Latest news with #SarahDavidson
Metro
4 days ago
- Business
- Metro
My flatmate pays rent and bills but never buys shared household essentials
Everyone who's lived in houseshares has a few flatmate horror stories, from the ridiculously noisy to the chronically cleaning-averse. But sometimes it's a bit more nuanced, and one small habit can turn an otherwise great situation into a resentment-fuelled nightmare. That's the case for Jen, 28, from Manchester, who got in touch about bringing up an awkward issue — as well as being the only one in her flat who replaces household essentials, she's also footing the bill for them all. In this week's Money Problem, personal finance journalist and consumer champion, Sarah Davidson, shares her perspective. If you've got a money problem you'd like Sarah to look into, fill in this online form or email providing as much detail about your situation as possible. No issue is too big or small, and all submissions will be treated with the strictest confidence. I've lived with Becky* for the last five months, after my old flatmate moved out and the landlord brought her in as a replacement. For the most part, it's a good situation – we're not friends as such, but we occasionally hang out, and are both the same level of clean and quiet. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The issue is that although she pays her share of rent and bills on time, stuff like milk, toothpaste, and kitchen and toilet roll are left to me – and it really adds up. When she first moved in, we discussed shared essentials and agreed that we'd each get what was needed as and when, then split the cost. Ever since though, I'm the only one who's actually replaced anything, and my texts asking her to transfer half the cash go ignored. I've tried to mention it in conversation too, but she brushes it off saying she'll sort then never does. While I know I could just stop buying things or get them for myself, I can't handle having to go without or spend my life hiding washing up liquid in my room. I also don't want to start a full-blown argument about it, as we have to live together for at least until her lease (12 months) ends. Is there any way I can bring this up without it ending badly? How. Annoying. I think your problem will resonate with most people who have lived with roommates at some point in their lives. There's always one who eats your bread and never buys milk. But I agree with you, life's too short to keep loo roll under your bed instead of in the bathroom where it belongs. So, how to fix this 'without it ending badly'. First question – what does ending badly look like to you? It sounds like you're uncomfortable with confrontation and the 'full blown argument' is what you're worried about. Second question – what would a good ending look like? Ideally, you want Becky to contribute 50/50 to the household essentials without having to nag her. The answer (and I think you know this) is to talk to her about it. Not in passing and not by text. You also need to be clear, up front, about what outcome you are seeking at the end of the conversation. Before you get to this stage, though, I'd arm yourself with some facts. Make a list of the household essentials you share. Be specific about exactly how much is used collectively each month and write it down – two rolls of kitchen paper, half a bottle of washing up liquid, two pints of milk a week. Whatever it is, if you're both using it, it goes onto the list. Go back through receipts or check a supermarket online and put a price on each of those items. Again, write it down so you've got your monthly total. Is it a reasonable number? What could come off that list? Next time you find yourself having a chat in the kitchen and neither of you is in a rush to go anywhere, ask her if she's got half an hour in the next couple of days to sit down and go through your household expenses. Suggest she make a list of what she's got for the house over the past six months (approximately) and cost it up. Book a time, make a cup of tea and sit down with your lists. Tot it up, agree what you're both using and are happy to split and put a number on it. You both need to agree that this is what needs to be kept aside at start of the month, every month. Be accountable – the best way to do this is to keep track of spending and make sure you're both aware of the running total at all times. When I was a student, we had a jar in the kitchen and stuck cash in it once a week. When it ran out we all stuck a bit more in, and if there was any left over we got a takeaway together. Things have moved on a bit since then. but there are some fantastic apps that make things really easy to track. Splitwise is great, particularly if you're the one who does most of the shopping. It will keep a running total of what you've spent and she'll be able to see exactly what she owes you. You can pay each other back through the app by connecting your bank account securely or using PayPal. App-only banks Monzo and Revolut have a similar function, though you'll both need to have your own accounts. And budgeting app Emma is also a good option, allowing you to pay someone using a QR code you generate on your phone. There are plenty of others too. One word of caution: be mindful of the fact she might be struggling with money and that's why she's relying on you. This isn't fair, but it is something you and she may have to manage. Perhaps it can help to suggest shopping somewhere cheaper or cutting back on certain things. More Trending Ultimately though, you need to come to an agreement that's realistic for you both and make it as easy as possible to stick to. Personally (as long as you can afford to) I'd swallow my frustration up to now, wipe the slate clean and start afresh. It'll clear the air and there's no way she can claim unfairness. Sarah Davidson is an award-winning financial editor and head of research at WPB . View More » Got a money worry or dilemma? Email Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Sending one polite email can get a free hotel upgrade – trust me MORE: What I Own: At 22 and 23, we bought a run-down London four-bed for £910,000 MORE: I pay £480 for my rent and bills in London — I've saved £5,000 in less than a year Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
CTV News
23-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
‘Just gross': Parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba dealing with ‘very high risk' air quality ratings
Much of Saskatchewan is under an air quality warning due to smoke from burning wildfires. Allison Bamford reports. Much of Saskatchewan is under an air quality warning due to smoke from burning wildfires. Allison Bamford reports. Air quality warnings blanketed much of central and southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba as smoke from northern wildfires blew in. In Saskatoon, the air quality health index hovered around the 10-plus mark for most of Tuesday, the highest rating on the scale. 'When you're in that 10+ range (on the air quality health index), anybody is at risk for symptoms,' said Christopher Pascoe, an associate professor of physiology at the University of Manitoba. 'For some health consequences if you're outside for too long.' Common short-term exposure effects can feel like seasonal allergies and include burning eyes, runny nose, throat irritation and headache. Pascoe says shortness of breath, wheezing and difficulty breathing are not uncommon. The symptoms can appear worse in those with chronic diseases. Sarah Davidson lives in Saskatoon and suffers from asthma. She says her condition makes the wildfire smoke 'extra yucky,' and is avoiding outdoor activities while using her puffer more frequently to make up for the lack of fresh air. 'Even waking up, my windows weren't even open, but you could smell it (smoke) in the house,' she said. 'It's just gross.' Davidson says she can feel it every time she breathes in that gross smell. Her chest gets tight, and she feels phlegmy. Others are combatting the side effects with masks left over from the pandemic. 'It makes me feel like I have a cold all the time. Like it's hard to breathe. I get a runny nose, and it's generally unpleasant being outside,' Aden Ritter told CTV News while wearing a mask. If people living in areas with air quality warnings must go outside for extended periods of time, health professionals recommend wearing a tightly-fitted N95 mask and taking frequent breaks indoors. Rescue inhalers and medications to open airways are important tools during these air quality warnings, according to Pascoe. 'If you have asthma or COPD, you'll need it a lot more,' Pascoe said. 'You may feel an air hunger, where it feels like you can't get a fill breath in.' Environment Canada expects the winds to shift by the weekend, which will give southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba a short break from the smoke.
Metro
21-07-2025
- General
- Metro
I've always paid my own way — but my younger sister is a spoilt brat
Sibling rivalry can be intense at the best of times. But when you add in favouritism (or even the belief that one side's getting preferential treatment) things get really ugly. Nina, a 41-year-old Metro reader from Glasgow, has long believed her sister is babied by their parents. While her mum and dad play down their youngest daughter's financial dependence to avoid conflict, Nina's worried about what'll happen when they're older and need support themselves. In this week's Money Problem, personal finance journalist and consumer champion, Sarah Davidson, shares her perspective. If you've got a money problem you'd like Sarah to look into, fill in this online form or email providing as much detail about your situation as possible. No issue is too big or small, and all submissions will be treated with the strictest confidence. My sister is only nine years younger than me, but she might as well be a child when it comes to money – and our parents enable her helplessness, much to my annoyance. While I've worked since I was 16, moved out by 18 and have never taken a handout from my mum and dad (not that they've ever offered) she's still living at home and can't seem to hold on to a job for more than a few months at a time. She doesn't pay a penny in rent and my dad covers all her bills and spending, which I know for a fact he can't really afford. I could probably accept this if she at least helped them out in other ways but she barely lifts a finger, as if it's her right to be bankrolled and waited on around the house. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Whenever I mention how spoilt she is, my mum and dad tell me not to be spiteful. But why is she allowed to sponge off them while I've had to graft? Are they really going to spend their retirement funding her mistakes? And what happens when they can't take care of her anymore – will I be expected to take her in? It's all so unfair. Dear Nina, The fate of the elder sister – you're the first to grow up, push your parents' boundaries, get into trouble and to take responsibility for yourself. To eldest siblings everywhere (and I count myself among you) it can sometimes seem like a tough deal. If I totted up how much money I spent at 25 buying loo roll for my brother, then 22 and living with me in London for 'just a few weeks' (two years), well… But spare a thought for younger siblings too – they're constantly being compared to you. Either they don't do as well or they feel under pressure to outperform you. They're not only being bossed around by your parents, but also by you. Their big achievements aren't a first for your family – you and any other siblings you share have probably already got that T-shirt. And middle children? Let's not even go there. At least the youngest is the baby of the family and, like your own sister it would seem, is indulged where the rest of you were perhaps expected to stand on your own two feet rather sooner. As you correctly identify, it's all so unfair. But then, you don't need me to tell you life isn't fair. Most brothers and sisters want their parents to treat them the same. However, rather than focusing on feeling hard done by, maybe look at it another way. I'd argue that parents are inherently programmed to nurture their children according to their needs – and different children have different needs. You're feeling put out because you perceive your sister as being given exactly what she wants. Your parents might see it differently. Consider this: is being at home for now actually be what she needs? It sounds like you are a self-starter and she isn't. Why is that? Does she need a little bit more support? Now, it may be that your sister is taking advantage of your parents here. She wouldn't be the first. But forget her for a moment. What is it you're really annoyed about in this situation? 'Are my parents really going to spend their retirement funding her mistakes,' you ask. 'Why is she allowed to sponge off them while I've had to graft? And what happens when they can't take care of her anymore – will I be expected to take her in?' This isn't about your sister. It's about you. What you really mean is, why are they spending your inheritance on her ? All of this comes down to choices, Nina. Ultimately, this isn't your decision to make. It's your parents' money and they're entitled to spend it on whatever they like. Obviously, right now they want to spend it on your sister. Whatever the reason and whether it's fair or not, it's their choice and you should probably respect it. If you don't, it will inevitably harm your relationship with them and, even, with your sister. Instead of fretting, consider why you care about this situation so much. Do you need some help with money? Are you feeling neglected by your parents? Or your own relationships at home? Are you equating money with love? More Trending Try talking to them about how you feel. Do it with grace and lay out your reasons for being uncomfortable with the situation. And before you start, have in mind what outcome you want from this. Nobody likes a spoilt brat, but nobody likes a moaner either. Sarah Davidson is an award-winning financial editor and head of research at WPB . View More » Got a money worry or dilemma? Email Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: No parent should feel the need to apologise when their child cries MORE: I tried to give Gran a hug – her reaction still haunts me MORE: Pass the parcel? My child is invited to parties with hummers and helicopters Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
14-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Help — I'm being stonewalled by Amazon bots and can't get a refund
As companies move towards AI-powered everything, it's becoming increasingly difficult to speak to an actual human when you need help. Anthony, a Metro reader from London, is one of countless people who finds this frustrating — especially so after a recent issue with Amazon. He's going round in circles trying to sort out a product return through the site's customer service bots, and can't get through to a person no matter how hard he tries. In this week's Money Problem, personal finance journalist and consumer champion, Sarah Davidson, offers her advice on breaking the stalemate. If you've got a money problem you'd like Sarah to look into, fill in this online form or email providing as much detail about your situation as possible. No issue is too big or small, and all submissions will be treated with the strictest confidence. My problem is in some ways small but I believe it hides a mountain of difficulty for most of us ordinary folk. I recently ordered an item on Amazon but it didn't arrive until four days after it was due and when I opened it, I discovered it was the wrong size. I followed the instructions provided by Amazon to get a refund to the best of my ability, posting it back to the seller using the label Amazon gave me. But now I am getting push back from the seller who says they haven't received it. I've tried to contact Amazon but am either blocked or dealt with only by Amazon robots saying that they have ended the claim. I've written a letter to complain but I can find no way to send it – Amazon only seems to offer a chat line limiting comment to 70 words. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video I feel they do everything to thwart any complaint and I am at a loss. I think that the public should see what is happening here – I don't believe that I can be the only one. I wonder how much this occurs and how many people are being cheated in this way. Dear Anthony, Thank you for raising this – as you say, it's highly unlikely your experience is unusual. You told me the item in question cost you £11, which might seem like a small amount to some people, but it will make a difference to others who need every penny to keep up with bills and the cost of living. Moreover, say 1,000 people end up £11 out of pocket, then that's £11,000 that hasn't been refunded to customers – hardly negligible. Now imagine that number when you consider that last year Amazon delivered more than one billion items for Prime members in the UK the same or next day. Even if just one in 10,000 customers is unable to get a refund for a wrong or faulty item, we are talking millions of pounds. Metro contacted Amazon via its press office on your behalf and, on this occasion, we have secured you a full refund, which will arrive within five business days. We did also ask Amazon to explain how you could have done this on your own behalf and how often this sort of thing happens to other customers, but didn't get an answer to either question. Although this is a satisfactory outcome for you on this occasion, it does beg the question, what about everyone else? It shouldn't have got to the stage where a national newspaper had to sort the situation out for you. Sadly, this is the sorry state of affairs we're dealing with today. You do have rights and some simple ways to protect yourself though. Follow these general guidelines to stay safe. Pay for your purchases using a credit card. In the UK you're protected by the Consumer Credit Act under section 75. This means if you buy anything costing more than £100 and less than £30,000 on your credit card, you can get your money back from your card provider instead of chasing the retailer if something goes wrong. They will then try to get the money back from the retailer themselves. Use chargeback If you've paid for an item using a debit or credit card or a charge card and the retailer is refusing to refund you, you can contact your bank and ask them to reverse the transaction. You'll need to show that you didn't get what you paid for – either the item wasn't received, was faulty or not what you ordered – and that you've already tried to get a refund from the retailer yourself. You can claim any amount back this way if your card is with Visa or American Express. If you're with Mastercard, you'll need to have spent a minimum of £10 to use chargeback. Complain You should write a formal complaint to the retailer directly if you're not happy or can't get a refund. Sometimes, this can prompt a refund via the customer complaints team. Go over their heads If you have already complained to the retailer and aren't getting anywhere, you can raise a dispute with Trading Standards. Ask for help If you're struggling with the bureaucracy, you can seek help from Citizens Advice by calling 0808 223 1133 in England and Wales or 0808 164 6000 in Scotland. If you receive a faulty item or it doesn't match the description or quality, you've got 30 days to return it and get a full refund. The retailer can choose to replace the item or knock some money off what you paid rather than giving you a refund. But if they do this once and you're still not satisfied, they have to refund you in full. More Trending The refund rules apply even if you're buying a service or digital content, such as streaming services. If you just change your mind and want to return an item, the retailer will offer you a credit note instead of a cash refund. Sarah Davidson is an award-winning financial editor and head of research at WPB . View More » Got a money worry or dilemma? Email MORE: Prime Day 2025's must-shop K-beauty deals, according to people who know skin MORE: I swear by this body cleanser to exfoliate my skin – and it's just £16 this Prime Day MORE: From vests to socks, these wardrobe staples are on sale this Amazon Prime Day Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Metro
07-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
My wife hid £5,000 in a secret savings account — do I have a right to be angry?
Ever heard of a 'f*** off fund'? These savings pots – secretly built up to provide a cushion if you need to leave a relationship – are surprisingly common, especially among women. But while it may make financial sense to protect yourself, the idea you're even thinking about a breakup can be unsettling for a partner — as this week's Money Problem reader knows all too well. When 45-year-old Alan, from Gloucester, discovered his wife's private stash of cash, it rocked the foundation of his seemingly-happy marriage, leading him to wonder whether she's got one foot out of the door. Here, personal finance journalist and consumer champion, Sarah Davidson, offers her perspective. If you've got a money problem you'd like Sarah to look into, fill in this online form or email providing as much detail about your situation as possible. No issue is too big or small, and all submissions will be treated with the strictest confidence. I've been with my wife for the past 20 years, and (at least in my view) our marriage has always been strong. We have two kids aged 14 and 16, a nice house and a strong support network – plus, I make a decent enough wage to ensure she's only ever had to work part-time. All our friends say how happy we seem together too, jokingly referring to our family as the Brady Bunch. We both put all our money into a joint account and my wife handles the bills so I don't really consider what's coming in and out. However, a few days ago I needed to find a payment reference and, as I was going through the transaction history, I spotted a series of deposits to another account. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video When I spoke to her, she admitted she's been putting small amounts into a separate account for years without telling me, apparently 'just in case' anything happens and she needs spare cash. In total, she's saved up about £5,000. I was pretty gutted, as I thought there were no secrets between us. Surely the only reason she'd do this is because she's preparing to leave or doesn't think I provide for her and the kids – neither of which feels great. But at the same time, I do understand that she's always made less than me and deserves to have some financial independence. Are private rainy day funds a common thing in marriages or is this a major red flag? And do I even have a right to be upset? Dear Alan, Thank you for sharing this – it's not a small thing to be open about. We often think of money as something purely practical – is there enough coming in to cover everything going out? Have we got enough set aside to pay for anything unexpected? What's in the holiday/car/house fund? Yet few things in a relationship are as sensitive to deal with. Money is highly emotive for all of us, and never more so than when it comes to giving and receiving it. From what you've shared, it seems that you and your family are reasonably comfortable. It doesn't sound as though you've suffered what many couples do, a constant fraught fight to keep up with bills, rent or the mortgage. As a result, perhaps, you're not so familiar with money being a factor in how you and your wife feel about each other. Before I get to whether your wife's savings are a red flag or if you have a right to be upset, let's consider a few things. The first is that you are the main breadwinner and your wife works part-time. Consider how each of you feels about your jobs: Do you have careers or is work a means to an end? Have you always earned more than her? Did she give up working to look after your children? How does her work and income today match up to her career expectations 20 years ago? Does your job take you away from home regularly? How do you feel about your career and how it affects your sense of worth? How does she feel about hers? The answers to these questions should give you a sense of how each of you feels about the role that work and earning has in your lives. For the majority of us, earning the money we have is a source of pride. It gives us a sense of control over our lives because we earned it. The opposite can also be true. While you see the money in your marriage as being a joint enterprise, your wife might feel less confident about it being an equal split if you're earning the lion's share. It doesn't matter if your marriage is a rock solid 50/50, the earnings imbalance exists in pounds and pence. And that can be scary if you're not the one in control. The second is that you say she's been putting money away for years but you've only just noticed. It sounds like you're considering the fact you've trusted her blindly for all this time, and now you've discovered the payments, feel she's abused that trust. But you have had the ability to look at your joint account all that time, and could have asked her about it after the first payment went out. She may not have talked to you about it but neither has she hidden it. Not to mention, when you spoke to her, she seems to have been open about it. The third thing you might consider was what was going on in your relationship when she started saving this money. It could be that she set up a standing order five or 10 years ago and just hasn't stopped it. While you've discovered this savings pot today, her reasons for starting it are rooted much further back. Perhaps she saw a loved one suddenly needing money after an unexpected breakup and wanted to feel safe herself, even if her feelings about your relationship were unwavering. Now, you've asked me three questions, which I'll attempt to answer. Surely the only reason she'd do this is because she's preparing to leave or doesn't think I provide for her and the kids? This reaction is understandable but kneejerk. It doesn't sound like your marriage is about to end. It sounds like your wife has been quite practical about being prepared for the worst while hoping that never happens. Are private rainy day funds a common thing in marriages or is this a major red flag? It's more common than you might think. AJ Bell did some research a few years ago and found that one in four men has some money stashed away from his wife, while one in five women has cash her husband knows nothing about. Additionally, private and secret are not necessarily the same thing. What matters for you is why your wife chose to save some money into an account in her own name. Having rainy day savings is always a good idea – whether in your own name or a joint account. And do I even have a right to be upset? Having a right to be upset is neither here nor there – you are upset. This isn't about money, it's about the perception of trust. You and your wife need to ask each other with why you feel upset and why she wanted to save into her own account. I can't help with that, but I suspect that you'll come out of this okay. It sounds like you two have an enviably strong relationship and some loving children and family. What's upset you is feeling left out; her reasons for saving may have been down to worry that she could be left out in future. To mend the trust that this £5,000 'just in case' money seems to have shaken, why don't you decide together what to do next? More Trending You might splash out on a family holiday or romantic break for just the two of you, or decide to build £5,000 savings in an account in your name too. I'd wager the best thing you could do though, is to show her you trust her to keep it exactly where it is. Sarah Davidson is an award-winning financial editor and head of research at WPB . View More » Got a money worry or dilemma? 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