Latest news with #Stephen
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Why women are more skint than ever and five ways to make sure you get what you deserve from your husband
NIAMH Spence draws in a sharp breath as she opens the banking app on her phone. It is two weeks until she gets paid and she only has a few pounds left in her account. 4 This strikes fear in her heart. As a mum to four-year-old Evie, Niamh realises she still has to shop for dinner items, a kid's birthday present and a bottle of wine for the nursery's raffle. Although the freelance PR worker earns a good wage to equal that of her fiancé, lorry driver Stephen, she is always left skint weeks before pay day — while he is not. Does it sound familiar? Women across the UK are finding that their income is burned through much faster than their partners'. There are endless chats on forums such as Mumsnet around the issue . . . 'Skint wife and Rich Husband — please help', 'I'm so much poorer than my partner' and 'Spouses with very different spending habits' to mention a few. A study by credit company Intrum found women spend 64 per cent of their income on essential items, while men get through just 53 per cent. Women were also more likely to go into debt to cover everyday necessities. Niamh, 34, of Salford, Greater Manchester, says: 'Every month my bank account is hammered by our bills, while my partner keeps his healthily balanced. 'We split household bills down the middle, with him transferring his half to me weekly, when he is paid. 'But there are always extra, invisible expenses that come with the territory, especially for mums, which see me fork out more money than he does.' TV personal finance expert Jane Hawkes says it is a widespread problem and one that has been increased by the decline of the joint bank account. She says: 'It is clear women end up spending more on just about everything on a daily basis, from picking up 'a few bits' for dinner to buying presents for countless birthdays. 'And most importantly there is the death of the joint account, which is seeing women using their account for multiple purchases. Those everyday outgoings hit women harder.' Joint accounts are in sharp decline. TSB found in 2024 that only 12 per cent of couples share all their finances in a joint account. Of those with one of these set-ups, four out of five people also had an individual account. While ditching the joint account and having control of your individual finances may seem like a mark of financial freedom, there is a downside when it comes to running a family home — as Niamh, who doesn't have a joint account, found. She says: 'A joint account was never on the cards for us. So many bills were already set up in my name from before Steve and I lived together, it felt like a lot of admin to change that, and he's always just paid half of our monthly budget into my account. 'It always felt less hassle, which might be why we've fallen into this comfortable habit. I was always wary of a joint account for a number of reasons. 'A joint account seems quite outdated. But without one, the parent who does the lion's share of the jobs simply picks up a bigger tab.' In the current financial climate, women in heterosexual households are increasingly finding themselves broke. A study by consumer research company NIQ found that women make between 70 and 80 per cent of household buying decisions. Plus, nearly 60 per cent of female grocery shoppers did most — if not all — the food purchasing for their households, according to market research firm Statista. 'Donations and trips' Niamh says: 'The food shopping falls to me, but it's the other items too. 'I drop off at the nursery and therefore pick up the communications about World Book Day costumes, donations and day trips. Therefore, it's me who coughs up. 'I check Evie's bag nightly, so I deal with all the party invitations and buying the presents. 'None of those things cost a lot of money, but they all add up. 'When you look at it over the course of a month, it's a sizeable chunk of cash. 'Add in dance classes and gymnastics, all of which I take her to and organise, and there's a few hundred pounds extra I pay for each month.' A big problem with the money balance in couples is that admin often comes down to mums. A 2020 poll found 73 per cent of women who live with a partner felt they did more 'invisible labour' than their partner. Niamh says: 'It's always me realising Evie needs a new coat or has outgrown her shoes, so I foot the bill. 'I'm the one who purchases things for our home, I notice we need an air freshener, a candle or that Evie's had her nursery pictures taken so we need more photo frames. 'These just don't come into Steve's periphery. 'Also, the pink tax, where products marketed towards women are priced higher than their male counterparts, even if the products are essentially the same, is a real issue. 'If I buy toiletries for myself, they're always more expensive than Steve's. I don't treat myself to anything special, but everyday things like razors are about £2 more expensive for women for the same product. 'It's not that Steve wouldn't want to pay. 'In fact, on the odd occasion I've mentioned it, he has been mortified that I'm left out of pocket, and has insisted on transferring money over to me to cover costs. 'But the amounts are so small, it doesn't feel worth mentioning.' A TSB survey found that 40 per cent of people who thought their financial situation was unfair had never raised the matter with their partner. 'Serious implications' Niamh says: 'I'm not going to sit around in the evening, as we enjoy our precious hour of alone time, saying, 'I had to put in £5 for a teacher collection today, can you transfer £2.50 to me'. 'But that's how it all adds up, and really, he can only pay for what he knows about. 'Steve has always been really upset on the odd occasion when I have pointed it out. 'I know he's not deliberately trying to make me pay more, it just feels like financial ignorance — and not intentional either. 'I'm the one who feels sick watching the money drain from my account every month. We have spoken about trying to make our finances more even, because we know it could have serious implications for the future. 'We live in a house that I own from before we met, but we've looked at getting a mortgage together in the future. 'When we looked at how much we could borrow, I was rigorously questioned by the mortgage company on how I could afford the huge amount that leaves my account every month. 'Whereas Steve has a near-perfect credit score thanks to his predictable, regular payments to me.' Steve says: 'Niamh has just shown me how much extra she is spending every month. 'It has come as a big surprise. It's really important to me that our bills are split equally. 'I've heard the phrase 'invisible admin' before but didn't realise it was happening to us. 'I'm going to make sure she notes everything down as it really isn't fair. 'I'm shocked.' FIVE WAYS TO GET EVEN PERSONAL finance expert Jane Hawkes explains why women find themselves out of pocket – and advises how to even things up. GET A PAPER CALENDAR: Almost three-quarters of childcare is taken on by women, which means expenses over the school holidays also fall mainly to Mum. A paper calendar is your cost-sharing friend. For each day of the school holidays, make a note on the calendar about what the plan is. Pop a note beside it detailing expected costs. Your other half then needs to put half of this cost into your account by the end of the week. ADOPT THE SQUIRREL METHOD: The little extra spend of 50p for the PTA raffle, £2.50 for school dinner or £2 on parking mount up – and leave you out of pocket. Whenever you make a bigger purchase, squirrel the change away and build up a fund to pay for the little things So if your grocery shop comes to £100.75, put that 25p in a separate part of your wallet – or a separate account – and ask your partner to do the same. At the end of each week, put this money into a real or virtual jar, which becomes the 'family squirrelled away fund' for small spends. USE THE 5-4-3-2-1: A study in the US found men referred to their wives with terms like 'project manager' or said they were 'keeping track of more'. This mental load for women comes as a financial cost. Remembering to pick up a few bits for dinner on the way home, even if it is as little as £4 a day, adds up to £124 a month. Curtail those daily trips to the supermarket with the '5-4-3-2-1' grocery shopping method. This idea suggests choosing five vegetables, four fruits, three proteins, two sauces and one grain at the beginning of the week. You then mix and match these items to create meals, while keeping costs low by using what you have in your store cupboard to bulk it out. SET UP A TREASURE CHEST: The decline of the joint account is a problem for women because they make the majority of purchases by dipping into their own funds. Set up a shared 'treasure chest' – a physical box or virtual fund using an easy banking app such as Revolut – to accumulate money for joint buys. Each partner contributes a set amount weekly or monthly. The accumulated funds are then used for agreed-upon shared expenses. DIVIDE AND CONQUER: Women make more than 70 per cent of the household purchasing decisions, studies by research firm NIQ found, which means there are expenses your partner does not contribute to. This can be remedied simply by using the Notes app on your phone. Every time you spend on anything for the family, regardless of the cost, jot it down.
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Great news' for Rangers, new owners 'the right people to take club forward'
We asked for your thoughts of the takeover of Rangers by an American consortium and what the new owners' priorities should what some of you said:Mark: Hopefully this is the start of good things. Might take a few transfer windows to get everything in a strong position and hopefully see some stadium expansion as there's over 15,000 on the season ticket waiting New era. Lets hope they stick with a long-term manager with proper plans, values and understanding. We are a huge club which has been rudderless, appointing poor quality managers and worse player recruitment. I'm confident we will be back at the top soon. We were not a million miles away and we certainly have the measure of the others across the city. Sally: Great news for club and fans and investment welcome. Manager situation needs immediate attention and I would favour Davide Ancelotti. He has the potential to attract young footballing This has to be considered a positive step for the club, probably something that's been needed for a long time. Bringing in people with a proven track record promotes confidence, and that's something Rangers have badly missed. I think the fans should back this 100%.Luke: I'm absolutely delighted that it's taken place. I do feel that they're the right people to take the club forward, there's so much unrealised potential. I would like to see a calm and measured approach to upgrading the club and the playing staff. The other teams should rightly be worried, 49ers Enterprises have proved through their Leeds involvement that they don't muck around, so it's gonna be a lot of fun!Les: Great news. Rangers have been pretty stagnant since they got back to the Premiership via the lower leagues, playing second fiddle to Celtic. Hopefully new investment and a new manager will take them back to where they Hopefully we've now not only got the cash needed to completely rebuild the team to bring the title and trebles back to where they truly belong at Ibrox. But I'm also hoping we can get a really good player trading model in place so that we can start making a profit instead of all these huge annual losses. Big news and just thankful it's now over the line so we can bring a good manager and decent players in. Looking good for the future right now and I'm Very impressed with the opening message from Andrew Cavenagh. We have been through many false dawns before, but I believe this time those sentiments mean the club will move forward and end Celtic's domination.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Please don't let it be true' cry fans as Metallica tickets go on sale for major Dublin summer gigs
METALLICA fans have been crying out for more dates after general sale for their Dublin gigs were nabbed in minutes. The legendary heavy metal band are coming back with a bang next year as they bring their M72 World Tour to Aviva Stadium. 2 Metallica will play two nights in Dublin next summer 2 Tickets for their one-of-a-kind gigs went on general sale this morning The 90's rockers are set perform two The musicians promised to keep their No Repeat Weekend tradition and each show will feature a unique setlist and support line-up - so hardcore fans are in for a treat! Pantera and Avatar will be supporting on Friday, June 19, while Gojira and Knocked Loose are the special guests on Sunday, June 21. Tickets for the gigs went on general sale this morning at 10am, and while some fans managed to nab tickets, others were sadly left with nothing. READ MORE IN METALLICA Fans were able to purchase a two-day ticket as well as single-night engagements. However, disappointed fans took to social media to express their rage when tickets sold out in minutes. While few lucky fans expressed their glee in securing a ticket to the hottest gig of 2026. One fan wrote on Twitter: "Most stressful week of my life trying to get Metallica tickets." Most read in Music Stephen said: "Scoring tickets for Metallica next year has perked me up today." Gabby added: "Easily winning the best daughter award because I just got my dad pit tickets for Metallica." Metallica's The Black Album: A Record-Breaking Journey While Nicky remarked: "Will there be more date added, need these for my mam." Taylor exclaimed: "I can't get Metallica tickets they sold out it 10 minutesss." And Cathal posted: "Metallica tickets already sold out, please don't let it be true." Since opening in April 2023 in Amsterdam, M72 has seen Metallica play to around four million fans. The 2026 world tour will The band will also be performing in Romania , Poland , Switzerland , Italy , Scotland , Wales and Their last show is in London on July 5, 2026. But, will you be attending the rockers big gig in Dublin next summer ?
Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
A deep longing for unity
Reflecting on our Sunday Readings with Fr Sixtus Pitah OFM May 30, 2025 7th Sunday of Easter (C) Readings: Acts of the Apostle 7:55-60; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; Gospel: John 17:20-26In today's readings, we hear a deep longing for unity — unity with God, unity with one another, and unity in truth and love. It's a unity that isn't abstract or just a nice spiritual idea. It's a unity born through real effort, real pain, and real faith — and it's what Jesus prays for before facing the Cross. St Stephen, in the First Reading, is being stoned to death. And yet, in the middle of that violence and hate, he gazes into heaven and sees Jesus. What does he do? He doesn't curse his killers. He doesn't beg for his life. Instead, he prays to be united with Jesus and even forgives those attacking him. That kind of faith, that kind of unity with Christ, is not soft or easy. It's costly. But it brings peace, not just to Stephen, but also — eventually — to a man named Saul, who stood there approving his death. Saul, who would become Paul, because of the witness of that unity. In the Gospel, Jesus prays for all of us — not just for His disciples at the Last Supper but for you and me today in our world, in our parishes, our BECs, our families. He says, "That they may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You." Jesus wants our unity to reflect the same deep relationship of love within the Trinity — a unity rooted in self-giving, in listening, in mercy. But we live in a time where unity can be hard to be attained. There's just a lot of noise. We are constantly bombarded with messages online and in real life that divide: Us versus them. Right versus wrong. My truth versus your truth. And in this year's 59th World Communications Day, Pope Francis speaks right into this: he invites us to rediscover 'the language of the heart' — a way of communicating that brings people together instead of pushing them apart. He quotes St Paul: 'Speaking the truth in love' (Eph 4:15). That's not just about being nice. It's about learning how to speak with truth and tenderness. And more importantly, how to listen — to listen deeply, patiently, humbly. Pope Francis reminds us that 'listening is the first act of communication.' In our homes, in our WhatsApp groups, on Facebook, at the Mamak's shop or Kopitiam — are we listening? Or just reacting? In Malaysia, where we live side by side with people of many races, cultures, and beliefs, unity is not an ideal. It's a necessity. And as Christians, we are called to be a sign of that unity — not by force or pretending we are all the same, but by loving sincerely, communicating respectfully, and living with open hearts. The Pope also warns us about artificial intelligence — not in fear, but with caution. He reminds us that while technology can help us communicate faster, it cannot replace the warmth of human connection. He says: 'Machines can imitate us, but they cannot feel with us.' That's such an important reminder — especially for young people glued to screens. Real unity requires real people. Real encounters. Real hearts. As we approach Pentecost next week, we remember how the Holy Spirit united people who spoke different languages. Not by making them the same, but by helping them understand one another. That's the kind of unity we are invited into. Not uniformity, but harmony. So today, let's take Jesus' prayer seriously. Let's be people who don't just consume messages but communicate life. Let's speak with our hearts, forgive like Stephen, listen like Jesus, and build unity wherever we are — in our families, our parish, our communities, and even online. And maybe, like the final words of Revelation say, our hearts too can cry out: 'Come, Lord Jesus!' — not because the world is perfect, but because we long for the unity He brings. 'Unity begins with one open heart willing to love beyond comfort.' May that heart be ours today. Friar Sixtus Peter, OFM is the Vice Chairman of the Episcopal Regional Commission for Social Communications (ERCSC) Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei (CBCMSB)
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I've visited 120 fish and chip shops across the UK - these are the 5 best'
Stephen Peel started his 'Chippy Tour' to celebrate the iconic meal which he says we are in danger of losing as chip shops are being forced to close due to high costs A chippy fan who spent more than a year visiting 120 fish and chip shops across the UK has revealed his top five. Stephen Peel, 62, has been eating at two fish and chip shops a week for the last 15 months in his quest to find the nation's best chippies. He started his 'Chippy Tour' to celebrate the iconic meal which he says the country is in danger of losing as many are being forced to close due to high costs. On his tour Stephen has been rating chippies out of five with the whole experience including customer service, cleanliness, presentation, alongside the grub. Green Lane Chippy in Leigh, Lancs, is his favourite so far followed by The Old Forge Cafe in Bugle, Cornwall. Stephen, from Penketh, Warrington, said: 'I've tried quite a lot of chippies so far on this journey but it has never gotten old - I still look forward to eating them every single time. I just love a good old traditional fish and chips - there is nothing that beats it for me.' He added: 'There's a lot that goes into getting a five star review - I also put a lot of pride into giving them. All aspects of the experience affect the score - for instance how friendly the staff are as for me manners are important. 'How the shop is presented is also something I look out for too as I want to feel comfortable and welcome when I'm inside. Also those who sell other meals, like kebabs and pizzas. If the love for fish and chips doesn't come first then it may affect the score. 'I'm sharing the joy and the history of these iconic places - I want to do it right.' Stephen says to score a five it has to be so good that people won't be disappointed if they travel to visit it. He said the chippy prices vary up and down the country: 'On average nationwide it costs around £10 for a meal - up north it is a little bit cheaper as you normally pay £8 in my experience. But further down south you are looking to pay double the northern price.' Stephen started the journey in February last year after his wife's barbers shop was forced to close after being 'drowned out' by newer businesses. He said: 'It got me thinking, this surely can't be the only business being affected. Fish and chips has always been my favourite since I was a lad. 'Soon enough I found out that their numbers had decreased massively over the last 30 years from 30,000 to around 10,000. It has become increasingly difficult for them to stay open with the rising prices. 'So I started The Chippy Tour to celebrate the iconic dish and to try my best to keep the buzz of having a chippy alive.' He has visited the cheapest chippy in the UK, Mathews Chippy in Grimsby, Yorks, with his meal costing £3 - which he said was worth 'a lot more' than the asking price. Describing the perfect portion he said: 'There is a freshness to the fish with no discolouration - for me it doesn't matter if it is cod or haddock. I have no preference on the colour of the batter but as long as it isn't soggy underneath you are all good. 'It has to look fresh and clean - when you break open the batter there should be a sweet earthy smell. For the chips you are looking for the light golden colour. 'They need to be a little plump while crispy on the outside but not too firm in the middle but also not too overly soft - you are looking for the sweet spot. 'Finally I prefer it to cooked in beef dripping and not seeded oil - the flavours are much better this way.' Stephen's top five UK chippies: 1st: Green Lane Chippy - Leigh, Lancashire 2nd: The Old Forge Cafe - Bugle, Cornwall 3rd: Charlie's of Mobberley - Mobberley, Cheshire 4th: George A. Green Fisheries - Wakefield, Yorkshire 5th: Hennighan's, Machynlleth, Wales
