, or other carcinogens being produced by pressure cooking.

Why do you need to lose excess weight?

Of course, you may not need to lose weight at all. Bravo to you if that is so. Some people, though, would benefit from losing a few pounds.

The British Nutrition Foundation reports that losing excess weight can help with fertility problems, and lower blood cholesterol levels. There are numerous other health benefits from losing excess fat too.

Being overweight can lead to a loss of self-confidence, back and joint problems, heart disease, diabetes, and many other conditions. 

Are there any negatives to using the Instant Pot for weight loss?

The most obvious problem with using an Instant Pot to aid with a diet, is if you don’t already own one. If you don’t have a multicooker already then it means buying another appliance.

The typical kitchen is stuffed with gadgets and appliances already. So, you would need to weigh up whether you are likely to stick to your diet, and whether it is worth the expense of buying another gadget.

Another concern may be that Instant Pots aren’t good for cooking everything. Some things such as fillet steak for instance would be better grilled or cooked in a skillet. 

Summary

Before embarking on any diet it is worth remembering that exercise is an important part of losing weight, and then keeping those pounds off. An Instant Pot can only help someone to lose weight if it is used to cook lower-calorie, and low-fat food.

Having said that, a multicooker could help someone to shed some fat, and keep them on track through the convenience that they bring. Losing weight in the New Year could be very beneficial healthwise, and in other ways too.There are a number of unintended benefits of losing weight, and these include gaining a boost in self-esteem. Apart from feeling more healthy, you will feel much better about yourself. Before embarking on any new diet and fitness regime, however, it is always worth discussing it with your regular doctor.

Once you prepare your home for the winter, you can now focus on reducing your gas bill during the cold winter months.

You can, therefore, reuse any heat or pick the perfect clothing for the cold winter months. It is beneficial to lower your gas bill since it can save you money. Keeping your boiler in good working order is essential to its economy, sign up for protection at www.corgihomeplan.co.uk.

Here are the top tips for reducing your gas bill during the cold winter months:

1. Regulate the Thermostat

It is easy to regulate a smart or manual thermostat. Therefore, one of the best ways of reducing gas bills is regulating the thermostat.

To save some money, you can reduce the temperature of the thermostat by 1°C every week. You can heat your home at 20°C (68°F) to make your home more comfortable for the people living in your home.

If no one is at home, you can reduce the temperature to 13°C (55°F) since you do not have to heat your home when no one is at home. If you heat your home, you will just waste energy.

If you want to go to sleep, you can set the thermostat to 15–16°C (60°F). However, you need to set the thermostat to 20°C (68°F) when you are waking up.

2. Avoid Using a Wood-Burning Fireplace

A lot of people use wood-burning fireplaces to generate heat in their homes. If you, therefore, have a wood-burning fireplace in your home, you do not have to use it to generate heat.

A wood-burning fireplace generates heat. However, most of the heat escapes your home through your chimney. In addition, the hot air leaves your home, so cold air gets into your home through the gaps in your air vents, doors, and windows.

Therefore, you are more likely to use more energy to keep your home during the cold winter months. Also, a wood-burning fireplace can do more damage to our environment.

3. Dress Appropriately

Dress appropriately to keep yourself warm during the winter months. Wearing appropriate clothing can even stop you from adjusting the thermostat.

It is, therefore, important to purchase a fleece bathrobe, a heavy sweater, and merino wool socks. They can keep you warm. And they can even lower your gas bill.

You can also purchase:

• Merino wool slippers
• A cashmere beanie
• A wool poncho
• Long underwear
• Thermal leggings

3. Get a Portable Electric Heater

If you stay alone or you spend most of the time alone in your house, you can get a portable electric heater. It is much cheaper to use a portable electric heater. It, however, costs more money to heat your home with central heating.

If you are in your bedroom, use your portable electric heater to heat your bedroom. You do not have to heat the other rooms. It can, therefore, lower your gas bill.

It is, however, risky to leave a portable electric heater unattended since it can cause a fire. You need to turn off your portable electric heater before leaving the room.

5. Reuse Heat

Having a hot shower or cooking in your oven can generate heat. You can, therefore, reuse this heat. The heat can increase the temperature of your house. Once you finish cooking, do not close the oven door.

Keep the door oven open to increase the temperature of your kitchen. Once you take a hot shower, do not close the bathroom door. Keeping the bathroom door open can increase the temperature of your other rooms and save energy making you more environmentally friendly.

6. Close Your Curtains

The temperature drops quickly in the evening. Once the sun sets, you need to close your blinds, blinds, and windows to keep your home warm.

Closing the blinds and curtains can prevent cool air from entering your home. They can, therefore, help keep your house warm and lower your gas bill.

7. Get Insulated Window Panels or Thermal Curtains

Last, but not least, you need to get thermal insulated curtains. The high-density foam core of these curtains can prevent heat from leaving your home. In addition, the extra layer of these curtains can block outside noise. So, the outside noise will not enter your house.

It is even better to buy insulated window panels since they can save you more money. The foam panels press closely against the windows to keep your home warmer and prevent cold air from entering your home.

However, they cannot improve the appearance of your home since they are not aesthetically pleasing. You can use regular curtains to make your home beautiful since they are aesthetically pleasing.