
Embarrassed people turning to unreliable sources for financial help
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People are turning to AI for financial advice as new data reveals one in five 18-24 year olds have used artificial intelligence tools for help with money. The Money Talks report from MoneySuperMarket and suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) shows younger people are also being influenced by financial content on social media.
The report also found that young people are feeling pressured by social media to make more money, with a third saying the content they viewed made them feel they have to be financially successful. And one in 10 said that after going online they felt influenced to invest in riskier products such as NFTs or cryptocurrency.
Four out of 10 young people said they did not feel confident when it comes to money, but over half said embarrassment would stop them from asking friends, family or other adults in their lives for help with managing money. Instead, they are using AI tools and social media to fill in the gaps in their financial knowledge - leaving them vulnerable if they do not check if that information is accurate and credible.
MoneySuperMarket's personal finance expert Kara Gammell said: 'This research underscores the financial and mental health challenges facing younger people. The taboo that stops people talking about money and money worries is not only impacting people's finances, it's harming their well-being too.
'We're proud to partner with Campaign Against Living Miserably on the Money Talks campaign. Together, we're providing resources and support to make it easier to talk about money and to access information to help make financial decisions. These resources are available for everyone at moneysupermarket.com/moneytalks.'

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Whatever you do, don't pretend someone else is the main driver – that is known as 'fronting', and is illegal. Generally, the smaller and less powerful the car, the cheaper it will be to insure. Go for something in a low insurance group (cars are put into one of 50 groups), typically the less expensive models with small engines and where the cost of parts and repairs are generally lower. The cheapest for 17- to 25-year-olds include Volkswagen's up! (averaging £576 a year), the Suzuki Alto (£597) and the Fiat 500 (£604), according to 'This shows it is smaller cars – specifically modest one-litre engine hatchbacks – which are taking the top spots as the cheapest cars to insure for young drivers,' says Tom Banks at Buying secondhand will keep costs down. Just make sure it is in good condition and has a full service history. 'Avoid making modifications, too, as these could lead to a hike in the price,' says Andrew Lee at the insurer Marmalade, which specialises in young drivers. A black box, or telematics, is a great way to reduce costs over time. A small device (or an app on your phone) tracks how safely you drive. If you stick to speed limits, avoid harsh braking and do not drive late at night, you could earn a lower insurance quote or repayments, adds Banks. 'If the data shows consistent safe driving, insurers might reward policyholders with benefits like lower premiums, cashback or a voucher, either during your policy term, or when it's time to renew,' he adds. According to the median price for a 19-year-old driver with a telematics policy is £864 a year. This compares with £1,096 without telematics. At age 23, the difference is only £21: £636 with telematics; £657 without. If you don't make a claim, you will earn a no-claims discount, which can further reduce costs. However, there are some potential disadvantages to a black box. It will record poor habits and so could result in higher premiums. 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If your building has designated private parking, whether gated or residents only, that is also usually rated as safer than street parking. If you have a fob-controlled or gated car park, even better. Mention it when getting quotes. And adding a steering wheel lock, immobiliser or dashcam can help. The more secure your car, the less of a risk it poses – and the more likely something will be shaved off your premium. What you put as your job title can affect how much you pay – sometimes by hundreds of pounds. That's because data based on years of claims is used. Some professions are flagged as higher risk, either because of how often people in those jobs claim, or the way they are perceived to use their cars. Many forms include a dropdown menu for job titles, and choosing a different, but still legitimately accurate, title – such as 'writer' instead of 'journalist' – could lower your premium. Make sure it is truthful. False information could invalidate your policy. 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Daily Record
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- Daily Record
Homeowners warned over disposable vapes fire risk ahead of UK-wide ban this weekend
Disposable vapes will be illegal to sell both in stores and online from June 1. From this weekend it will be illegal to buy or sell disposable vapes in Britain. The bright-coloured, disposable e-cigs will be stripped from shelves up and down the UK in a bid to protect the environment and to deter young children from taking up the nasty habit that can cause several serious health complications. But, with reusable vapes containing lithium batteries still legal and many stockpiling single-use vapes ahead of the ban, experts are urging vapers to protect themselves and their homes. Vapes might be small, but the risk they pose is anything but. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, these devices can overheat, explode and cause serious house fires - and the problem is only getting worse, with the number of vapers in Britain reaching a record 5.6 million adults. When a lithium battery is damaged, overheats or short-circuits, it can trigger a chain reaction that causes it to burst into flames at up to 1,000°C2. These fires spread fast, release toxic fumes and produce deep-seated flames that are difficult to put out due to the battery's core being surrounded by other parts. In some cases, they can even reignite hours or days later because of residual chemical energy. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Alicia Hempsted, Home Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: 'Many vapers don't realise that using the wrong charger, leaving a vape on something flammable, like a bed, while charging, or using a damaged battery can quickly escalate into a fire. 'While home insurance may cover the damage, prevention is always better than a claim. Always use the correct charger, inspect your vape for any damage, and charge it on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Never leave it charging overnight or on soft materials like beds or sofas. Taking these simple steps can help keep you safe and avoid a disaster.' Could a Vape Fire Affect Your Home Insurance? Most home insurance policies cover fire damage, but it's important to know that if the fire is caused by negligence, improper charging, or the use of counterfeit products, your claim could be delayed or even rejected. Insurance companies may not cover incidents that occur due to preventable risks, leaving homeowners with the financial burden of repairs, lost belongings, and potential temporary relocation. Alicia added: "A fire in your home can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. While home insurance can offer a safety net, it's not a guarantee that every claim will be accepted - especially if negligence is involved. Taking proactive steps, like using the correct charger, checking your vape for damage, and safely storing batteries, can help prevent a fire before it starts." How to Protect Your Home from Vape Fires Battery Safety Avoid metal contact: Never carry vape batteries loose in a pocket or bag with coins or keys, as this can cause a short circuit. Store spares properly: Keep removable or spare batteries in a plastic case, away from children. Check for damage: If a battery is leaking, overheating, or has dents, stop using it immediately. Dispose of old batteries safely: Check with your local authority for proper disposal options and never put used batteries in the bin. Charging Safely Use the right charger: Only charge your vape with the manufacturer's charger, not a phone or tablet charger. Don't charge overnight: Never leave your vape charging unattended, especially while sleeping. Unplug when full: Overcharging can cause overheating and fire risks. Charge on a safe surface: Keep your vape on a flat, fire-resistant surface, away from flammable items. Buying Safe Vape Equipment Buy from reputable sellers: Cheap, fake, or second-hand vape products may lack safety features. Use the correct batteries: Not all batteries are safe for vaping - always use those recommended for your device. Don't mix batteries: Never use old and new batteries together or mix brands. Choose vapes with safety features: Look for devices with protection against overcharging, button locks, and vent holes.


Metro
26-05-2025
- Metro
Schools should teach money management after teens turn to AI, parents say
Schools should teach children how to manage their finances on top of the mitochondria being the powerhouse of the cell, parents say. A report released today says that four out of 10 18 to 24-year-olds do not feel confident about money. But half said embarrassment stops them from chatting with their friends and family for advice. Instead, one in five turn to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for help, while six in 10 look to social media users on Instagram and TikTok. The solution, more than half of parents told MoneySuperMarket and suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), is to teach money management in schools and universities. The Money Talks report showed that 92% of young adults agreed, saying financial schooling would have helped them feel less trapped and clueless. Chris Almos, 22, is among those turning to AI for help managing their cash. He said: 'I never discussed money with my parents or other members of my family. It just wasn't something that we talked about. 'I've had to learn how to manage my money the hard way. I'm much better with money now, but working out how to manage it on my own has definitely been a challenge.' Chris added: 'I don't think anywhere near as many young people would be relying on AI and social media if there wasn't a stigma around talking about money.' MoneySuperMarket, a money-saving platform, and CALM surveyed 2,045 Britons in February. As the cost of living crisis continues, 87% of the young people polled said they worry about not having enough money. The pressure to be financially successful is something 84% are concerned about. Four in 10 worry about how many zeros are in their bank accounts every day – two in 10 multiple times a day. And they have their reasons. Six in 10 are struggling to afford essentials – such as groceries, travel and rent – and one in two are afraid to even look at their bank balance. To get by, one in two has used Buy Now, Pay Later in the past year. One in four has taken out a loan. One young person, not named in the report, said they are in debt as their job doesn't pay enough. They added: 'It makes me feel very depressed, and it does keep me up at night a lot because I worry about how I'm going to pay it off. 'I just think all the time about how much better my life could have been if I didn't have that.' Financial education isn't compulsory in UK schools, though it is touched on in maths and Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education. For youngsters to be financially literate, they need 30 hours of teaching, a study in 2023 found. But this is something that not all teachers have the time or resources to do. The few students who did receive a financial education were only taught for 48 minutes a month on average. Teaching young people what credit scores are and how overdrafts work would help them feel more confident, the Money Talks report said. More Trending How money impacts mental health, why cryptocurrency can be risky and how to spot shoddy money advice should also be on the curriculum. MoneySuperMarket's personal finance expert Kara Gammell said: 'This research underscores the financial and mental health challenges facing younger people. 'The taboo that stops people talking about money and money worries is not only impacting people's finances, it's harming their well-being too.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Warning as building society to cut interest rates on dozens of accounts MORE: Wear a uniform to work? You could be owed hundreds of pounds from the government MORE: Six simple tips that can save you £60 on your phone bill