Latest news with #theMarket
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
It's Farmers' Market season
It's become a warm-weather tradition for many. One morning or evening of the week, the entire family can walk, ride their bikes or take the car to visit their local Farmers' Market for everything from fresh farm-raised meat and produce to entertainment. Some markets offer themed days, some bring in artisan booths, some have new programs and opportunities each year, but all of them provide fresh food to residents and support to local farmers. The Lebanon City Market will return with a few themed days throughout the summer. On June 24, it's National Picnic Week Celebration. July 22 is Spirit of the Community Day, August has yet to be announced and Sept. 9 is Junior Market Day. 'We're also launching a new Friends of the Market program,' said Sarah Howell, event coordinator for the Heart of Lebanon. 'For $25, members receive exclusive discounts and giveaways from participating vendors and a yard sign. If they attend at least 12 markets, they'll earn a limited-edition Lebanon City Market shirt.' To register as a Friend of the Market, sign up in person at the market or online at Sponsorships and volunteers are always welcome and those interested can get more information by contacting the Heart of Lebanon team at 'We really want people to experience the market as so much more than just shopping,' Howell said. 'It's a place where you can connect with your neighbors, support local makers and growers, and enjoy a true sense of community. It's a lot of fun too and simply cannot be replaced by going to the grocery store.' The Zionsville Farmers' Market will have a weekly activity zone this year, designed for families to learn something new or enjoy a new experience, hosted by a local organization. 'For example, the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library (HMMPL) will bring their bookmobile and we have some local art studios bringing crafts,' Market Coordinator Kristin Nester explained. The Humane Society of Boone County will bring adoptable pets one week, the Zionsville Parks and Recreation will bring the Creekstomper, and more. In addition, live music returns with local favorites including Notable Measures, John Jackson and Pat McBride. 'We hope people are able to take away a sense of community and connection to our local vendors,' Nester said. 'We love that people can come listen to live music, eat local food, chat with neighbors, see local nonprofits, and have some fun at the market.' The Town of Whitestown's summer Farmers' Market will also bring back live music each week and a variety of local produce and artisan products. Unique to Whitestown, the market there is held at Main Street Park, featuring a playground and splashpad and making Thursday evenings fun for the whole family. A detailed list of themed nights and special events will be released soon. A complete list of farmers' markets in the area include: Lebanon City Market Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Downtown Lebanon, Meridian Street, Lebanon Pittsboro Farmers' Market Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 27. Scamahorn Park, 103 E. Main St., Pittsboro Sheridan Farmers' Market Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 30 (no market on July 5) Biddle Memorial Park, 201 S. Main St., Sheridan. Whitestown Farmers' Market Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., June 12 through Aug. 28 (closed June 19 and July 3) Main Street Park, 4286 S. Main St., Whitestown. Zionsville Farmers' Market Saturdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. through Sept. 27 Downtown Zionsville between Pine and Hawthorne streets, Zionsville.
Metro
18-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
This £30 broadband rule proves whether you're paying over the odds
In the 21st century, lightning-fast WiFi is non-negotiable. Whether you're working from home and need quality broadband to avoid awkward Zoom cut-outs, or your Netflix marathons require pristine visuals, everyone has their reasons in this digitally switched-on world. But the main problem? People often pay too much money to ensure impeccable services. According to Which?, no one should be shelling out more than £30 per month for a good broadband connection – and if you are, 'your connection is probably costing more than it needs to.' Regardless of whether you're mid-contract or you're looking for a new provider, there are plenty of ways to stick to the consumer champion's £30 rule. Here's everything you need to know to get online for less. Last year, Martin Lewis provided monetary broadband guidelines on weekly Podcast. The Money Saving Expert founder echoed Which? advice, saying that even with the highest speeds available, £30 or more a month is too expensive – and it should be cheaper still for services with lower speeds. 'For a simple fibre cheap deal when you factor everything in, including phone line, I'd be looking for around £20 to £22 a month,' he explained, noting that most people are paying £40 to £45 a month for these services. For over 100MB, Martin stated he'd pay no more than a pound extra, making the final price £21 to £22 a month, while 500MB (which he labelled as the cheapest deals overall) should come in at under £30 a month. In terms of why people end up paying over the odds, it's often if they've had the same contract for years and it switches to 'rolling,' where the contract automatically starts again after the previous one ends. Matthew Sheeran, money saving expert at Money Wellness, tells Metro: 'A lot of people end up on expensive broadband deals because their contract has ended and they've been quietly rolled onto a pricier rate. 'Others might have signed up for bells and whistles they don't actually use, like super-fast speeds for a one-bed flat or bundled extras they didn't ask for. 'And with prices going up mid-contract, it's easy to lose track of what you're actually paying.' If you've ever read, watched or listened to any Martin Lewis content, you'll know he's always talking about comparison sites. When looking for cheaper deals, the likes of Compare the Market, Go Compare, and MoneySuperMarket all offer broadband package comparisons, showing you the best prices from multiple companies, along with factors like contract length, average speed, and set-up cost. Simply input your postcode or address, and the site will direct you to the best deals for your area. Alternatively, if you're happy with your speed and current provider but think the price is a little high, you can get in touch with them and try to negotiate a cheaper deal. This is often done when your contract is ending: if you've put in your research and found a better deal elsewhere, your current provider may offer to price match – or even lower the monthly costs – as an incentive to keep you as a customer. However, Matthew also reveals that if you're on a low income or certain benefits, you could pay even less thanks to social tariffs. 'Social tariffs are discounted broadband deals for people on benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit or ESA. They're not advertised widely, so it's easy to miss them. But they can save you a lot,' he explains. More Trending If this is you, check your current provider to see if they offer social tariffs. If they don't, shop around and switch to a provider that does. Sometimes, instant eligibility checks are offered during the application process to save you any faff later down the line. Typically, it only requires your National Insurance number. In some cases though, you might need to complete a credit check. To help you out even more, Matthew shared some deals under £30 available as of May 2025: View More » • Vodafone Essentials Broadband – £20 a month for people on benefits. • Sky Basics – also £20 a month if you're claiming Universal Credit. • TalkTalk Fibre 35 – from £23 a month, with no setup fee. • NOW Broadband – £23 a month, on a 12-month contract. • Community Fibre (if you're in London) – from just £21 a month, with no mid-contract price hikes. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The £1 pension trick that could save you losing thousands MORE: Thousands of households could get up to £500 in cost of living support – check if you qualify MORE: The 'unusual' way you can build your credit score as a renter — and make your money work harder
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Three tax tricks to save thousands of dollars on a car this year: 'Good time'
It's that time again. June 30 is just around the corner and with it — tax time. Despite cost-of-living pressures, it's clear that Australians' thirst to buy a new vehicle hasn't lost much traction. In fact, according to data from Compare the Market, more than one-in-10 (11.8 per cent) want to buy one this year and the majority (55.6 per cent) are pondering on buying a new car in the next few years. With tax time approaching and big offers from car brands, it's a good time to consider buying a new car. Here are a few money-saving tips for getting into new wheels. Consider the tax incentives on offer for eligible Australians, too. Employees who can access novated leasing and choose an eligible electric vehicle model can benefit from the government's fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption while lowering your payable tax, which could mean hundreds in your back pocket compared to salary packaging a conventional combustion engine car. RELATED Retirement warning as controversial $3 million superannuation tax change looms: 'Be proactive' Coles shopper 'stunned' after getting $50 item free due to little-known rule: 'Insane' Centrelink issues urgent Age Pension eligibility change warning: 'Double check' Some states offer discounted registration and stamp duty for eligible EVs as well. If you're a small business or use a vehicle for business purposes, you could be eligible for the Australian Government's instant asset write-off. The vehicle value must be $20,000 or less (in total or based on the estimated proportion that it is used for business purposes) in order to be eligible. This scheme will be extended past June 30, but this is the chance to write it off sooner rather than next year. Don't forget that the car you buy should suit your budget, needs and preferences, so don't always be swayed by a tempting offer on a seven-seat large SUV when you rarely use four. Additionally, dealers may encourage would-be buyers to pay more for extra add-ons such as paint protection and window tinting – but make sure to quote around and not be stung. Nearly half of Australians surveyed by Compare the Market said they are primarily considering a petrol-engine vehicle. Yet, there are significant fuel cost savings to be had by choosing a hybrid car, and even more by owning a full electric vehicle and charging at home – long-term money-saving wins amid cost-of-living pressures. Whichever model you choose, it's a good time to consider buying a new car if you can afford it – but just remember to shop around. New car sales have slowed down this year – and manufacturers are offering big incentives to lure consumers in, from price discounts to free servicing and even gift cards. But be sure to check the fine print. Consider whether that car loan deposit contribution is worth it when the interest rate could be higher than other lenders by financing with the dealer. It's also worth factoring those pesky running costs as well, including insurance. The team at Compare the Market regularly find big price differences between the cheapest and most expensive insurer – an eye-watering $3,100 in the case of the Tesla Model 3 for similar cover!* Just shop around to avoid being stung. Compare the Market commissioned PureProfile to survey a nationally representative sample of 1,009 Australians in April 2025. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to check for the inclusions, exclusions and restrictions before purchasing. Comprehensive car insurance premiums were quoted using Compare the Market's car insurance comparison tool and other well-known insurance brands, based on a next-day 15 March 2025 commencement date.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The ATM rule you need to follow when abroad and best credit and debt cards for summer holidays
Read on to find out which credit and debit card you should pack for your next getaway DON'T GET BURNT The ATM rule you need to follow when abroad and best credit and debt cards for summer holidays CREDIT and debit cards can charge you a fee of up to 5 per cent to use your card abroad. And it can cost £5 extra to withdraw money from an ATM while on holiday. Advertisement 1 You could be hit with a surprise bill if you bring the wrong card while on holiday Credit: Getty Andrew Hagger, personal finance expert at said: 'Taking the right plastic with you on your travels can end up saving you a decent sum over the course of a week or two overseas, so it's worth checking what your bank card charges you before you jet off.' Adele Cooke explains how to get your summer wallet ready - and the ATM rule you need to follow. Debit card It can be easy to use your debit card while on holiday but doing so could land you with a surprise bill. For example, Lloyds Bank charges customers who use their debit card abroad a 2.99 per cent foreign transaction fee. Advertisement This would cost you £2.99 for every £100 you spend. But some cards do not charge fees when you use them abroad, so you can spend as you do at home. Several big banks offer cards without overseas fees, so it's worth shopping around to get the best deal. First Direct does not charge fees to pay with its debit card while abroad and there is no penalty to withdraw cash from an ATM. Advertisement Santander customers with an Edge current account do not pay any fees when using the card to make purchases or withdraw cash while overseas. But the account has a £3 fee and you must pay at least £500 into your account each month. Avoid these common holiday booking mistakes for a stress-free vacation Meanwhile, Starling does not charge a fee to use its card or withdraw cash while on holiday. Keep an eye out for cards that offer Visa, Interbank or Mastercard exchange rates as these will give you the best conversion. Advertisement Other cards charge a mark up on top of the exchange rate to cover some of their costs. You can compare credit cards using websites including or Compare the Market. How to avoid roaming charges Simrat Sharma, a mobiles expert at Uswitch, said switching to an eSIM - short for embedded SIM - can be cheaper than using international roaming. 'eSIMs make it easier to change networks," she said. "So for example, if you're abroad you can quickly connect to the local network to pay local rates - without having to add or swap a physical local SIM card for your device. "This means travel eSIMs are almost always cheaper than using international roaming, as users are effectively tapping into the same network plans as locals. If you're regularly switching numbers or travelling to different locations, you'll be able to keep them all safely in digital format rather than carrying around a number of small cards. 'The software can easily be accessed via your device's app store and uploaded to your phone in a few quick steps." Credit card Many credit cards also charge foreign transaction fees of around 3%, which would add £1.50 to the cost of a £50 meal out. But there are several credit cards that let you withdraw money from ATMs or spend in shops and restaurants fee-free. Advertisement The Barclaycard Rewards Card does not charge you transaction fees when you are abroad. It uses Visa's exchange rate, so you will get the best value on conversions. Meanwhile, the NatWest Credit Card does not charge a transaction fee so you can spend abroad without paying a penalty. A credit card can also give you extra protection if something goes wrong while you are away. Advertisement Rachel Springall, finance expert at said: 'A credit card will also protect spenders under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act on purchases between £100 and £30,000 if a service or goods are not provided or damaged.' Pre-paid card A pre-paid card can be a good option if you want to keep an eye on your holiday budget. The cards are not linked to your bank account so you need to top them up before your trip. This means that you cannot become overdrawn and can lock in an exchange rate before you travel. Advertisement But some places may not accept the cards, warns Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor. She said: 'A fee-free credit card is useful if you're planning to hire a car, as many operators don't accept prepaid travel cards.' Some prepaid cards may also have hidden fees. The Post Office Travel Money Card lets you load up to 22 currencies onto the card and spend cash abroad fee-free. Advertisement But you will be charged 2 euros to withdraw cash at an ATM. You can load 15 currencies onto the Asda Travel Money Card and spend and withdraw cash without fees. Watch out for the inactivity fee, which is £2 a month. Avoid one button You could lose cash by making the wrong choice at foreign ATMs or tills. Advertisement Cash machines abroad usually give you the option to pay in pounds or the local currency. But paying in pounds could cost you more. This is because the overseas bank will do the conversion to pounds and the rates are usually unfavourable. You will usually get a better rate by paying in the local currency. Advertisement Cash is king You should carry some cash with you when travelling abroad. Andy Coley, 49, from London wished he had exchanged cash before his business trip to Istanbul, Turkey, in March. The leadership development trainer was hit with high fees to withdraw cash from an ATM. Andy packed his Post Office Travel Card, which he often uses when abroad. Advertisement But he found most shops and restaurants in Istanbul would not accept the card. Andy was forced to withdraw £500 in cash from an ATM, which cost him £37 in fees. He said: 'I would definitely travel with cash in the future and do a bit more local research.' You can compare the rates on offer at different currency exchanges using Money Saving Expert's online tool. Advertisement The cheapest place to buy currency may depend on which type you want, so check the rates before you head to a bureau du change. Do not exchange cash at the airport as you may get a bad exchange rate. Never withdraw currency using a credit card as you may be charged a high interest rate or fees. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Advertisement Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
