Keeping up with money matters can feel like a full‑time job, especially when the headlines shift every week. From pension rules that affect retirees to a massive crypto heist that shocked investors, this page pulls together the most relevant finance stories you’ll encounter in everyday life.
If you’re turning 66 soon, the State Pension overlap rules are worth a quick read. Once you hit that age, most other benefits – like Carer’s Allowance or Universal Credit – stop, although the underlying entitlements may still boost your Pension Credit. Planning ahead can save you from an unexpected drop in income.
Six major DWP benefits are also undergoing a shake‑up. Tighter criteria for Personal Independence Payment, cuts to health support in Universal Credit, and shifts in pension payment dates are on the table. While childcare support looks set to expand, many vulnerable claimants could lose hundreds of pounds a year if they don’t adapt.
For savers, HMRC has issued a fresh warning. If your total savings exceed £3,500, you could be breaching the Personal Savings Allowance – £1,000 tax‑free for basic‑rate taxpayers and £500 for higher‑rate. Tracking every account and considering ISA options can keep you from a surprise tax bill.
Speaking of savings, did you know more than £103 million in Premium Bonds prizes are still unclaimed? Out‑of‑date contact details are the main culprit, especially for older bondholders who never went digital. A quick check with NS&I could turn a forgotten win into a tidy lump sum.
June 2025 saw UK government borrowing jump to £20.7 billion – the second‑largest June figure since 1993. The surge is driven by higher debt interest and a widening deficit, putting extra pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ goal to slash national debt by 2030. Understanding this trend helps you gauge how fiscal policy might affect taxes and public services.
On the other side of the financial spectrum, the crypto world faced its biggest theft ever. Bybit, a major exchange, reported a hack that stole roughly $1.4 billion, allegedly by North Korean actors. While Bybit restored its reserves, the incident highlights the ongoing security risks for investors dabbling in digital assets.
Both stories underline a simple truth: large‑scale financial moves – whether a government’s borrowing plan or a crypto hack – can ripple down to everyday decisions. Watching the headlines lets you anticipate changes before they hit your bank account.
In short, staying informed is the cheapest way to protect your money. Check your pension status if you’re nearing retirement age, review any benefit changes that might apply, keep your savings under the tax allowance, and stay cautious with crypto investments. A few minutes of reading each week can keep you ahead of costly surprises.
Turning 66 changes how UK benefits work: most can't be combined with State Pension. Carers may lose Carer's Allowance payments, while working-age benefits like Universal Credit also stop. However, underlying entitlements can boost Pension Credit, and smart planning is needed for anyone thinking of deferring their State Pension.
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Britain’s government borrowing soared to £20.7 billion in June 2025, marking the second-highest June since 1993. This jump, driven largely by rising debt interest and a growing deficit, has intensified scrutiny of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ promise to tackle national debt by 2030.
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An eye-watering £103 million in Premium Bonds prizes is unclaimed, with millions missing out due to outdated or missing contact details, especially from older, pre-digital bonds. Many have no idea they've won, including 11 who haven't claimed £100,000 jackpots. NS&I urges everyone to check and update their details.
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Six of the UK's main DWP benefits are set for big changes, including stricter Personal Independence Payment (PIP) criteria, cuts in Universal Credit health support, and shifts in state pension payment dates. While childcare support is set to expand, many vulnerable people risk losing hundreds or even thousands of pounds annually under the new government overhaul.
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HMRC warns UK savers with more than £3,500 in savings about potential tax liabilities on interest exceeding Personal Savings Allowances. Basic-rate taxpayers get £1,000 tax-free interest, while higher-rate payers have £500. Exceeding limits triggers taxation. Savers should track accounts, consider tax-free options, and report accurately to avoid unexpected tax bills.
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A massive heist has hit the cryptocurrency world as Bybit, a major exchange, reports a record-breaking $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion theft, allegedly orchestrated by North Korean hackers known as the Lazarus Group. This theft has surpassed all previous crypto heists. Bybit quickly restored its reserves, ensuring the safety of customer assets despite significant vulnerabilities exposed.
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