Martin's Deals of the Week
Game of Thrones, profit maker, free two-week residential activity trip for 16-17-year-olds, half price car breakdown cover and a free meal for former and serving armed forces are Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis’ Deals of the Week.
Remember, deals can change quickly, even while I’m on the programme. So always double-check the terms and conditions before spending. Plus, while I hope these deals will save you cash, don’t spend if you can’t afford it, don’t need it, or won’t use it.
Web exclusive: Homebase 15% off
This weekend (Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 June) enter the code DISC15 online at Homebase (delivery starts from £3.95) or go in-store where you’ll get an automatic 15% off most items, including those already discounted. The 15% off isn’t valid on gift vouchers, installation, We’ll Do It For You services, breakdown and furniture cover and a few more items.
When it ran this promotion back in September, I had reports that prices rose on a number of items before the event began so the discount wasn’t as good as expected. But I’ve mentioned the Homebase sales on a few occasions since and I’ve not heard of this happening again. Even so, if you’re buying something specific why not double check the price before the sale starts.
Game of Thrones points bonanza
If you’re into the fantasy series Game of Thrones or are just a Tesco Clubcard points-chaser, take note. Tesco’s online web streaming siteBlinkbox (it works on laptop, PC, Xbox 360, PS3, iPad and more) is currently selling series four for £17 (or £24 for HD) to download and keep. You’ll also get 1,000 extra Tesco Clubcard points, plus the first 10,000 people doing it by 31 July get a voucher for a free 10” Tesco Finest pizzatoo (there are currently 9,000 left).
The real boon of this is the points though. They’re worth £10 in-store on shopping, which if you use them that way reduces the net price of Game of Thrones to £7 – far cheaper than elsewhere. Or more crucially, you can convert them into Tesco Clubcard Boost which can be worth up to 4x value. In other words, you spend £17 and redeem £40 worth of rewards, meaning you make a profit. To find out what to use Clubcard points for, see Martin’s Top 10 Tesco Clubcard Boost guide.
Summer activity trip away for teens - £50 or free for some
If you’re looking for a way to keep older kids entertained in England or Northern Ireland, the National Citizen Service is great for all kids aged 16-17, whether in or out of school (though if they’re 15 now, as long as they’re 16 by 31 August 2014, they’ll qualify). You send them off on a two week residential summer activity trip where they’ll learn skills such as hiking and canoeing, then the third week is spent helping the community back at home. At the end of it, they’ll get a certificate signed by the Prime Minister.
There are still hundreds of places left for the scheme which kicks off from Monday 30 June (though the latest start date is 18 August, exact dates vary per region). There are still places available in Oxfordshire, Nottingham, Derby, Kent, Yorkshire, Humberside, Cornwall and Essex. These areas are fully booked – London, Surrey, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
The cost is capped at £50 and includes all food, transport, accommodation and activities. But if you’re on certain benefits or on a low income, you may be able to get it for less, or for free, with a bursary. Some local councils may also offer bursaries, so you should check with it too.
I’ve mentioned this in past years and have had great feedback from parents who’ve sent their children.
Half price AA/RAC renewal
If you’ve breakdown cover with the AA or the RAC and your car’s no more than 10-years old, get a quote online at Green Flag where it’s promising that if its like-for-like policy isn’t 50% cheaper than your renewal quote, call0845 246 1100 where it will drop the price to that. In other words it guarantees 50% off of your renewal quote.
However if you want to stick with the AA or the RAC, then haggle at your renewal. At the end of last year, I polled those who tried this and last time, 90% of those who tried with the AA succeeded, while 78% with the RACdid the same. This is especially important as both firms can charge far more at renewal than they do for new customers.
Free Crown Carveries meal for armed forces
This Saturday (28 June) is Armed Forces Day and in celebration of this, Crown Carveries is offering serving and former members a free meal. You need to register at Crown Carveries to get a voucher (which you’ll then either print or show on your smartphone) and take it along with your ID or a veterans’ lapel badge.
Choose from an all-you-can-eat breakfast, carvery or pub classic (all usually around £4ish). Crown Carveries has been running this for a few years.
Like Game of Thrones? Check out our behind the scenes set visit